Carnaúba dos Dantas

Carnaúba dos Dantas is a municipality in the state of Rio Grande do Norte in the Northeast region of Brazil.

History
In the arid and challenging landscape of the backlands of Rio Grande do Norte, stands majestically Carnaúba dos Dantas, a municipality that embodies the saga of colonization and the flourishing of a resilient cultural identity. This is the story of a land forged by the courage of pioneers and enriched by the diversity of its origins.

The first records date back to ancient times, when the Cariris, natives of the region, dominated the vast expanses of the Acauã Backlands. However, the true story begins to take shape with the arrival of the colonizers, among them Lieutenant Francisco Fernandes de Souza, around 1700.

It is with the prominent figure of Caetano Dantas Correia that Carnaúba dos Dantas truly begins to take shape. Described by historians like Luiz da Câmara Cascudo in his book "Nomes da Terra," Caetano Dantas Correia, originally from Pernambuco, founded the Carnaúba Farm around 1740. His entrepreneurial vision and commitment to progress were fundamental in establishing the foundations of this community.

The Carnaúba Farm not only became a center of economic activity but also a reference point for the growth and development of the region. Under the leadership of Antônio Dantas de Maria, a direct descendant of Caetano Dantas, the chapel of São José was built in the early 20th century, marking the emergence of the settlement around it.

The name "Carnaúba dos Dantas" pays homage to the rich cultural and historical heritage of this municipality. The imposing carnauba trees, abundant in the region, symbolize the intrinsic connection with nature, while the surname "Dantas" evokes the lineage of the founders and the values they represented.

Today, Carnaúba dos Dantas represents not only a geographic location but also a symbol of resilience and perseverance. It is a community that looks towards the future with optimism while preserving and celebrating traditions from the past. In Carnaúba dos Dantas, history is more than just a recounting of the past; it is a perpetual guide that inspires and shapes future generations.

Relief
Mainly formed by plateaus.

Climate
Semi-arid climate, with an annual rainfall precipitation of 550 mm.

Flora
Hyperxerophytic Caatinga of Seridó – vegetation characterized by dry conditions, with an abundance of cacti and low-lying, scattered plants. Among other species, noteworthy ones include jurema-preta, mufumbo, faveleira, marmeleiro, xique-xique, and facheiro. Carnaúba dos Dantas is located in an area susceptible to desertification classified as "Very Severe" according to the National Plan to Combat Desertification. It includes a conservation area, the Private Natural Heritage Reserve – RPRN Sernativo – created by Federal Ordinance No. 1922 of June 5, 1996. This reserve aims to manage land use and protect the Caatinga ecosystem, covering an area of 378.5 hectares with a legal reserve of 75.7 hectares.

Hydrography
The municipality of Carnaúba dos Dantas lies entirely within the watershed of the Piranhas-Açu river basin, being bathed by the sub-basin of the Carnaúba River. The main tributaries are the streams Malhada Vermelha, do Ermo, Boa Vista, and do Olho d'água. The largest reservoir in the municipality is the public reservoir Monte Alegre, with a capacity of 1,421,600 cubic meters of water, fed by the Olho d'água River.

Demography
Carnaúba dos Dantas has a territory of 246 km². In the year 2022, its population was 7,992 inhabitants, with a population density of 32.45 inhabitants per km². The majority of the population resides in urban areas (6,028 inhabitants) while a minority lives in rural areas (1,401 inhabitants). In terms of gender, the city is inhabited by 3,716 men and 3,713 women.

Ermo Village
The Village of Ermo, located in the rural area of the municipality of Carnaúba dos Dantas, is home to a population of approximately 350 inhabitants. Situated 10 kilometers away from the center of Carnaúba dos Dantas, the Village of Ermo is divided into Ermo, Upper Ermo, and Lower Ermo.

The community offers educational services through the Francisco Macedo Dantas School, which provides education from preschool to 9th grade for local students and those from surrounding areas. Additionally, medical, dental, and nursing services are provided weekly at the local health post.

The main job-generating enterprise in the region is Cerâmica Bom Jesus, along with the Bom Jesus biscuit factory. Some families supplement their income through agriculture and crafts. Local commerce is represented by Santana and JS convenience stores, which provide a variety of food and cleaning products.

In terms of leisure, the Balneário Portal do Rio is the busiest spot, providing moments of relaxation and recreation for residents. Additionally, the community has a sports court that offers futsal and volleyball training throughout the week.