PARAHIBA, or PARAHIBYA DO NORTE, a maritime province of Brazil, bounded on the N. by the province of Rio Grande do Norte, W. by that of Ceara, S. by that of Pernambuco, and E. by the Atlantic. It extends along the coast for 60 miles, stretches inland 216, and has an area of 24,117 square miles. The surface is for the most part mountainous, being occupied by the Cordillera-Borboréma, stretching from E. to W. along the southern frontier, and by its numerous branches, which inclose extensive valleys between them. Several rivers flow through these valleys, and fall into the Atlantic; the principal being the Parahiba (from which the province derives its name), the Mamanaguape, the Guaja, and the Goyanna. About two-thirds of the surface consists of a dry sandy soil, which is not cultivated; but near the rivers there are many tracts of good ground, where rice and sugar-canes are raised; and on the slopes and ridges of the hills, mandioc,
cotton, tobacco, &c., thrive well. The summits of the loftier mountains are covered with forests, which yield excellent timber and valuable gums and resins. On the low, flat country near the coast, many lofty palms grow. Cotton, sugar, rum, timber, and other articles, are exported from the province. The educational establishments consist of a college and numerous elementary schools. Parahiba sends two senators and five deputies to the legislature of Brazil. Pop. (1856) 209,300.