Imperatriz

Imperatriz on the map of Maranhão

Imperatriz is a city in the Brazilian state of Maranhão.

It was founded in 1852 under the name Colônia Militar de Santa Tereza do Tocantins. In 1856 it was renamed in honor of the Empress ( Imperatriz ) Theresa Christina. 1924, the city rights were granted.

Due to the lack of infrastructure and connectivity, the development was very slow. Only with the completion of the highway BR 010 Belém - Brasília in 1962 was a stormy growth. Imperatriz developed to Sao Luis the second most important city of the state. Today the city is the regional center of the triangle Tocantins, Pará and Maranhão. It is the seat of the Catholic diocese Imperatriz.

2010, the population was 245 509. The town lives primarily of trade and services, industry is virtually non-existent.