Sister cities of Pernambuco

Pernambuco (Portuguese pronunciation: [pɛʁnɐ̃ˈbuku]) is a state of Brazil, located in the Northeast region of the country. To the north are the states of Paraíba and Ceará, to the west is Piauí, to the south are Alagoas and Bahia, and to the east is the Atlantic Ocean. There are about 187 kilometers (116 mi) of beaches, including some of the most beautiful in the region, such as Porto de Galinhas, Carneiros and Calhetas. In 1982 the city of Olinda, the second oldest city in Brazil, was declared a Historical and Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. Recife, the state capital and Olinda have one of the most traditional Brazilian Carnivals. Both have Portuguese architecture, with centuries-old casarões and churches, kilometers of beaches and much culture. The state of Pernambuco also includes the archipelago Fernando de Noronha. The proximity of the Equator guarantees sunshine throughout the year, with average temperatures of 26 °C (79 °F).