In spite of that, the primary and secondary sectors, specially agribusiness, still play an important role in the local economy.

The farming of livestock supplies local slaughterhouses, which in turn allows Imperatriz to export meat to other states in Brazil and abroad.

Western Maranhão forms the boundary between the Amazon Rainforest and the vast savanna region, known as the Cerrado.

Humid fields and palm paths are found where the water table is near the surface.

July and August are the hottest and coolest months at once, when temperatures can range from 13 °C (55.4 °F) to over 40 °C (104 °F) within a single day.