São Luís, also São Luís do Maranhão, city and port in northeastern Brazil, capital of Maranhão State. The city is situated on São Luís Island, between the mouths of the Mearim and the Itapicuru rivers. Industries in the city include cotton mills and sugar refineries and fruit preserving and weaving factories. The chief exports are cotton and sugar. The city, which was founded by the French in 1612, contains a cathedral and an episcopal palace in colonial style. São Luís has been called the Athens of Brazil for its strong cultural tradition. It is the home of the Federal University of Maranhão (1966). Population (1996 estimate) 780,833.
