city, in the highlands of east-central São Paulo estado (state), Brazil. It lies at 2,200 feet (670 m) above sea level, near the Itapetininga River. Formerly called Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres de Itapetininga, it was given town status in 1770 and was made the seat of a municipality in 1771. Agriculture and industry both contribute to Itapetininga's economy. The principal crops in the region are corn (maize), potatoes, feijão (beans), and cotton, and cotton textiles, furniture, and ceramics are manufactured in the city. Goods travel by road or rail to the state capital, São Paulo, 90 miles (145 km) east, to nearby Sorocaba, 48 miles (77 km) east, and to other urban centres in São Paulo and Paraná states. Itapetininga also has an airfield. Pop. (2005 est.) 125,400.