According to the Firjan Municipal Development Index (IFDM), Vitória de Santo Antão was elected the 8th best city of Pernambuco to live in.

Its predominant native vegetation is Atlantic forest, although much of its green landscape has been replaced by sugarcane monoculture.

It was founded by a Portuguese man from Cape Verde named António Diogo de Braga in 1626.

With a hot and humid climate, the city is concentrated on the Borborema plateau, in the mountainous region of Pernambuco.

The main economic activities in Vitoria de Santo Antão are based in commerce, food and beverage industry (including the traditional Pitú cachaça), and primary sector especially sugarcane, lemons and cattle.