[5] Abreu e Lima participated in battles in Pernambuco and fought alongside Simón Bolivar in the wars of independence of Venezuela and Colombia.

Over 70 percent of Abreu e Lima's territory is covered by unspoilt Atlantic Forest and environmental reserves, such as those of São Bento and Caetés.

On March 31, 1983, the city held the first public event of Diretas Já, a popular movement against the military dictatorship.

[7] The main economic activities in Abreu e Lima are commerce and general industry, especially chemicals and metallurgic.

[11] In accordance with Municipal Law 632 of 2008, October 31 is a public holiday in Abreu e Lima, Evangelical Awareness Day (Dia da Consciência Evangélica).