# Bonito, Bahia

Bonito is a municipality in the state of Bahia in the North-East region of Brazil. It is the fifth municipality in the country with the highest proportion of Quilombola population, with 50.2% of its inhabitants being part of this group.

## History

The municipality of Bonito, located in the Chapada Diamantina region, originated in the late 19th century. At the time, a road connected neighboring towns, and the area where the city now stands became a resting point for travelers, thanks to the presence of a large tree that provided shade. This place, which initially served as a shelter, was gradually inhabited by immigrants, forming a small community.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the town consisted of just a few residences. The holding of a regular fair, organized by the residents, marked the local economic development, reducing the dependence on travel to neighboring towns. Over time, the town continued to grow, attracting new residents from other regions.
Agriculture was a key factor in the development of the area, especially coffee cultivation. The introduction of modern cultivation techniques and adaptation to local conditions allowed the consolidation of a promising agricultural activity. Financing projects and technical analyses ended up favoring the expansion of plantations, which contributed significantly to economic and population growth.
Religion also played an important role in the formation of the community. Masses and religious celebrations marked the strengthening of social ties, culminating in the construction of a chapel with the collective support of the inhabitants.
It was created as a district with the name of Bonito (former village), by State Law No. 4,031, of May 14, 1982, and integrated into the municipality of Utinga.
It was elevated to the category of municipality with its current name, by State Law No. 5,021, of June 13, 1989, separated from the municipality of Utinga. It was installed on January 1, 1990, with the inauguration of the first councilors and the first mayor, with his deputy, democratically elected.

## Geography

It is located at Latitude 11º58'10" South and Longitude 41º15'57" West, at an elevation of 990 meters.

### Communities

| Name | Area | Category |
| Bonito | Urban | City and Municipal Seat |
| Catuaba | Semi-urban | Town and Municipal District |
| Cabeceira do Brejo | Semi-urban | Town and Municipal District |
| Baixa do Cheiro | Rural | Village |
| Guarani | Rural | Village |
| Guarani II | Rural | Village |
| Botafogo | Rural | Village |
| Baixa Vistosa | Rural | Village |
| Gramiá | Rural | Village |
| Mata Florença | Rural | Village |
| Morrinhos | Rural | Village |
| Lagoa do Alívio | Rural | Village |
| Gitirana | Rural | Village |
| Quixaba | Rural | Village |
| Catuabinha | Rural | Village |
| Agropeva | Rural | Village |

### Hydrography

The municipality is located in the Paraguaçu River basin and is bathed by the Bonito, Tijuco, das Lajes and Sohen Rivers. It is also rich in waterfalls, with highlights including the Soltinha Waterfall and the Cacique Waterfall, tourist attractions in the region.

## Political-Administrative Organization

The Municipality of Bonito has a political-administrative structure composed of the Executive Branch, headed by a Mayor elected by universal suffrage, who is directly assisted by municipal secretaries appointed by him, and the Legislative Branch, institutionalized by the City Council of Bonito, a collegiate body representing the citizens that is composed of 11 councilors also elected by universal suffrage.

### Municipal authorities of Bonito
#### Municipal Executive

City hall :
| Position | Incumbent | Party | Term | Ref. |
| Mayor | Edivam José Cedro De Souza | PSD | (2025–2028) | |
| Deputy Mayor | Ueriton de Sousa Primo | PP | (2025–2028) | |
| Treasurer | Gilmar de Sá Teles Silva | | (2025–present) | |
| Departments |||||
| Department | Secretary/Director | Party | Term | Ref. |
| Health | Márcio Fagner Souto de Barros | PSD | (2025–present) | |
| Education | Reinan Cedro de Oliveira | PSD | (2025–present) | |
| Urban and Rural Development | To be defined | | | |
| Social Welfare | Sidalva Alves dos Santos | PSD | (2025–present) | |
| Culture, Sports and Tourism | Alex Sandro Ferreira de Lima | PP | (2025–present) | |
| Agriculture | Alek Sandro Santana Beu | | (2025–present) | |
| Administration, Planning and Finance | Geovanilson José de Souza. | | (2025–present) | |
| Environment | André Torres | | (2025–present) | |

#### City Council

Composition of the Bonito City Council after the 2024 Elections: