The State of Maranhão (Portuguese: Estado do Maranhão) was the northern of two 17–18th century administrative divisions of the colonial Portuguese Empire in South America.

The state was created on 13 June 1621 by Philip II of Portugal.

After the 1670s Belem became the operational base of the Maranhão governors and it was formally designated the state capital in 1737.

The purpose of creating this state was to improve military defense in the Northern Region and stimulate economic activities and regional trade with the mainland[citation needed].

Ceará was later detached and became a satellite of Pernambuco, in the State of Brazil.