The city is located at around 8°6′46″S35°0′54″W / 8.11278°S 35.01500°W / -8.11278; -35.01500, just south of Recife. It has three urban beaches (Piedade, Candeias and Barra de Jangada). Some of the main neighborhoods are Candeias, Cavaleiro, Piedade, Jardim Piedade and Barra de Jangada.
The city of Jaboatão dos Guararapes was founded on 4 May 1593 by Bento Luiz Figueira, the third owner of Engenho São João Baptista. The Second Battle of Guararapes occurred in the city and was one of the most important battles in Brazil's history, in which the people from Pernambuco defeated and expelled the Dutch from the State. This battle was an important event that led to the creation of the Brazilian Army. In 1873 it ascended to village status, and in 1884 after being split up with Olinda it ascended to city status.[citation needed]
Demographics
In 2009, the city population estimated by IGBE was 687,688, however, local politicians criticized the research claiming that there were more people living in the city than were on the census. Notwithstanding, IBGE did not redo the survey. Its population makes it the 2nd most populous city in the state of Pernambuco, 9th in the Northeast region and the 26th in the whole country.
Economy
The main economic activities in Jaboatao dos Guararapes are based in tourism, commerce, beverage industry and transportation industry.