Fortaleza

Fortaleza (Portuguese for fortress, pronounced [foh.ta.le.zɐ]) is the state capital of Ceará, located in northeastern Brazil. With a population of over 2.4 million, it is the fourth-most populous city in Brazil and the second most important city in the region in economic terms, after Salvador in Bahia. Fortaleza has an area of 336 sq km. To the north of the city lies the Atlantic Ocean; to the south are the cities of Pacatuba, Eusébio, Maracanaú and Itaitinga; to the east is the county of Aquiraz and the Atlantic Ocean; and to west is the city of Caucaia. Area code: 2.416.920