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The Federal University of Bahia, known as UFBA, is a large institution in the Bahia State capital of Salvador. It is situated within walking distance of the coast, and a bus ride from the city¡¯s historic old town.

In 1808 Brazil¡¯s first ÖйúAƬ institution, the School of Surgery, was established in Salvador. Over time other schools, such as an Academy of Fine Arts and a Faculty of Philosophy, developed in the area. In 1950 these different schools were integrated and became UFBA.

The university has a broad spectrum of courses on offer, and its faculties range from the School of Veterinary Medicine to the Centre for Afro-Oriental Studies.

Sporting students can join teams for football, basketball, volleyball or handball, or take classes in capoeira, Brazil¡¯s acrobatic martial art form.

UFBA has its own Museum of Sacred Art, housed in a former convent. It contains an important collection of religious paintings and sculptures dating back to the 1600s.

Notable alumni include the award winning geographer Milton Santos, a pioneer of urban planning for developing nations. The bossa nova duo Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil met and began their musical collaboration at the university.

Bahia is one of Brazil¡¯s most culturally rich states, with a wealth of music, art and folklore. Tourists are drawn to the white sand beaches fringed with coconut trees. Salvador, in particular, is a UNESCO heritage site with spectacular colonial architecture.

Salvador¡¯s yearly Carnival lasts for six days and draws two million people to the city. Parades and bands of Afro-Brazilian musicians pack the streets along the sea front and the historic town centre.