Goianésia

Goianésia
Location in Goiás state
Goianésia
Location in Brazil
Coordinates: 15°19′26″S 49°7′8″W / 15.32389°S 49.11889°W / -15.32389; -49.11889
CountryBrazil
RegionCentral-West
StateGoiás
MicroregionCeres Microregion
Area
  Total
1,547.65 km2 (597.55 sq mi)
Elevation
640 m (2,100 ft)
Population
 (2020 )
  Total
71,075
  Density46/km2 (120/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−3 (BRT)
Postal code
76380-000
Websitewww.goianesia.go.gov.br

Goianésia (Portuguese pronunciation: [gojaˈnɛzjɐ]) is a municipality in central Goiás, Brazil. It belongs to the Immediate Geographic Region of Ceres-Rialma-Goianésia and, since 2024, has been part of the Integrated Development Region of the Federal District and Surrounding Areas (RIDE-DF).

Roughly 170 kilometers from the state capital, Goiânia, and about 230 kilometers from the federal capital, Brasília, Goianésia has a population of 73,707, according to the 2022 census by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). It is the most populous city among the 23 municipalities in the São Patrício Valley and is known locally as the “Princess of the Valley” due to its growth and regional influence.

Settlement in the area came relatively late, driven by families from Minas Gerais and other states. This movement gained momentum in the second half of the 20th century, fueled by the expansion of agriculture in Brazil’s Central-West. Today, Goianésia is a major center for sugar and ethanol production in the state, with three active mills and a strong agro-industrial presence.