port city and capital, Sergipe estado (state), northeastern Brazil, lying on the Continguiba River at the base of a ridge of sand hills 6 miles (10 km) from the coast. The city, which was founded in 1855 as a new state capital, is laid out in an unusual grid pattern. It is a regional commercial and industrial centre, processing oranges, leather, bananas, cassava, feijão (beans), mangoes, cashews, salt, cotton, and sugar. It is also home to a burgeoning service industry sector. In addition, chemicals are produced in Aracaju, and limestone is quarried in the vicinity. Anchorage at the port is good, but a dangerous bar at the river's mouth prevents the entrance of vessels drawing more than 12 feet (4 metres). Offshore petroleum drilling was begun in the late 1970s. Aracaju is linked by air, coastal shipping, and paved roads to Salvador, Maceió, and Recife. The Federal University of Sergipe was founded there in 1967. Aracaju is a Roman Catholic episcopal see with a cathedral. Pop. (2005 est.) 498,600.