city and river port, west central Piauí estado (state), northeastern Brazil, on the Rio Parnaíba, at 280 feet (85 metres) above sea level. Floriano was elevated to city status in 1897. It is a trade centre with livestock raising and the extraction of carnauba wax as the principal economic activities. Chemicals and textiles are also produced there, and rice and corn (maize) are grown in its hinterland. Floriano is bridged to Barão de Grajaú, just across the river in Maranhão state, and is linked by road to other urban centres. It serves as a river port 115 miles (185 km) south of Teresina, the state capital, and has an airport. Pop. (2005 est.) 48,300.