Passagem Franca

Passagem Franca Município de Passagem Franca
Municipality
Municipality of Passagem Franca
Flag
Location in Maranhão state
Passagem Franca Location in Brazil
Coordinates: 6°10′48″S 43°47′02″W
Country	Brazil
Region	Northeast
State	Maranhão
Mesoregion	Centro Maranhense
Microregion	Médio Mearim
Founded	May 8, 1835
Government
• Mayor	Chicão da Parabólica (PP)
Area
• Total	1,358.327 km2 (524.453 sq mi)
Elevation	243 m (797 ft)
Population  (2024)
• Total	17,592
• Density	12.95/km2 (33.5/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC−3 (BRT)
HDI (2010)	0.532
Website	Official website

Passagem Franca is a municipality in the state of Maranhão, located in the Northeast Region of Brazil. As of 2024, it has an estimated population of 17,592 inhabitants.

Geography

Passagem Franca is located at an elevation of 243 meters, with coordinates 6°10′48″S 43°47′02″W. The municipality covers an area of 1,358.327 km² and is part of the Médio Mearim microregion and Centro Maranhense mesoregion.

The Parnaíba River flows through the municipality and is one of the most important rivers in the region. A smaller but culturally important watercourse is the Riacho Inhumas, known by different names among local residents.

History

The municipality was officially founded on May 8, 1835. Previously known as Vila Franca—a tribute to a local woman called Velha Franca—the name Passagem Franca ("Free Passage") became common due to the area's use as a frequent crossing point.

Before its emancipation, Passagem Franca belonged to the municipality of Pastos Bons and became independent through Provincial Law No. 67 on June 28, 1838.

Demographics and society

Most of the population lives in urban areas, although the municipality includes a substantial rural zone due to agriculture, especially rice cultivation. There are no officially recognized Indigenous or Quilombola communities.

Culture

Cultural and religious festivals are important in Passagem Franca. The *Festejo de São Sebastião* and the *Festejo Junino* (June Festival), featuring quadrilha dances and folk celebrations, are major events that attract visitors and boost the local economy.

The city has a municipal stadium called Velho da Luca, several sports courts in various neighborhoods, and the Calçadão, a pedestrian commercial area.

Government

The current mayor is Chicão da Parabólica (Progressistas), serving the 2025–2028 term. The municipal government includes an 11-member City Council.

Economy

The economy is primarily based on agriculture, including rice, soybean cultivation, and charcoal production. The municipal government is also one of the main employers.

The largest employment sectors are:

• Public administration
• Retail trade, particularly supermarkets
• Soybean farming

Economic activity increases during major cultural events such as the *Festejo de São Sebastião* and the June festivities honoring Saint Peter, Saint Anthony, and Saint John.

Passagem Franca has a local branch of Banco do Brasil.

Education

The municipality has 28 public schools and two private institutions: *Centro de Educação Agnus Dei* (affiliated with the First Baptist Church) and *Centro de Educação Portal do Saber*.

Two schools offer secondary education:

• *Centro de Ensino Estado do Paraná* (standard curriculum)
• *Centro Educa Mais Antônio Reinaldo Porto* (full-time program)

Infrastructure

Public sanitation services, including water and sewage, are managed by the local water authority (*SAAE*). The city is accessible via the state highway MA-034, which is paved up to the municipal limits, and connects to nearby Colinas through Serra Negra.

Intercity bus service is provided by the company Litorânea, offering regular routes to São Luís.

Mobile phone coverage includes Claro 4G. The municipality also operates a community radio station, Inhumas FM 87.9.

Health

In 2023, the infant mortality rate was 26.82 deaths per 1,000 live births.