Joao Pessoa, formerly Paraiba, sometimes called the city where the sunrises first. Local residents call its easternmost point Ponta do Seixas. It is also considered "the second greenest city in the world". The city has more than 7 square kilometers of forested land, losing only to Paris. It gained this distinction in 1992, after a survey of urban centers in various countries carried out by the United Nations (source: Embassy of Brazil in the UK). The city is characterized by the juxtaposition of tropical beaches, modern architecture and historic buildings from colonial periods.

Joao Pessoa is the capital of Paraiba, a state in the northeast region of Brazil. It took its current name in 1930 as homage to state president (governor) Joao Pessoa Cavalcanti de Albuquerque, who was assassinated on 26 July of that year. It is home to some of the most noted Brazilian poets and writers such as Augusto dos Anjos (1884-1908), Jose Americo de Almeida (1887-1980), Jose Lins do Rego (1901-1957) and Pedro Americo (1843-1905) (mostly known for his historical paintings) . It is the state's largest and most important city, with a population of about 672.000 (about one sixth of the state's population - 2006 estimate). Its metropolitan area comprises eight other satellite cities (Bayeux, Cabedelo, Conde, Lucena, and Santa Rita) and about 384.000 people, reaching more than 1 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area.

It is the capital with the shortest distance from another capital (Recife, PE) which is around 120km away, as well as Natal, RN, 180km North of Joao Pessoa. Due to the high growing rate of these three capital cities, it is believed that for the next few decades an informal megalopolis will be set up, especially between Recife and Joao Pessoa.

The capital of Paraiba is one of the oldest in the northeast of the Country. Joao Pessoa, throughout its 400 years, knew how to keep its historic treasures. At Barroco Park – one of the biggest in Brazil – the slopes and the old colonial mansions tell a bit about the journey of this delightful city, which marvels visitors with some of the most beautiful beaches of the Brazilian coastline. Contrasting with the secular architectural wealth, emerge the modern and sophisticated buildings, giving Joao Pessoa that business city feel. Big theatres, auditoriums and convention centers are part of the available infrastructure in the city; ready to host the most varied types of events and business meetings.

Joao Pessoa has a typical tropical climate, with warm to hot temperatures and high relative humidity all throughout the year. However, these conditions are relieved by a near absence of extreme temperatures and pleasant trade winds blowing from the ocean. January is the warmest month, with mean maxima of 86°F and minima of 77°F and sun; July experiences the coolest temperatures, with mean maxima of 80.6°F and minima of 71.6°F and rain.

Joao Pessoa has a Tropical forest. Rainforests are characterized by high rainfall, with definitions setting minimum normal annual rainfall between 2,000 mm (about 78 inches or 2 meters) and 1700 mm (about 67 inches). The soil can be poor because high rainfall tends to leach out soluble nutrients. There are several common characteristics of tropical rainforest trees. Tropical rainforest species frequently possess one or more attributes not commonly seen in trees of higher latitudes or trees in drier conditions on the same latitude.

Tourism is one of Joao Pessoa's chief economic activities, together with construction, food, metalworking, and other industries. Sugar cane agriculture and related industries are also important.

Barra de Mamanguape Beach: the waves are small, because of the reefs. It shelters the headquarters of a project for the protection of the marine manatee.

Campina Beach: There are small dunes and mounts of fine and white sand. Coconut trees embellish the entire beach margin. The waves are strong and attract a lot of surfers. Oiteiro Beach: Also packed with coconut trees and sand mounts, it attracts plenty of surfers to the strong waves waters.

Bessa Beach: Urban beach, with still waters and many coconut trees. The Paraiba Yacht Club is located there.

Manaira Beach: With many reefs, the waves are small and there are many kiosks to serve visitors.

Tambau Beach: It is an urban beach, with a promenade and many kiosks. There are regular craft fairs there.

Cabo Branco Beach: Another urbanised beach in Joao Pessoa, Cabo Branco has a good promenade for sunset walks.

Ponta do Seixas Beach: The easternmost point in South America is there. Barra do Gramame Beach: Good for bathing, Gramame has still waters and is surrounded by fishermen’s houses.

Barroco Park: It is formed by the colonial mansions scattered around the upper and lower regions of the city. The secular architectural complex represents one of the biggest historic treasures in Brazil. To walk on the stone streets contemplating the colorful mansions takes anyone on a trip into the past of Joao Pessoa.