Why is Bahia’s arid interior sparsely populated?

The arid interior of Bahia is sparsely populated primarily due to its challenging climatic conditions. This region, which occupies the northwestern half of the state, experiences an irregular rainy season where annual rainfall never exceeds 24 inches (610 mm).1

This dry environment is characterized by the Caatinga, a landscape of stunted, thorny vegetation and cacti that reflects the scarcity of water. Historically, these variable climatic conditions and the threat of recurring droughts have made the region difficult for sustained settlement and agriculture, driving many rural inhabitants to migrate toward more fertile areas or urban centers. While irrigation has helped mitigate some agricultural challenges in recent times, the interior remains less densely populated compared to the fertile eastern coastal regions.123