Pau dos Ferros

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Pau dos Ferros is a Brazilian city in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, in the Northeast region. It covers about 260 square kilometers and sits roughly 389 kilometers from Natal, the state capital. The name comes from a large shade tree where cowboys rested and marked brands with iron.

Population and geography
In 2022, about 30,500 people lived in Pau dos Ferros, making it the 18th most populous municipality in Rio Grande do Norte. Most people live in the urban area (about 92%). The city is in the Sertaneja Depression, a low, dry region between the Apodi Plateau and the Borborema Plateau. The area has red-yellow soils, with good drainage and mixed vegetation called caatinga, typical of a hot, dry climate.

The climate is hot semi-arid (BSh). Rain falls mainly in the first half of the year, with some years being very dry. The city has several water resources, including the Dr. Pedro Diógenes Fernandes Public Reservoir (Açude Pau dos Ferros), built to supply water to the population.

History in brief
Long ago, the area was inhabited by indigenous people. The Apodi River and nearby trees created stopping points for travelers and traders who branded cattle on the trees. In 1717, the settlement began to grow around these activities, and the parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was created in 1756.

Pau dos Ferros became a village in 1856, separating from Portalegre. It grew because of its location between mountains and its role as a hub for surrounding towns. The town was promoted to city status in 1924. The centennial of its political emancipation was celebrated in 1956, highlighted by the Obelisk in Monsenhor Caminha Square. The Pau dos Ferros Dam (Açude Pau dos Ferros) was completed in 1967 to help with water supply.

In the 20th century, Pau dos Ferros developed quickly: electricity arrived in the 1930s, roads and schools were built, and higher education institutions opened in the 2000s. The city hosts important local events and fairs, such as the FINECAP, a major festival for culture, education, tourism and business.

Population, income and life
Between 2010 and 2022, the population grew by about 9.9%. The city is largely urban, with a mix of White and mixed-race residents, and a smaller percentage of Black residents. Religion is mainly Catholic, with Evangelical groups also present.

Economy and infrastructure
In 2016, Pau dos Ferros had a Gross Domestic Product of around R$431 million, with most activity in the services sector. The town also relies on agriculture and livestock. Common crops include corn and beans, along with coconuts, bananas, mangoes and cashews. The area produces milk, honey and other farm products.

The town has essential services: CAERN manages water supply, and COSERN provides electricity. Most households had piped water and electricity in 2010, and a large share had waste collection. The city has a bus terminal and is crossed by major highways BR-226 and BR-405, plus RN-177 and other roads. Pau dos Ferros also has a small local airport.

Education, health and people
Pau dos Ferros has several educational institutions, including three public universities: the University of the State of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), and UFERSA (Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid Region). There are private colleges and schools as well. The area’s literacy rate and education indicators are mid-range for the region, with ongoing efforts to improve schooling and access to higher education.

Healthcare in the city includes twelve primary care units, one psychosocial care center, and two hospitals: Dr. Nelson Maia Hospital and Dr. Cleodon Carlos de Andrade Regional Hospital, which operates 24 hours a day as part of the SUS (Brazil’s Unified Health System). A regional health unit serves many municipalities in the state.

Culture and leisure
The Municipal Secretariat of Culture and Tourism organizes local culture and tourism. Pau dos Ferros is known as a center for language and literature studies and hosts cultural fairs, handicrafts, and traditional foods. The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception parish, the central Obelisk, and the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Events Square are important cultural sites. Handicrafts and regional cuisine are popular, with fairs and festivals such as FARPA and FINECAP supporting the local economy and community life. Sports are also active, with local football and cycling events and volleyball teams.

In short, Pau dos Ferros is a historic, mid-sized city in northeastern Brazil, a regional hub with a mix of farming, services, education and culture. It blends a long history with modern growth, and it remains a key center for the Alto Oeste Potiguar region.