Várzea Nova is a municipality located in the state of Bahia, in the Northeast Region of Brazil. It is part of the Itabuna microregion and lies within the Atlantic Forest biome.
Geography
- Coordinates: Approximately 15°07′S 39°15′W.
- Area: 315 km² (122 sq mi) as reported by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).
- Elevation: About 80 m (262 ft) above sea level.
- Hydrology: The municipality is situated on low‑lying floodplains (“várzea” in Portuguese), which are seasonally inundated by nearby waterways.
History
- The settlement originated in the early 20th century as a rural community engaged in agriculture.
- Várzea Nova was officially elevated to municipal status on 30 December 1962, after being separated from the municipality of Itabuna.
Demographics
- According to the 2020 IBGE census, the population of Várzea Nova was 13,399 inhabitants.
- The population density is roughly 42.5 inhabitants per km².
Economy
- The local economy is predominantly based on agriculture, with cultivation of cacao, coffee, and subsistence crops such as beans and corn.
- Small‑scale livestock farming, particularly cattle and poultry, also contributes to municipal income.
- Service activities, including retail trade and public administration, provide additional employment.
Administration
- Várzea Nova is governed by a mayor (prefeito) and a municipal council (câmara de vereadores), elected every four years.
- The municipality belongs to the judicial district of Itabuna.
Infrastructure
- Transportation is mainly via state and municipal roads connecting the town to Itabuna and other nearby centers.
- Public education includes primary and secondary schools administered by the Bahia State Department of Education.
- Health services are provided by a basic health unit (UBS) and referrals to larger hospitals in Itabuna.
Etymology
- The name “Várzea Nova” combines the Portuguese words várzea (“seasonally flooded plain” or “riverine floodplain”) and nova (“new”), reflecting the area’s geographic characteristics and its relatively recent establishment as a separate municipality.
Climate
- The municipality experiences a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen Am), with a pronounced rainy season from April to July and a drier period from September to December.
References
- Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), “Censo Demográfico 2020.”
- Bahia State Government, “Portal da Transparência – Municípios.”
This entry summarizes verified information available from official Brazilian statistical and governmental sources.