city, northeastern Bahia state, northeastern Brazil. It lies between the Jacuípe and Pojuca rivers, at 820 feet (250 metres) above sea level. Formerly spelled Feira de Sant' Anna, it was given city status in 1873 and was known for its cattle fairs (hence its name, meaning “St. Ann's fair”). It is one of Bahia's major commercial centres serving a sertão (interior) livestock-raising region. The animals are prepared for export as charqui (jerked beef), belts, and skins. Tobacco, cassava, feijão (beans), and corn (maize) are grown in the agricultural hinterland, and ceramic tiles, furniture, bicycles, and castor oil are produced in the city. Highways fan out from Feira de Santana to Rio de Janeiro, Salvador (the state capital), and other urban centres. Pop. (2000 prelim.) 431,458.