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Which Cities in the Sertão of Pernambuco Grew Most in Population — The Data Is Surprising and Changes the Map of the Region
According to data from the 2022 Census, conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), several cities in the Sertão Pernambucano experienced population growth in the last twelve years, revealing significant transformations in terms of density and urban organization.
Since 2017, the IBGE replaced the Sertão Pernambucano with divisions called intermediate and immediate geographic regions. However, the term ““Sertão Pernambucano”” is still widely used in historical, cultural, and journalistic contexts to refer to this semi-arid region in the interior of the state.
The Importance of the Census
The Census is the country’s main demographic survey. It identifies how many people live in each locality, how they live, how many residences exist, and what the conditions of those homes are.
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The last edition was conducted in all 5,568 Brazilian municipalities, as well as in Fernando de Noronha and the Federal District, totaling 5,570 locations.
In the survey, 106.8 million addresses were visited and information was collected through over 79 million questionnaires. Most interviews were conducted in person.
Petrolina
The city of Petrolina (PE) stands out as the most populous in the Sertão Pernambucano. According to the 2022 Census, the city has 386,786 inhabitants, which represents a growth of 31.58% compared to 2010.
In the overall ranking, Petrolina occupies the 3rd position in Pernambuco, the 13th in the Northeast, and the 65th in Brazil. The population density is 84.79 inhabitants per km², with an average of three people per residence.
Serra Talhada
Serra Talhada also showed growth. With a population of 92,228 people, the city experienced an increase of 16.4% since the last survey.
Serra Talhada is the 16th most populous city in Pernambuco, the 71st in the Northeast, and the 352nd in the country.
Araripina
Araripina has 85,088 inhabitants, representing an increase of 8.49% compared to the 2010 Census. The city ranks 18th statewide, 75th in the Northeast, and 377th in Brazil. Its population density is 41.76 inhabitants per km², with an average of 3.09 residents per household.
Arcoverde
The city of Arcoverde, with 77,742 inhabitants, also stood out. There was an increase of 13.67% compared to 2010. In the ranking, it appears in 22nd position in Pernambuco, 94th in the Northeast, and 415th in Brazil.
The population density is noteworthy: 225.59 inhabitants per km², one of the highest among the analyzed cities, with an average of 2.77 residents per household.
Ouricuri
Ouricuri recorded a growth of only 3.19%, reaching 65,245 inhabitants. This places it in the 23rd position among Pernambuco municipalities, 120th in the Northeast, and 499th in Brazil.
The city has a density of 27.4 inhabitants per km² and an average of 3.03 people per household.
Salgueiro
Salgueiro, with 62,372 inhabitants, experienced growth of 10.14% since 2010. It ranks 26th in Pernambuco, 129th in the Northeast, and 522nd in the country. Its density is 37.16 inhabitants per km², and the average is 3.04 residents per household.
Santa Maria da Boa Vista
Santa Maria da Boa Vista has 40,578 residents, a growth of 2.9% compared to 2010. The city is the 40th most populous in Pernambuco, 227th in the Northeast, and 802nd in Brazil. Its population density is 13.52 inhabitants per km², and the average per household is one of the highest: 3.23 people.
Afogados da Ingazeira
The city of Afogados da Ingazeira reached 40,241 inhabitants, with an increase of 14.69% since the last survey.
In the state ranking, it is in 41st place, in the Northeast it is 229th, and in Brazil, it appears in 808th position. The population density is 106.54 inhabitants per km², with an average of 2.71 residents per household.
The data from the 2022 Census reveal a detailed overview of the main cities in the Sertão of Pernambuco.
Petrolina stands out with a large population advantage, while other cities like Serra Talhada, Araripina, and Arcoverde show significant progress.
Each municipality has a different growth rhythm, reflecting its economic, social, and territorial dynamics.
