Paratinga

The name Paratinga, chosen to designate the city, is an adaptation from the Tupi language of the municipality's former name, Rio Branco, through State Decree No. 141 of 31 December 1943.{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.leg.br/institucional/historia|title=Paratinga, Bahia - A brief history|publisher=Portal da Câmara Municipal de Paratinga|date=30 July 2013|access-date=31 July 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160731150148/http://www.paratinga.ba.leg.br/institucional/historia|archive-date=31 July 2016|url-status=live}} The name combines the Tupi words pará ("river") and tinga ("white").{{cite web|url=http://www.fflch.usp.br/dlcv/tupi/vocabulario.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.is/20060207160819/http://www.fflch.usp.br/dlcv/tupi/vocabulario.htm|archive-date=7 February 2006|title=Vocabulário Tupi-português das lições|access-date=31 July 2016|publisher=University of São Paulo}}

The region on the left and right banks of the São Francisco River, in western Bahia, where Paratinga is located, was inhabited by various indigenous populations, including the Tamoios, Cataguás, Xacriabás, Aricobés, Tabajaras, Amoipira, Tupiná, Ocren, Sacragrinha, and Tupinambás.{{cite book|year=2014|title=Proposta Político-Pedagógica Institucional|publisher=Federal University of Western Bahia|url=https://ufob.edu.br/a-ufob/planos-e-projetos/Projeto_Pedaggico_Institucional_UFOB.pdf|page=13|access-date=31 July 2016}} In Paratinga specifically, it is believed that the Tuxás were the predominant indigenous group.{{cite journal|last=Rocha|first=Ana Georgina Peixoto|year=2010|title=Políticas públicas e participação: Os atores sociais na política de desenvolvimento territorial do estado da Bahia|url=http://www.lume.ufrgs.br/bitstream/handle/10183/40243/000822699.pdf?sequence=1|journal=Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul|pages=29|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-url=https://archive.is/20170312071221/http://www.lume.ufrgs.br/bitstream/handle/10183/40243/000822699.pdf?sequence=1|archive-date=12 March 2017|url-status=dead}}

The first records of Portuguese arrival in Paratinga date back to the 16th century, when Duarte Coelho Pereira, the donatary captain of Pernambuco, visited the region during an exploratory expedition between 1543 and 1550.{{cite journal|last=Oliveira|first=José Cláudio Alves de|year=2008|title=Três romarias, um patrimônio e muita fé|journal=Revista Eletrônica de Turismo Cultural|volume=2|issue=1|pages=1-23|url=http://www.eca.usp.br/turismocultural/03Claudio.pdf|access-date=4 September 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20120703210606/http://www.eca.usp.br/turismocultural/03Claudio.pdf|archive-date=3 July 2012|url-status=dead}} In 1553, King John III ordered Tomé de Sousa to explore the sources of the São Francisco River. The Spaniard Francisco Bruza Espinosa, residing in Porto Seguro, led the expedition,{{cite web|url=http://www.gazetanortemineira.com.br/colunas-especiais/editorial/2016/07/francisco-bruza-de-espinosa.html|title=Francisco Bruza de Espinosa|date=30 July 2016|first=Dário Teixeira|last=Cotrim|publisher=Gazeta Norte Mineira|access-date=31 July 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160731195239/http://www.gazetanortemineira.com.br/colunas-especiais/editorial/2016/07/francisco-bruza-de-espinosa.html|archive-date=31 July 2016|url-status=dead}} which, according to scholars, may have reached Bom Jesus da Lapa a year and a half after its start. However, there was no permanent occupation by Luso-Brazilians. In 1602, the bandeirante Belchior Dias Moreia passed through the region.{{cite journal|last=Martins|first=João|date=January 1996|title=Bom Jesus da Lapa: história de fé e mistério|url=http://www.integracaobahia.com.br/v1/2014/07/29/comeca-a-romaria-ao-bom-jesus-da-lapa/|journal=Revista Integração|issue=25|pages=10-12|access-date=11 March 2017}}

Colonization effectively began in the 17th century when the cattle rancher and landowner Antônio Guedes de Brito received land grants covering large areas of the Interior of Bahia, including the Paratinga region, forming his latifundium, the Casa da Ponte, which was the second largest in Colonial Brazil. Guedes de Brito, known for his exploration, was also responsible for the extinction of much of the indigenous population in the Middle São Francisco, enslaving the survivors.

Later, after his death, his granddaughter Joana da Silva Caldeira Pimentel Guedes de Brito inherited several family farms. Within the Santo Antônio do Urubu de Cima Farm, the settlement of the same name, simply known as Urubu, emerged. This village was characterized by cattle ranching and agricultural activities, with residents comprising Luso-Brazilians, indigenous people, and Africans. It developed around a chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony, built in 1680, the oldest temple in the Middle São Francisco region.{{cite thesis|last=Nogueira|first=Gabriela|year=2011|title="Viver por si", viver pelos seus: Famílias e comunidades de escravos no "Certam de Sima do Sam Francisco" (1730-1790)|type=Master's dissertation|url=http://www.ppghis.uneb.br/_dissertacoes/gabriela_amorim_nogueira.pdf|access-date=29 July 2016|publisher=State University of Bahia|archive-url=https://archive.is/20170802163535/http://www.ppghis.uneb.br/_dissertacoes/gabriela_amorim_nogueira.pdf|archive-date=2 August 2017|url-status=dead}} According to legend, the settlement's name originated from the discovery of an image of Saint Anthony under a tree, guarded by a vulture perched above, shielding it from the sun.{{cite web|last=Pacheco|first=Ely|url=http://www.falabarreiras.com/paratinga-prepara-a-festa-de-aniversario-de-119-anos/#.V55awWgrLIU|title=Paratinga prepara a festa de aniversário de 119 anos|date=22 June 2016|access-date=31 July 2016|publisher=Fala Barreiras|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160731201420/http://www.falabarreiras.com/paratinga-prepara-a-festa-de-aniversario-de-119-anos/#.V55awWgrLIU|archive-date=31 July 2016}}

Due to the settlement and large cattle corrals, by the early 18th century, Paratinga became a strategic point for rest and passage of herdsmen traveling between the interior of Minas Gerais and Bahia. Additionally, some of the cattle passing through were traded in Goiás and Mato Grosso.

In the São Francisco Valley, the Guedes de Brito family owned ten cattle ranches: Boa Vista, Batalha, Volta, Campos de São João, Itibiruba (Itibiraba), Mocambo, Campo Grande, Curralinho, Riacho dos Porcos, and Santo Antônio do Urubu. The region was mapped in 1734 by Joaquim Quaresma Delgado, hired to explore and map the interior of Bahia and Minas Gerais.{{cite journal|last=Dutra|first=Nivaldo Osvaldo|date=September 2004|title=Do Rio das Rãs ao Mangal - Comunidades Quilombolas do baixo médio São Francisco - Bahia|journal=XVII Encontro Regional de História – O lugar da História|publisher=State University of Campinas|pages=2|url=http://www.anpuhsp.org.br/sp/downloads/CD%20XVII/ST%20IV/Nivaldo%20Osvaldo%20Dutra.pdf|access-date=31 July 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20230629041506/http://www.anpuhsp.org.br/sp/downloads/CD%20XVII/ST%20IV/Nivaldo%20Osvaldo%20Dutra.pdf|archive-date=29 June 2023|url-status=dead}}

At that time, most farm owners were absent from their properties, allowing slaves and other residents a degree of independence. In the owners' absence, specific individuals—free, enslaved, or manumitted, of indigenous and Afro-Brazilian origin—performed administrative tasks, granting them a certain hierarchical authority over others.

Land leasing was a significant system during the Casa da Ponte era, involving people from various regions and economic backgrounds, including pilgrims passing through Bom Jesus da Lapa. Through this activity, many Portuguese and Paulistas settled with families in Santo Antônio do Urubu de Cima by purchasing and leasing lands from the Guedes de Brito family. Communication and interaction among the traveling populations of Santo Antônio do Urubu de Cima, Bom Jardim, and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus da Lapa were crucial for the region's development and settlement through terrestrial routes.

File:João de Saldanha da Gama Melo (cropped).jpg

In the 1710s, the then Archbishop of Bahia, Sebastião Monteiro da Vide,{{cite journal|last=Filho|first=Diosmar|date=May 2015|issue=6|title=A questão agrária e os quilombos no São Francisco - Bahia|journal=Revista do Comitê da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio São Francisco|publisher=CBHRSF|pages=28-29|url=https://issuu.com/cbhsaofrancisco/docs/chico_06/28|access-date=2 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160802041423/https://issuu.com/cbhsaofrancisco/docs/chico_06/28|archive-date=2 August 2016|url-status=live}} requested King John V to create new parishes, outlined in 1712. In this context, over twenty settlements, including Urubu, gained prominence. Due to its growth and the presence of the Santo Antônio Parish Church, Sebastião decreed on 11 April 1718 that the Santo Antônio do Urubu de Cima settlement become a parish, retaining the same name.{{cite web|url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/bahia/paratinga.pdf|title=Paratinga - Bahia - BA|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE)|access-date=31 July 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20171226015837/http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/bahia/paratinga.pdf|archive-date=26 December 2017|url-status=dead}} In 1714, it had 362 households and {{formatnum:3425}} inhabitants.{{cite thesis|last=Ferreira|first=Elisangela Oliveira|year=2008|title=Entre vazantes, caatingas e serras: trajetórias familiares e uso social do espaço no sertão do São Francisco, no século XIX|url=http://www.ppgh.ufba.br/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Entre-Vazantes-Caatingas-e-Serras.pdf|access-date=2 August 2016|publisher=Federal University of Bahia|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160923135903/http://www.ppgh.ufba.br/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Entre-Vazantes-Caatingas-e-Serras.pdf|archive-date=23 September 2016|url-status=dead}}

On 23 March 1746, King John V, after consultation with the Overseas Council of the Portuguese court, ordered André de Melo e Castro, the Count of Galveias, to establish the Vila de Santo Antônio do Urubu, separated from Jacobina. However, the village was only officially established on 27 September 1749 by the ombudsman Francisco Marcolino de Souza.

After Joana's death, her inheritance and surname passed to her husband through the Guedes de Brito estate. The last heir to the family's fortunes was João de Saldanha da Gama Melo Torres Guedes Brito, governor of the Captaincy of Bahia between 1805 and 1809, responsible for receiving the Portuguese royal family in Brazil, fleeing the Napoleonic wars in 1808. He died during his term,{{cite book|last=Neves|first=Erivaldo Fagundes|date=July–December 1999|issue=21|title=Sucessão dominial e escravidão na pecuária do Rio das Rãs|publisher=Sitientibus|location=Feira de Santana|pages=28-29|url=http://www2.uefs.br/sitientibus/pdf/21/sucessao_dominial.pdf|access-date=2 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160802134739/http://www2.uefs.br/sitientibus/pdf/21/sucessao_dominial.pdf|archive-date=2 August 2016|url-status=dead}} and in 1819, the sesmaria territories were registered and divided into six administrative districts named after the municipalities managing them. Besides Urubu, Rio de Contas, Rio Pardo, Caetité, Xique-Xique, and Jacobina were included. According to the literary journal O Patriota, in 1813, Urubu spanned 18 leagues.{{cite journal|last=Guimarães|first=Manuel Ferreira de Araújo|date=December 1813|issue=6|journal=O Patriota|publisher=Federal University of São Paulo|location=Rio de Janeiro|pages=28-29|url=http://www.brasiliana.usp.br/bitstream/handle/1918/038821-12/038821-12_COMPLETO.pdf|access-date=2 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160802141414/http://www.brasiliana.usp.br/bitstream/handle/1918/038821-12/038821-12_COMPLETO.pdf|archive-date=2 August 2016|title=Cartas de D. João de Castro, IV Vice-Rei da Índia|url-status=dead}}

During the period leading up to Brazilian independence, the Bahia province experienced political unrest. Rio de Contas, one of the main villages in the region, sought support from Caetité and Urubu to form a new province, encompassing Bahian and Minas Gerais territories, with Rio de Contas as the capital. The autonomy proposal, made in different years, caused tension between Rio de Contas and Caetité and, despite some regional impact, was not approved by the Crown.{{cite book|last=Frutuoso|first=Moisés Amado|title="Morram marotos!" Antilusantismo, projetos e identidades políticas em Rio de Contas (1922-1923)|year=2015|publisher=Federal University of Bahia|location=Salvador|pages=55-65|url=https://repositorio.ufba.br/ri/bitstream/ri/20661/1/%5BFRUTUOSO.%20M.A.%20Morram%20marotos!%5D%20VFD.pdf|access-date=19 March 2017|archive-url=https://archive.is/20170319223449/https://repositorio.ufba.br/ri/bitstream/ri/20661/1/%5BFRUTUOSO.%20M.A.%20Morram%20marotos!%5D%20VFD.pdf|archive-date=19 March 2017|url-status=dead}}

During the same period, in mid-1822 and 1823, Urubu residents produced a petition requesting a new ombudsman for the village, distrusting the incumbent.{{cite book|title=Independência do Brasil na Bahia (1820-1824): Catálogo de Documentos sobre a Bahia existentes na Biblioteca Nacional (Brasil)|year=2011|publisher=Fundação Pedro Calmon|location=Salvador|pages=13-14|url=http://200.187.16.144:8080/jspui/bitstream/bv2julho/174/1/Temática%20Independência%20do%20Brasil%20na%20Bahia%201820%20–%201824%20documentos%20manuscritos%20avulsos%20da%20Capitania%20da%20Bahia%20(Biblioteca%20Nacional%20-%20Brasil).pdf|access-date=2 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160802150349/http://200.187.16.144:8080/jspui/bitstream/bv2julho/174/1/Temática%20Independência%20do%20Brasil%20na%20Bahia%201820%20–%201824%20documentos%20manuscritos%20avulsos%20da%20Capitania%20da%20Bahia%20(Biblioteca%20Nacional%20-%20Brasil).pdf|archive-date=2 August 2016|url-status=dead}} Francisco Pires de Almeida Freitas held the position at the time, and the population's distrust stemmed from his request to the Empire's minister to relocate the Justice and Registry Office from Urubu to the Macaúbas settlement, citing an alleged epidemic of river fevers in the village. Another account suggests correspondence to the Internal Council claimed the move was necessary due to "attacks of despotism against citizens," the recruitment of slaves by Portuguese, and opposition to the independence process to ensure Urubu's "obedience," countering the tension created by Rio de Contas.

On 10 April 1823, the village's representatives, through seven documents, opposed the ombudsman's decision. Their efforts were in vain: the ordinance of 17 December 1823{{cite book|last=Santana|first=Napoliana Pereira|title=Os registros paroquiais como possibilidade de estudo de famílias escravas no sertão da Bahia (1840-1888)|year=2010|publisher=State University of Bahia|pages=1383|url=http://vencontro.anpuhba.org/anaisvencontro/N/Napoliana_Pereira_Santana.pdf|access-date=2 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20171226020227/http://vencontro.anpuhba.org/anaisvencontro/N/Napoliana_Pereira_Santana.pdf|archive-date=26 December 2017|url-status=dead}} mandated the transfer of the Justice and Registry Office to Macaúbas.{{cite web|last=Sousa|first=José Antônio de|title=Arquitetura e sociedade: construir, morar e trabalhar em Macaúbas, alto sertão da Bahia - 1800-1950|url=http://bdtd.ibict.br/vufind/Record/UFS-2_b01abdd990ce77e46a877ad7e757760f|work=bdtd.ibict.br|year=2016|access-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://archive.is/20200704032851/http://bdtd.ibict.br/vufind/Record/UFS-2_b01abdd990ce77e46a877ad7e757760f|archive-date=4 July 2020|url-status=dead}} The decision was reversed only in 1834, after numerous local protests and Macaúbas' emancipation from Urubu in 1832, becoming an independent village.{{cite web|url=http://www.alba.ba.gov.br/noticias/Noticia.php?id=12970|title=Leal destaca belezas naturais de Macaúbas|publisher=Bahia Legislative Assembly|date=5 July 2012|access-date=2 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160802174200/http://www.alba.ba.gov.br/noticias/Noticia.php?id=12970|archive-date=2 August 2016|url-status=dead}}

During this period, Urubu underwent several changes and held prominence in the São Francisco region, mainly for centralizing local public power and serving as a commercial and cultural reference.{{cite book|last=Oliveira|first=Sandra Nivia Soares de|title=Da escola no quilombo: A luta da comunidade de Mangal Barro Vermelho pelo controle político pedagógico da escola|publisher=State University of Bahia|pages=1383|url=http://www2.faced.ufu.br/colubhe06/anais/arquivos/124SandraNiviaSoaresOliveira.pdf|access-date=2 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160802164949/http://www2.faced.ufu.br/colubhe06/anais/arquivos/124SandraNiviaSoaresOliveira.pdf|archive-date=2 August 2016|url-status=dead}} In terms of territorial extent, it was the largest municipality in Bahia.{{cite book|last=Magalhães|first=Carlos Fernando Filgueiras de|year=2006|title=Sociedade Filarmônica 13 de Junho: 100 Anos de Tradição e Cultura|location=Goiânia|publisher=Vieira|pages=18-40|isbn=858977922-X}} In 1827, the village bordered Pilão Arcado to the north, Minas Gerais to the south, Barra do Rio Grande and Campo Largo to the west, and Santo Antônio da Jacobina, Rio de Contas, and Vila Nova do Príncipe e Santana de Caetité to the east.Anuário Estatístico 2002, v. 1, SEI, Salvador ISSN 0102-0676 In this context, in 1830, Urubu received its first public school; on 2 May 1835, the Comarca of Urubu was established to extend imperial government authority to the region.

File:Baron of cotegipe 1870.JPG

The Comarca of Urubu included the terms of Urubu, Brejinhos, and Macaúbas{{cite web|url=http://www.cbg.org.br/novo/bahia-juizes-nas-comarcas-1898/|access-date=2 August 2016|publisher=Brazilian College of Genealogy|first=Carlos Eduardo de Almeida|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160802175432/http://www.cbg.org.br/novo/bahia-juizes-nas-comarcas-1898/|archive-date=2 August 2016|url-status=dead|quote=Compreende os termos do Urubu, Brejinhos e Macaúbas|title=Bahia: juízes nas comarcas: 1898|last=BARATA}} and faced growing regional challenges. From the following decade, cases of banditry, such as cangaço, posed challenges for the comarca and nearby municipalities such as Carinhanha and Minas Gerais cities such as Januária. The perpetrators were diverse, including wealthy and poor men, slaves, priests, and even judges, driven by a desire to subvert the established order, leading to disputes over political power. Victims were typically poor free individuals, merchants, and public authorities. In the Bom Jesus settlement, part of the territory, disputes arose over control of the Bom Jesus da Lapa Brotherhood.{{cite thesis|last=Silva|first=Rafael Rancho Carvalho da|year=2011|location=Salvador|title="E de mato faria fogo": O banditismo no sertão do São Francisco (1848 - 1884)|type=dissertation|url=http://www.ppgh.ufba.br/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/E-de-Mato-Faria-Fogo.pdf|page=14-100|access-date=2 August 2016|publisher=Federal University of Bahia|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160802182748/http://www.ppgh.ufba.br/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/E-de-Mato-Faria-Fogo.pdf|archive-date=2 August 2016|url-status=dead}}

The tense political climate in Urubu and western Bahia led to conflicts. A notable case occurred on 24 January 1849, when Antônio José Guimarães, a notorious local cangaceiro and relative of public officials, left the area in ruins during a three-month action with a group of one hundred armed men, declaring himself governor of the region. His actions extended across several Bahian villages until he was killed in 1854 while fleeing in the Province of Goiás. Simultaneously, there was strong rivalry between the Conservative and Liberal parties, which led to armed conflicts between colonel José Rodrigues de Magalhães, leader of the liberals, and the "palhas," led by the conservative vicar José Domingues dos Santos, damaging the Igreja do Rosário.{{cite journal|date=30 July 1989|title=História de Paratinga|journal=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|pages=1-5}}

Additionally, in the 1850s, Bahia suffered a cholera epidemic. In Urubu, around 1854, a type of "fever epidemic" was reported, described by doctors as a benign bilious fever.{{cite thesis|last=David|first=Orlando Reis|year=1993|title=O inimigo invisível: A epidemia do cólera na Bahia em 1855-56|url=http://www.ppgh.ufba.br/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/O-Inimigo-Invisivel-Epidemia-do-Colera-na-Bahia-1855-18561.pdf|page=30|access-date=2 August 2016|publisher=Federal University of Bahia|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160811064245/http://www.ppgh.ufba.br/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/O-Inimigo-Invisivel-Epidemia-do-Colera-na-Bahia-1855-18561.pdf|archive-date=11 August 2016|url-status=dead}} Between 1857 and 1861, the region, like the entire province, faced a severe and concerning drought period, further weakening the slave trade and the fortunes of large landowners.{{cite book|last=Santana|first=Napoliana Pereira|title=Estabilidade familiar escrava no alto sertão da Bahia (segunda metade do século XIX)|year=2010|publisher=State University of Bahia|pages=8|url=http://www3.ufrb.edu.br/lehrb/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/NapolitanaPereiraSantana.pdf|access-date=2 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160802192748/http://www3.ufrb.edu.br/lehrb/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/NapolitanaPereiraSantana.pdf|archive-date=2 August 2016|url-status=dead}} Slavery continued until the Lei Áurea was enacted, and before that, many were freed, while others were sold to owners in places such as Minas Gerais.{{cite thesis|last=Santana|first=Napoliana Pereira|year=2012|title=Família e microeconomia escrava no sertão do São Francisco (Urubu - BA, 1840-1880)|type=dissertation|url=http://www.mestradohistoria.com.br/imagens_sys/Napoliana%20Pereira%20Santana.pdf|access-date=2 August 2016|publisher=State University of Bahia|archive-url=https://archive.is/20170108212734/http://www.mestradohistoria.com.br/imagens_sys/Napoliana%20Pereira%20Santana.pdf|archive-date=8 January 2017|url-status=dead}}

In the final decades of the century, Urubu remained prominent for cattle trading and river transport. On 19 July 1850, the Baron of Cotegipe, João Maurício Wanderley, was the first to propose dividing the Province of Bahia, creating the São Francisco State. If established, Urubu would have been the capital, named União.{{cite web|url=https://jornaloexpresso.wordpress.com/2010/07/16/o-sonho-do-novo-estado-do-sao-francisco-completa-160-anos/|title=O sonho do novo estado do São Francisco completa 160 anos|publisher=Jornal O Expresso|date=16 July 2010|access-date=2 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20100810105239/https://jornaloexpresso.wordpress.com/2010/07/16/o-sonho-do-novo-estado-do-sao-francisco-completa-160-anos/|archive-date=10 August 2010|url-status=live}} The proposal was not accepted, but the project has been revisited over centuries and remains a topic of discussion in Brazil today.{{cite web|url=http://ultimosegundo.ig.com.br/brasil/ba/estado-do-sao-francisco-nascera-falido-diz-governo-jaques-wagner/n1597063663626.html|title=Estado do São Francisco nascerá falido, diz governo Jaques Wagner|first=Thiago|last=Guimarães|publisher=iG|access-date=2 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160802195035/http://ultimosegundo.ig.com.br/brasil/ba/estado-do-sao-francisco-nascera-falido-diz-governo-jaques-wagner/n1597063663626.html|archive-date=2 August 2016|url-status=dead}}

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| image1 = Estrada de Águas do Paulista (21), Paratinga, janeiro de 2017.jpg

| caption1 = Águas do Paulista was elevated to district status in 1953.

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| caption2 = Manoel Novais Avenue, one of the city's main roads, in 2020.

}}

The establishment of the republic in Brazil led to the elevation of the village of Santo Antônio do Urubu to city status, named Urubu, on 25 June 1897, through State Law No. 177. Other regions, previously part of the municipality, were emancipated over time. The first was Bom Jesus da Lapa in 1890.{{cite web|url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/bahia/bomjesusdalapa.pdf|title=Histórico - Bom Jesus da Lapa|access-date=3 August 2016|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE)|archive-url=https://archive.is/20070702013520/http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/bahia/bomjesusdalapa.pdf|archive-date=2 July 2007|url-status=dead}} Ibotirama, formerly Bom Jardim, separated in 1958.{{cite web|url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/bahia/ibotirama.pdf|title=Histórico - Ibotirama|access-date=3 August 2016|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE)|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160802235752/http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/bahia/ibotirama.pdf|archive-date=2 August 2016|url-status=dead}} Sítio do Mato became part of Bom Jesus da Lapa after its emancipation and only became independent in 1989.{{cite web|url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/bahia/sitiodomato.pdf|title=Histórico - Sítio do Mato|access-date=3 August 2016|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE)|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160803000002/http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/bahia/sitiodomato.pdf|archive-date=3 August 2016|url-status=dead}} The 20th century thus involved the decentralization of the political power Urubu previously held.

On 29 May 1912, the municipality ceased to be called Urubu and was renamed Rio Branco through State Law No. 884, originally a bill by then-deputy and future Bahia governor Antônio Muniz Sodré de Aragão. On 31 December 1943, through State Decree-Law No. 141, ratified by State Decree No. 12,978 of 1 January 1944, the name Rio Branco was changed to Paratinga, which persists to this day.

The 1940s marked the beginning of public policies for the development of the São Francisco River Valley, where Paratinga is located. The construction of Brasília in the following years also facilitated the integration of the municipality, among others, into Brazil's Central-West region. Highways also began reaching western Bahia during this period. Between the 1950s and 1990s, the urban area received electricity, municipal offices, and public lighting.{{cite book|last=Guarabyra|first=Guttemberg|year=2020|title=Teatro dos esquecidos|url=https://books.google.com.br/books?id=fCvgDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&hl=pt-BR&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false|location=Londrina|publisher=Thoth|edition=1|pages=29-31|isbn=9788594116819}} The rural population, until the mid-1960s, relied solely on animal transport.{{cite web|url=http://comunica.fic.ufg.br/blog/gestao-em-dias-dificeis/|title=Gestão em dias difíceis|last=Abreu|first=Tiago|access-date=1 February 2018|work=Comunica FIC|publisher=Federal University of Goiás|date=19 September 2017|archive-url=https://archive.is/20171126045844/http://comunica.fic.ufg.br/blog/gestao-em-dias-dificeis/|archive-date=26 November 2017|url-status=dead}} In 1953, the district of Águas do Paulista was established, the only district besides the municipal seat. The asphalt of the BA-160 highway, inaugurated in 1975,{{cite web|url=https://comunica.fic.ufg.br/blog/cidade-infraestruturada/|title=Cidade infra(estruturada)|last=Abreu|first=Tiago|access-date=18 May 2017|work=Comunica FIC|publisher=Federal University of Goiás|date=3 May 2017|archive-url=https://archive.is/20170518152644/https://comunica.fic.ufg.br/blog/cidade-infraestruturada/|archive-date=18 May 2017|url-status=dead}} reached the area only in the 1990s.

In 1979, Paratinga was one of the cities affected by the flood of 1979, caused by the overflow of the Sobradinho Reservoir and Três Marias Dam. Nearly the entire urban population was displaced, and parts of the rural population also suffered flooding, requiring state assistance, including helicopters for rescues.{{cite web|url=http://comunica.fic.ufg.br/blog/alicerces-de-hoje/|title=Alicerces de hoje|last=Abreu|first=Tiago|access-date=1 February 2018|work=Comunica FIC|publisher=Federal University of Goiás|date=13 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.is/20180201062122/http://comunica.fic.ufg.br/blog/alicerces-de-hoje/|archive-date=1 February 2018|url-status=dead}} In 1980, Paratinga's airstrip was deactivated and transformed into a new neighborhood, partly becoming Rio Branco Avenue.{{cite journal|year=1994|journal=Linha Direta|pages=2|access-date=12 March 2017|title=Aeroporto de Paratinga: Problema sem solução|url=https://tiagoabreu.jor.br/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Jornal-1994.pdf|archive-url=https://archive.is/20200920223140/https://tiagoabreu.jor.br/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Jornal-1994.pdf|archive-date=20 September 2020}}{{cite journal|last=Roberto|first=Paulo|year=2005|journal=Paratinga hoje|pages=2-9|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|access-date=12 March 2017|url=https://www.introvertendo.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Paratinga-Hoje-2005.pdf|archive-url=https://archive.is/20230622161613/https://www.introvertendo.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Paratinga-Hoje-2005.pdf|archive-date=22 June 2023|title=Paratinga Hoje|url-status=live}}

Most of Paratinga's rural areas began receiving greater public investment from the 1990s. During this period, under various mayoral administrations, wells were installed in villages, roads were opened, schools were inaugurated, telecommunications networks were established, and electricity was expanded,{{cite journal|last=Machado|first=Maria Aparecida Souza|year=2004|title=Paratinga Hoje|journal=Paratinga hoje|pages=2-15|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|access-date=12 March 2017|url=https://www.introvertendo.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Paratinga-Hoje-2004.pdf|archive-url=https://archive.is/20230622161452/https://www.introvertendo.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Paratinga-Hoje-2004.pdf|archive-date=22 June 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|year=1997|journal=Novação|title=Paratinga na voz do Brasil|issue=9|location=Paratinga|pages=2-11|access-date=12 March 2017|url=https://tiagoabreu.jor.br/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/MEC-1999.pdf|archive-url=https://archive.is/20200920222632/https://tiagoabreu.jor.br/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/MEC-1999.pdf|archive-date=20 September 2020|url-status=dead}}{{cite book|year=1990|title=Paratinga: História e tradição|location=Paratinga|pages=2-13|last=Magalhães|first=Carlos Fernando Filgueiras|access-date=12 March 2017|url=https://www.introvertendo.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Paratinga-Historia-e-radicao-1990.pdf|archive-url=https://archive.is/20230622161712/https://www.introvertendo.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Paratinga-Historia-e-radicao-1990.pdf|archive-date=22 June 2023|url-status=live}} becoming predominant only from the 2010s.{{cite web|url=http://magmundi.wixsite.com/agenciamoara/paratinga-familia-baiana-raizes|date=11 August 2016|title=Entre memórias e glórias, família no interior baiano mantém raízes|first=Tiago|last=Abreu|access-date=11 August 2016|publisher=Agência Moara|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160829194020/http://magmundi.wixsite.com/agenciamoara/paratinga-familia-baiana-raizes|archive-date=29 August 2016}}

The historically noted high social inequality and poverty in Paratinga have largely persisted.{{cite journal|last=Estrela|first=Ely Souza|title=Expropriação do campesinato e resistência no Médio São Francisco Baiano (1970-2000)|year=2009|journal=XXV Simpósio Nacional de História|location=Fortaleza|pages=1-9|url=http://anais.anpuh.org/wp-content/uploads/mp/pdf/ANPUH.S25.0761.pdf|access-date=3 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160803002855/http://anais.anpuh.org/wp-content/uploads/mp/pdf/ANPUH.S25.0761.pdf|archive-date=3 August 2016|url-status=dead}} This is primarily due to land concentration,{{cite journal|last=Ribeiro|first=Carolina Silva|author2=OLIVEIRA, Gilca Garcia de|title=Poder político e propriedade da terra no território do Velho Chico, Bahia|date=May–August 2015|journal=Revista Brasileira de Ciência Política|location=Brasília|url=http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0103-33522015000300179&script=sci_arttext|access-date=8 August 2016}} dependence on public administration,{{cite journal|title=Funcionalismo público municipal: Um dos problemas de paratinga|date=October 1988|location=Paratinga|journal=Jornal Construção|page=2}} and limited job opportunities, leading to emigration to urban centers.{{cite web|url=http://g1.globo.com/globo-reporter/noticia/2016/04/supersafras-abrem-vagas-para-desempregados-da-cidade.html|title=Supersafras abrem vagas para desempregados da cidade|access-date=3 August 2016|publisher=Globo Repórter|date=15 March 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160423035639/http://g1.globo.com/globo-reporter/noticia/2016/04/supersafras-abrem-vagas-para-desempregados-da-cidade.html|archive-date=23 April 2016|url-status=live}} Another issue is droughts, which reduce natural resources. Paratinga is among Bahia's most populous municipalities vulnerable to drought and desertification.{{cite web|url=http://congressoemfoco.uol.com.br/opiniao/colunistas/desertificacao-seca-e-politicas-publicas-para-o-semiarido/|title=Desertificação, seca e políticas públicas para o semiárido|access-date=3 August 2016|publisher=Congresso em Foco|first=Lície da|last=Mata|date=20 June 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160803125351/http://congressoemfoco.uol.com.br/opiniao/colunistas/desertificacao-seca-e-politicas-publicas-para-o-semiarido/|archive-date=3 August 2016|url-status=live}}

File:Matas e vegetação do Boqueirão de Regino (3), Paratinga, janeiro de 2017.jpg

The municipality of Paratinga is located {{convert|710|km|abbr=on}} from Salvador, the state capital,{{cite web|url=http://distanciacidades.com/calcular?from=Paratinga+-+BA%2C+Brasil&to=Salvador+-+BA%2C+Brasil|title=Distância entre Paratinga e Salvador|access-date=29 July 2016|publisher=Distância entre cidades}} and {{convert|749|km|abbr=on}} from Brasília, the federal capital.{{cite web|url=http://distanciacidades.com/calcular?from=Paratinga+-+BA%2C+Brasil&to=Bras%C3%ADlia+-+DF%2C+Brasil|title=Distância entre Paratinga e Brasília|access-date=29 July 2016|publisher=Distância entre cidades}} It covers an area of {{convert|2624.118|km2|abbr=on}}, and borders Muquém de São Francisco, Ibotirama, and Oliveira dos Brejinhos to the north, Bom Jesus da Lapa and Sítio do Mato to the south, Boquira and Macaúbas to the east, and Sítio do Mato to the west.{{cite web|url=http://limites.sei.ba.gov.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PARATINGA_MAPA_100K_2015_23_SEI.pdf|title=PARATINGA|publisher=SEI/BA|access-date=29 July 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160729222602/http://limites.sei.ba.gov.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PARATINGA_MAPA_100K_2015_23_SEI.pdf|archive-date=29 July 2016|url-status=dead}} According to the current regional division in effect since 2017, established by the IBGE,{{cite web|url=https://www.ibge.gov.br/geociencias-novoportal/cartas-e-mapas/redes-geograficas/2231-np-divisoes-regionais-do-brasil/15778-divisoes-regionais-do-brasil.html|title=Divisão Regional do Brasil|author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE)|year=2017|access-date=11 February 2018|archive-url=https://archive.is/20180211121200/https://www.ibge.gov.br/geociencias-novoportal/cartas-e-mapas/redes-geograficas/2231-np-divisoes-regionais-do-brasil/15778-divisoes-regionais-do-brasil.html|archive-date=11 February 2018}} the municipality belongs to the Intermediate Geographic Region of Guanambi and Immediate Geographic Region of Bom Jesus da Lapa.{{cite web|url=ftp://geoftp.ibge.gov.br/organizacao_do_territorio/divisao_regional/divisao_regional_do_brasil/divisao_regional_do_brasil_em_regioes_geograficas_2017/tabelas/regioes_geograficas_composicao_por_municipios_2017_20180911.xls|title=Base de dados por municípios das Regiões Geográficas Imediatas e Intermediárias do Brasil|author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE)|year=2017|access-date=11 February 2018}} Previously, under the division of microregions and mesoregions, it was part of the Bom Jesus da Lapa microregion, included in the Vale São-Franciscano da Bahia mesoregion.{{cite web|url=ftp://geoftp.ibge.gov.br/organizacao_do_territorio/estrutura_territorial/divisao_territorial/2016/DTB_2016_v2.zip|title=Divisão Territorial Brasileira 2016|author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE)|year=2016|access-date=11 February 2018}}

The municipality's terrain, with a maximum altitude of 420 meters, consists of the Espinhaço Range, particularly in much of Paratinga's rural area, as well as the Sertanejo Pediplain,{{cite web|url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/ba/paratinga/historico|title=Paratinga - Histórico|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE)|access-date=31 July 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160731205606/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/ba/paratinga/historico|archive-date=31 July 2016|url-status=live}} typical of Bahia's semi-arid region, and the Sertaneja-São Francisco Depression.{{cite journal|author=Gleise Cerqueira de Souza|author2=Karine de Cerqueira S. Oliveira|author3=Mílvia Oliveira Cerqueira|year=2010|title=Inselbergs e sua gênese no semi-árido baiano|journal=VIII Encontro Baiano De Geografia e X Semana De Geografia Da UESB|publisher=State University of Southwest Bahia|pages=1-15|url=http://www.uesb.br/eventos/ebg/anais/4j.pdf|access-date=31 July 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160731132007/http://www.uesb.br/eventos/ebg/anais/4j.pdf|archive-date=31 July 2016|url-status=dead}} The rocks in the municipality are part of the Guanambi-Urandi monzo-syenitic batholith, formed during the Lower Proterozoic and Archean periods, characterized as a mobile belt.{{cite journal|author=M. L. S. Rosa|year=1997|title=Datação de Monazita por microssonda eletrônica: aplicação às rochas graníticas da região de Paratinga (sudoeste da Bahia)|publisher=Sociedade Brasileira de Geoquímica|journal=VI Congresso Brasileiro de Geoquímica|location=Salvador|pages=455-458|access-date=24 April 2021|url=https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/32/005/32005637.pdf|archive-url=https://archive.is/20210424200221/https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/32/005/32005637.pdf|archive-date=24 April 2021}}{{cite book|author=M. L. S. Rosa|author2=H. Conceição|author3=M. M. Paim|year=1996|title=Magmatismo potássico/ultrapotássico pós a tardi orogênico (associado a subducção) no oeste da Bahia: Batólito Monzo-Sienítico de Guanambi-Urandi e os sienitos de Correntina|url=http://www.ppegeo.igc.usp.br/index.php/geobras/article/view/10273/9583|publisher=Geochimica Brasiliensis|access-date=24 April 2021|pages=28-42|archive-url=https://archive.is/20171116183509/http://www.ppegeo.igc.usp.br/index.php/geobras/article/view/10273/9583|archive-date=16 November 2017}} Geomorphologically, alluvial, colluvial, and fluvial deposits predominate.

The predominant soil type is dystrophic red-yellow latosol, with a secondary portion of eutrophic alluvial soil concentrated in islands and riverbanks. Paratinga is part of the Drought Polygon,{{cite web|url=http://www.fundaj.gov.br/index.php?option=com_content&id=772&Itemid=376|title=O Processo de Salinização das Águas Superficiais e Subterrâneas no Nordeste Brasileiro|first=João|last=Suassuna|publisher=Funaj|access-date=1 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160801034040/http://www.fundaj.gov.br/index.php?option=com_content&id=772&Itemid=376|archive-date=1 August 2016|url-status=dead}} characterized by low rainfall but high fertility. Eutrophic red-yellow podzol and regosol are also present.{{cite web|url=http://www.uep.cnps.embrapa.br/solos/index.php?link=ba|title=Mapa Exploratório - Reconhecimento de solos do município de Paratinga, BA|publisher=Embrapa|access-date=1 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20140922060806/http://www.uep.cnps.embrapa.br/solos/index.php?link=ba|archive-date=22 September 2014|url-status=dead}} The vegetation cover in Paratinga consists of Caatinga, typical of the Sertão, with a predominance of cacti. Common species include imbu, umburana, ouricury palm, caper shrubs, croton, rosemary, red sorrel, ceiba, macambira, and caroa.{{cite book|last=Duque|first=José Guimarães|year=2004|title=O Nordeste e as Lavouras Xerófilas|url=https://www.bnb.gov.br/s482-dspace/bitstream/123456789/716/1/2004_LIV_NLX.pdf|location=Fortaleza|publisher=Banco do Nordeste do Brasil|edition=4|pages=113-114|isbn=8587062360}}

Paratinga is bathed by the São Francisco River, located on the municipality's left bank{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinganoticias.com/2014/12/jovens-morrem-afogados-no-rio-sao-francisco-em-paratinga.html|title=Jovens morrem afogados no Rio São Francisco em Paratinga|publisher=Paratinga Notícias|date=December 2014|access-date=3 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160803135708/http://www.paratinganoticias.com/2014/12/jovens-morrem-afogados-no-rio-sao-francisco-em-paratinga.html|archive-date=3 August 2016|url-status=dead}} and situated in the homonymous hydrographic basin. The municipality is also crossed by the Santo Onofre River, a tributary of the São Francisco,{{cite web|url=http://correiodooeste.com.br/paratinga-comite-do-sao-francisco-realizara-consulta-publica/|title=Paratinga: Comitê do São Francisco realizará consulta pública|publisher=Correio do Oeste|date=15 July 2013|access-date=3 August 2016|archive-url=https://archive.is/20160803140328/http://correiodooeste.com.br/paratinga-comite-do-sao-francisco-realizara-consulta-publica/|archive-date=3 August 2016|url-status=live}} and the Riacho do Paulista, in the Águas do Paulista district. According to the Encyclopedia of Brazilian Municipalities published in 1958, the Santa Rita Stream, also a periodic tributary of the São Francisco, was notable, as were lagoons such as Largo, Grande, Jacaré, Ipueira, Tapera, and Marinheiro, formed by river overflows during higher water levels.{{cite book|last=Ferreira|first=Jurandyr Pires|year=1958|title=Enciclopédia dos Municípios Brasileiros|volume=21|url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/livros/liv27295_21.pdf|location=Rio de Janeiro|publisher=IBGE|pages=104-105}}

The city also features several islands used for agriculture. The main one, on the western bank of the urban area, the Paratinga Island, is the largest fluvial island in the São Francisco River, measuring {{convert|12000|m|abbr=on}} in length and {{convert|300|m|abbr=on}} in width. Additionally, Paratinga includes Mangal Island ({{convert|4000|m|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|300|m|abbr=on}} wide), Cavalos Island ({{convert|5000|m|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|1000|m|abbr=on}} wide), and Barroso Island ({{convert|5000|m|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|1250|m|abbr=on}} wide). In the Águas do Paulista district and the Brejo das Moças village, Paratinga has hot springs.

Water supply in Paratinga is managed by the Autonomous Water and Sewage Service (SAAE), a municipal agency,{{cite web|url=http://www.ppa.pt/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Bahia-P%C3%A1gina-site-PPA-2013-06-25.pdf|title=Mercados chave|publisher=Parceria portuguesa para a água|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424040248/http://www.ppa.pt/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Bahia-P%C3%A1gina-site-PPA-2013-06-25.pdf|archive-date=2015-04-24|url-status=live}} which sources water directly from the São Francisco River.{{cite web|url=http://www.inema.ba.gov.br/download/715/|title=Monitoramento da qualidade das águas|publisher=Instituto do Meio Ambiente e Recursos Hídricos|access-date=2016-08-03}} In rural areas, the Bahia Environmental Engineering and Water Resources Company (Cerb) has been providing water services to part of the population since 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.cerb.ba.gov.br/sala-de-imprensa/noticias/governador-entrega-%C3%A0-popula%C3%A7%C3%A3o-de-paratinga-sistema-de-abastecimento-de-%C3%A1g|title=Governador entrega à população de Paratinga sistema de abastecimento de água construído pela Cerb|publisher=Companhia de Engenharia Ambiental e Recursos Hídricos da Bahia|date=2012-06-05|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803144150/http://www.cerb.ba.gov.br/sala-de-imprensa/noticias/governador-entrega-%C3%A0-popula%C3%A7%C3%A3o-de-paratinga-sistema-de-abastecimento-de-%C3%A1g|archive-date=2016-08-03|url-status=dead}} In 2015, the São Francisco and Parnaíba Valley Development Company (CODEVASF) announced the construction of a water supply system for additional rural communities in the city.{{cite web|url=http://www.codevasf.gov.br/noticias/2015/acao-da-codevasf-levara-agua-tratada-as-torneiras-de-familias-rurais-em-carinhanha-ba/|title=Ação da Codevasf levará água tratada às torneiras de famílias rurais em Carinhanha (BA)|publisher=Companhia de Desenvolvimento dos Vales do São Francisco e do Parnaíba|date=2015-02-22|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308081255/http://www.codevasf.gov.br/noticias/2015/acao-da-codevasf-levara-agua-tratada-as-torneiras-de-familias-rurais-em-carinhanha-ba/|archive-date=2015-03-08|url-status=live}} The São Francisco River Fluvial Authority covers the region, managed by the Bom Jesus da Lapa Fluvial Agency.{{cite web|url=https://www.mar.mil.br/cfsf/capitania/area_jurisdicao.html|title=Capitania Fluvial do São Francisco|publisher=Capitania Fluvial do São Francisco|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803161530/https://www.mar.mil.br/cfsf/capitania/area_jurisdicao.html|archive-date=2016-08-03|url-status=dead}}

{{wide image|Panorama do Rio São Francisco no Cais do Porto de Paratinga, janeiro de 2023 (2).jpg|1000px|Panorama of the São Francisco River at the Paratinga Port Wharf, January 2023.}}

The climate of Paratinga is classified by the IBGE as hot semi-arid{{cite web|url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/mapas/GEBIS%20-%20RJ/BrasilClimas.jpg|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.fo/7AYW|archive-date=2012-07-08|title=Brasil - Climas|author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE)|publisher=Biblioteca IBGE|access-date=2011-10-10}} (type BSh according to the Köppen classification), with an average annual temperature of {{convert|25.9|°C|°F}} and average annual rainfall of {{convert|768|mm|in}}, concentrated between November and March, with December being the wettest month (148 mm). The hottest month, October, has an average temperature of {{convert|27.9|°C|°F}}, with an average high of {{convert|34.8|°C|°F}} and an average low of {{convert|21.0|°C|°F}}. The coolest month, June, averages {{convert|24.3|°C|°F}}, with a high of {{convert|32.1|°C|°F}} and a low of {{convert|16.5|°C|°F}}. Autumn and spring serve as transitional seasons.{{cite web|url=http://pt.climate-data.org/location/43243/|title=Clima: Paratinga|publisher=pt.climate|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803161035/http://pt.climate-data.org/location/43243/|archive-date=2016-08-03|url-status=live}}

{{Weather box

|location = Paratinga

|width = 100%

|metric first = yes

|single line = yes

|Jan high C = 32.2 |Jan low C = 20.0

|Feb high C = 31.8 |Feb low C = 19.7

|Mar high C = 31.8 |Mar low C = 20.0

|Apr high C = 32.3 |Apr low C = 19.4

|May high C = 32.3 |May low C = 18.1

|Jun high C = 32.1 |Jun low C = 16.5

|Jul high C = 32.2 |Jul low C = 16.6

|Aug high C = 33.4 |Aug low C = 18.0

|Sep high C = 34.6 |Sep low C = 19.8

|Oct high C = 34.8 |Oct low C = 21.0

|Nov high C = 32.8 |Nov low C = 21.0

|Dec high C = 31.8 |Dec low C = 19.9

|year high C = 34.8 |year low C = 16.5

|Jan mean C = 26.1

|Feb mean C = 25.7

|Mar mean C = 25.9

|Apr mean C = 25.2

|May mean C = 24.3

|Jun mean C = 24.3

|Jul mean C = 24.4

|Aug mean C = 25.7

|Sep mean C = 27.2

|Oct mean C = 27.9

|Nov mean C = 25.8

|Dec mean C = 25.8

|year mean C = 25.9

|Jan precipitation mm = 110

|Feb precipitation mm = 132

|Mar precipitation mm = 102

|Apr precipitation mm = 51

|May precipitation mm = 11

|Jun precipitation mm = 3

|Jul precipitation mm = 2

|Aug precipitation mm = 1

|Sep precipitation mm = 10

|Oct precipitation mm = 53

|Nov precipitation mm = 145

|Dec precipitation mm = 148

|year precipitation mm = 768

|source = Climate Data.

}}

{{multiple image

| align = left

| direction = vertical

| width = 220

| image1 = Rio São Francisco durante cheia, Porto de Paratinga, janeiro de 2016.jpg

| caption1 = São Francisco River (at Paratinga Island) during a flood in January 2016.

| image2 = Ilha de Paratinga seca (10), janeiro de 2017.jpg

| caption2 = Paratinga Island in a dry state, January 2017.

}}

Paratinga has been part of the Drought Polygon since its designation by decree-law in 1936.{{cite web|url=http://www.cpatsa.embrapa.br/public_eletronica/downloads/OPB1839.pdf|title=RELATÓRIO FINAL: GRUPO DE TRABALHO INTERMINISTERIAL PARA REDELIMITAÇÃO DO SEMI-ÁRIDO NORDESTINO E DO POLÍGONO DAS SECAS|publisher=Embrapa|access-date=2016-08-09|location=Brasília|date=March 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809043148/http://www.cpatsa.embrapa.br/public_eletronica/downloads/OPB1839.pdf|archive-date=2016-08-09|url-status=live}} Between 2009 and 2010, deforestation in the region affected 0.05% of the municipality’s territory.{{cite web|url=http://www.mma.gov.br/estruturas/sbf_chm_rbbio/_arquivos/relatoriofinal_cerrado_2010_final_72_1.pdf|title=MONITORAMENTO DO DESMATAMENTO NOS BIOMAS BRASILEIROS POR SATÉLITE ACORDO DE COOPERAÇÃO TÉCNICA MMA/IBAMA|publisher=Ministério do Meio Ambiente|access-date=2016-08-09|location=Brasília|date=August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722160541/http://www.mma.gov.br/estruturas/sbf_chm_rbbio/_arquivos/relatoriofinal_cerrado_2010_final_72_1.pdf|archive-date=2012-07-22|url-status=dead}} Droughts have affected the municipality for centuries, influenced by regional climatic variations and uneven rainfall distribution, which sometimes occurs in large amounts over short periods. In 1993 and 1995, for instance, severe droughts in western Bahia{{cite book|url=https://ainfo.cnptia.embrapa.br/digital/bitstream/item/80036/1/51.pdf|year=2011|title=Classificação de anos secos e chuvosos em zonas pluviometricamente homogêneas no Estado da Bahia|first=Camila da Silva|last=Dourado|publisher=Embrapa|access-date=2017-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315224323/https://ainfo.cnptia.embrapa.br/digital/bitstream/item/80036/1/51.pdf|archive-date=2017-03-15|url-status=dead}} prompted then-mayor Eduardo do Vale Barbosa, along with 40 other mayors from western Bahia, to discuss solutions for the drought in the region. During this period, several rural villages in the city received artesian wells,{{cite news|date=1995-08-20|title=40 prefeitos do oeste da Bahia irão à Brasília pedir socorro|first=Ispedito|last=Nunes|newspaper=Nova Fronteira|location=Barreiras|access-date=2017-03-16|url=https://tiagoabreu.jor.br/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Ronda-dos-Municipios.jpg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920222755/https://tiagoabreu.jor.br/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Ronda-dos-Municipios.jpg|archive-date=2020-09-20}} actions that continued in subsequent administrations, either with local resources or in partnership with CODEVASF.{{cite news|url=https://www.introvertendo.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Novacao-dezembro-de-1998.pdf|title=Novação|access-date=2017-03-12|newspaper=Novação|issue=9|year=1998|location=Paratinga|pages=8|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622161129/https://www.introvertendo.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Novacao-dezembro-de-1998.pdf|archive-date=2023-06-22}}

Despite frequent droughts throughout the municipality’s history, there has been an increase in their frequency in recent years. In 2012, the state of Bahia declared a state of emergency in 158 municipalities, including Paratinga.{{cite web|url=http://g1.globo.com/bahia/noticia/2012/03/bahia-tem-158-cidades-em-situacao-de-emergencia-por-conta-de-estiagem.html|title=Bahia tem 158 cidades em situação de emergência por conta de estiagem|publisher=G1|access-date=2016-08-09|date=2012-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325231009/http://g1.globo.com/bahia/noticia/2012/03/bahia-tem-158-cidades-em-situacao-de-emergencia-por-conta-de-estiagem.html|archive-date=2012-03-25|url-status=live}} In 2014, the municipal government declared that the city was experiencing a "significant abnormal drought period".{{cite web|url=http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=31EA0B5E8B4E|title=DECRETO MUNICIPAL Nº 059/2014 de 07 de Julho de 2014|first=Eliezer Pereira Dourado|last=Filho|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|access-date=2016-08-09|date=2014-07-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809044852/http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=31EA0B5E8B4E|archive-date=2016-08-09|url-status=live}} The following month, the state government included the city among 109 others in critical condition,{{cite web|url=http://carlosbritto.ne10.uol.com.br/seca-governo-da-bahia-decreta-situacao-de-emergencia-em-juazeiro-e-em-mais-109-municipios/|title=Seca: Governo da Bahia decreta situação de emergência em Juazeiro e mais 109 municípios|first=Carlos|last=Britto|publisher=Blog do Carlos Britto|access-date=2016-08-09|date=2014-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804125033/http://carlosbritto.ne10.uol.com.br/seca-governo-da-bahia-decreta-situacao-de-emergencia-em-juazeiro-e-em-mais-109-municipios/|archive-date=2015-08-04|url-status=dead}} considered the worst drought in a century.{{cite web|url=http://g1.globo.com/jornal-nacional/noticia/2014/11/rio-sao-francisco-acumula-bancos-de-areia-em-trecho-da-bahia.html|title=Rio São Francisco acumula bancos de areia em trecho da Bahia|publisher=Jornal Nacional|access-date=2016-08-09|date=2014-11-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225205915/http://g1.globo.com/jornal-nacional/noticia/2014/11/rio-sao-francisco-acumula-bancos-de-areia-em-trecho-da-bahia.html|archive-date=2014-12-25|url-status=live}} In 2015, the Sobradinho Dam experienced its worst drought in forty years.{{cite web|url=http://atarde.uol.com.br/bahia/noticias/1721086-area-do-sobradinho-vai-receber-r-529-mil-por-conta-da-seca|title=Área do Sobradinho vai receber R$ 529 mil por conta da seca|publisher=A Tarde|access-date=2016-08-09|date=2015-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117025616/http://atarde.uol.com.br/bahia/noticias/1721086-area-do-sobradinho-vai-receber-r-529-mil-por-conta-da-seca|archive-date=2015-11-17|url-status=dead}} Conversely, in November 2015 and January 2016, Paratinga received above-average rainfall, leading to flooding of homes, streets, and roads, with some residents reporting sanitation issues that mixed with the rainfall, posing risks of infectious diseases.{{cite web|url=http://www.jornalcidade1.com.br/2016/03/paratinga-prefeitura-esta-reconstruindo.html|title=Paratinga: Prefeitura está reconstruindo todas as estradas vicinais do município|publisher=Jornal Cidade|access-date=2016-08-09|date=March 2016|first=Ivan|last=Nevton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809050255/http://www.jornalcidade1.com.br/2016/03/paratinga-prefeitura-esta-reconstruindo.html|archive-date=2016-08-09|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.macaubenselife.com.br/2015/11/fortes-chuvas-causam-transtornos-aos.html|title=Fortes chuvas causam transtornos aos moradores de Paratinga - BA|publisher=Macaubense Life|first=Tony|last=Gama|access-date=2016-08-09|date=2015-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809050025/http://www.macaubenselife.com.br/2015/11/fortes-chuvas-causam-transtornos-aos.html|archive-date=2016-08-09|url-status=dead}}

The environmental impacts on the São Francisco River are the main environmental concern in the city. As a municipality reliant on the river for its water supply and whose main sources of income are agriculture and animal husbandry, droughts consistently cause significant losses for Paratinga's residents. The most affected are riverside communities, which often depend solely on artisanal fishing for their livelihood. The result is an increasingly silted river, with erosion processes hindering navigability in its channels.{{cite book|url=http://www.unifacs.br/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Ma%C3%ADra-Tamara-de-Menezes-Torres.pdf|date=March 2016|title=Impactos ambientais na bacia do Rio São Francisco proveniente de atividades antrópicas|first=Maira Tamara de Menezes|last=Torres|publisher=Universidade Salvador|access-date=2016-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226015635/http://www.unifacs.br/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Ma%C3%ADra-Tamara-de-Menezes-Torres.pdf|archive-date=2017-12-26|url-status=dead}} In response, in 2014, the state government provided financial assistance to the population and supported the construction of cisterns and dams.{{cite web|url=http://www.tribunadabahia.com.br/2014/08/22/familias-no-semiarido-baiano-recebem-ate-r$-3-mil-para-combate-estiagem|title=Famílias no semiárido baiano recebem até R$ 3 mil para combate à estiagem|publisher=Tribuna da Bahia|access-date=2016-08-09|date=2014-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809051924/http://www.tribunadabahia.com.br/2014/08/22/familias-no-semiarido-baiano-recebem-ate-r$-3-mil-para-combate-estiagem|archive-date=2016-08-09|url-status=dead}}

{{Historical populations

| 1872 |18774

| 1900 |14188

| 1920 |18818

| 1940 |16105

| 1950 |21050

| 1960 |16716

| 1970 |18409

| 1980 |20635

| 1991 |24181

| 2000 |27679

| 2010 |29504

| 2022 |29252

| estimated =

| est_year =

| est_ref =

| source =

}}

According to the 2010 Brazilian Census, Paratinga had a population of {{formatnum:29504}} inhabitants, making it the 92nd most populous municipality in Bahia, with a population density of {{convert|11.28|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.censo2010.ibge.gov.br/sinopse/index.php?uf=29&dados=21|title=Tabela 2.1 - População residente, total, urbana total e urbana na sede municipal, em números absolutos e relativos, com indicação da área total e densidade demográfica, segundo as Unidades da Federação e os municípios – 2010|year=2010|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129052452/http://www.censo2010.ibge.gov.br/sinopse/index.php?uf=29&dados=21|archive-date=2014-11-29|url-status=dead}} Of this total, {{formatnum:10905}} lived in the urban area (37%) and {{formatnum:18599}} in the rural area (63%). Additionally, {{formatnum:14930}} were male (50.60%) and {{formatnum:14574}} were female (49.40%), resulting in a sex ratio of 102.4.{{cite web|url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=631&i=P&opc183=1&nome=on&qtu8=137&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=631&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&poc2=2&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&nivt=0&orp=5&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=1&opc2=1&orc183=4&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&orc2=3&qtu2=5&qtu15=3&sev=93&sev=1000093&sec2=0&sec2=4&sec2=5&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&opn13=0&poc183=1&ascendente=on&sep=24929&orn=1&qtu7=36&sec183=0&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Paratinga&OpcCara=44&proc=1&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&opn7=0&decm=99|title=Tabela 631 - População residente, por situação do domicílio e sexo - Sinopse|year=2010|access-date=2016-08-10|archive-url=https://archive.fo/yLt6j|archive-date=2016-08-10|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://censo2010.ibge.gov.br/sinopse/index.php?uf=29&dados=2R|title=Razão de sexo, população de homens e mulheres, segundo os municípios – 2010|year=2010|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|access-date=2016-08-10}} Regarding age groups, {{formatnum:3217}} inhabitants were under 15 years old (18.5%), {{formatnum:17580}} were between 15 and 59 years old (59.6%), and {{formatnum:3320}} were 65 years or older (21.9%).{{cite web|url=http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=90&codmun=292370|title=Características da população|date=2010|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010141342/http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=90&codmun=292370|archive-date=2014-10-10|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=79&codmun=292370|title=Indicadores sociais municipais|year=2010|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009064017/http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=79&codmun=292370|archive-date=2014-10-09|url-status=dead}}

The Human Development Index (HDI-M) of the municipality is considered low, according to data from the United Nations Development Programme. Based on the 2010 report, published in 2013, its value was 0.59, ranking it the 199th in Bahia{{cite web|url=http://www.portaldenoticias.net/cansancao-sobe-itiuba-e-monte-santo-descem-veja-o-ranking-do-idh-2013/|title=Cansanção sobe, Itiúba e Monte Santo descem, veja o ranking do IDH 2013|publisher=Portal de Notícias|date=2010|access-date=2013-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803202149/http://www.portaldenoticias.net/cansancao-sobe-itiuba-e-monte-santo-descem-veja-o-ranking-do-idh-2013/|archive-date=2016-08-03|url-status=live}} and the {{formatnum:4395|th}} in Brazil. Although low, this represents a 135.06% increase compared to 1991. Considering only the longevity index, its value is 0.774, the income index is 0.519, and the education index is 0.510. From 2000 to 2010, the Gini index decreased from 0.66 to 0.55, and the proportion of people with a per capita household income of up to R$140 dropped from 78.43% to 51.60%, a reduction of 26.83%. In 2010, 18.1% of the population lived above the poverty line, 51.60% between the indigence and poverty lines, and 30.09% below the indigence line. In 2010, 53.3% of the population was economically active and employed.{{cite web|url=http://www.atlasbrasil.org.br/2013/pt/perfil_m/paratinga_ba|title=Paratinga|publisher=Atlas do Desenvolvimento Humano no Brasil|year=2013|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://archive.fo/IHF7n|archive-date=2016-08-03|url-status=dead}}

File:Pessoas reunidas em casa num povoado de Paratinga, Bahia, 2014.jpg

Paratinga was primarily formed in the 17th century by Portuguese, Africans, and indigenous peoples. Most of the native inhabitants from western Bahia were killed, but the remaining portion was enslaved alongside African descendants. The majority of Africans came from West African countries such as Angola (particularly the Ganguela ethnic group), Cape Verde, and Guinea, as well as Mozambique. Encouraged by colonial authorities, interbreeding over the years increased the number of mestiços and Afro-descendants without specific identification in municipal records. A significant portion of enslaved Africans were also sold from Minas Gerais. According to the 1872 Brazilian Census, Paratinga had 944 individuals still subjected to slavery.

According to the 2010 Census, the population was composed of 18,559 Pardos (68.95%), 4,326 Whites (16.07%), 3,518 Blacks (13.07%), 479 Asians (1.77%), and 33 Indigenous People (0.12%).{{cite web|url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=1379&i=P&sec59=93024&nome=on&qtu8=137&digt102=&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=1379&sec287=0&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&orc59=4&opc1=1&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&qtu11=658&qtu23=294&nivt=0&orc86=3&poc1=1&orp=7&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=1&poc86=2&sec1=0&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&qtu2=5&opn10=0&qtu15=3&sev=138&sev=1000138&opc86=2&poc59=1&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&qtu102=14213&opn13=0&sec86=0&opc59=1&orc287=6&sep=28844&orn=1&digt10=&opn11=0&qtu7=36&opn23=0&orc1=5&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&opc287=1&qtu10=10282&digt11=&opn7=0&decm=99&poc287=1&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Paratinga&opn102=0&OpcCara=104&proc=1|title=Tabela 1379 - Pessoas de 5 anos ou mais de idade, total e as alfabetizadas, por cor ou raça, segundo a situação do domicílio e a idade|year=2010|access-date=2016-08-10|archive-url=https://archive.fo/lWOTD|archive-date=2016-08-10|url-status=dead}} Paratinga also has three recognized quilombos: the Tomba neighborhood in the urban area, and the rural communities of Barro and Lagoa do Jacaré, predominantly composed of black individuals. In 2015, a Romani community of thirty families was recognized by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF) in the municipality.{{cite web|url=http://racismoambiental.net.br/?p=181944|title=MPF firma TAC para a execução de políticas públicas em favor dos ciganos de Paratinga/BA|date=2015-05-28|access-date=2016-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011143341/http://racismoambiental.net.br/?p=181944|archive-date=2015-10-11|url-status=dead}}

Considering the nationality of the resident population during the 2010 census, all inhabitants were native-born Brazilians. Regarding their region of birth, {{formatnum:28493}} were born in the Northeast Region (96.57%), 695 in the Southeast (2.35%), 131 in the Central-West (0.44%), 32 in the North (0.10%), and 31 in the South (0.10%), with 123 unspecified (0.41%).{{cite web|url=http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=97&codmun=292370|title=Migração|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|year=2010|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923195352/http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=97&codmun=292370|archive-date=2014-09-23|url-status=dead}} {{formatnum:28331}} inhabitants were born in Bahia (96.02%). Of those born in other states, 569 were from São Paulo (1.93%), 103 were from Minas Gerais (0.35%), 84 were from Pernambuco (0.28%), 73 were from the Federal District (0.17%), 41 were from Goiás (0.14%), 32 were from Alagoas (0.11%), 28 were from Piauí (0.%), 23 from Rio de Janeiro (0.08%), 21 from Paraná (0.07%), 21 from Rondônia (0.07%), 17 from Mato Grosso do Sul (0.06%), 11 from Rio Grande do Norte (0.04%), and nine from Rio Grande do Sul (0.03%).{{cite web|url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=631&i=P&opc183=2&nome=on&qtu8=137&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=631&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&poc2=1&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&nivt=0&orp=5&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=1&opc2=1&orc183=4&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&orc2=3&qtu2=5&qtu15=3&sev=93&sev=1000093&sec2=0&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&opn13=0&poc183=2&ascendente=on&sep=24929&orn=1&qtu7=36&sec183=0&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Paratinga&OpcCara=44&proc=1&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&opn7=0&decm=99|title=Tabela 631 - População residente, por sexo e lugar de nascimento|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|year=2010|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808075803/http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=631&i=P&opc183=2&nome=on&qtu8=137&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=631&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&poc2=1&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&nivt=0&orp=5&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=1&opc2=1&orc183=4&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&orc2=3&qtu2=5&qtu15=3&sev=93&sev=1000093&sec2=0&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&opn13=0&poc183=2&ascendente=on&sep=24929&orn=1&qtu7=36&sec183=0&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Paratinga&OpcCara=44&proc=1&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&opn7=0&decm=99|archive-date=2017-08-08|url-status=dead}} For 2020, the estimated population was {{formatnum:32141}} inhabitants.

{{multiple image

| align = right

| direction = vertical

| width = 200

| image1 = Primeira Igreja Batista de Paratinga, janeiro de 2023 (3).jpg

| caption1 = First Baptist Church of Paratinga.

| image2 = Centro Espírita Seara de Jesus, Paratinga, janeiro de 2023 (1).jpg

| caption2 = Seara de Jesus Spiritist Center.

}}

According to the official division of the Catholic Church, Paratinga is part of the Diocese of Bom Jesus da Lapa. The establishment of religious institutions in the city, however, predates the existence of religious temples throughout the region. In 1680, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Blacks was built, which still exists today but was partially destroyed due to political conflicts and wars in the 19th century.

The main church in the city, the Santo Antônio Parish, dedicated to Anthony of Padua, was established in 1718. In 2015, a fire damaged its structure, leading to its restoration and recovery.{{cite web|url=http://eduardosalles.com.br/eduardo-salles-e-zequinha-dourado-solicitam-auxilio-do-iphan-no-projeto-de-recuperacao-da-igreja-matriz/|title=Eduardo Salles e Zequinha Dourado solicitam auxílio do IPHAN no projeto de recuperação da Igreja Matriz|date=2016-06-20|publisher=Eduardo Salles|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803223513/http://eduardosalles.com.br/eduardo-salles-e-zequinha-dourado-solicitam-auxilio-do-iphan-no-projeto-de-recuperacao-da-igreja-matriz/|archive-date=2016-08-03|url-status=dead}} In the 2010 census, Roman Catholicism was the religion of the majority, with {{formatnum:26756}} adherents, or 90.69% of the population.

Paratinga also has several Protestant or Reformed denominations. In 2010, {{formatnum:1970}} inhabitants identified as evangelicals (6.68%), with {{formatnum:945}} belonging to Pentecostal evangelical churches (3.20%), 220 to mission-based evangelical churches (0.75%), and {{formatnum:805}} to unspecified evangelical churches (2.73%). Among Pentecostal evangelical churches, 301 were members of the Assemblies of God (1.02%), 110 of the Christian Congregation in Brazil (0.37%), 168 of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (0.57%), 20 of the Brazil for Christ Pentecostal Church (0.07%), 6 of the Foursquare Church (0.02%), and 339 of other Pentecostal churches. Among mission-based evangelical churches, 138 were Baptist (0.47%), 44 Lutheran (0.15%), and 38 Seventh-day Adventist (0.13%).

In addition to Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, there were also 119 Spiritists (0.40%), 103 Umbandists (0.35%), and 21 Jehovah's Witnesses (0.07%). Additionally, 258 individuals had no religion (0.88%), including 20 atheists (0.07%), and 103 adhered to other Afro-Brazilian religions (0.35%).{{cite web|url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=2094&i=P&nome=on&qtu8=137&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=2094&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&poc133=2&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&nivt=0&orc86=3&orp=5&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=1&poc86=1&opc133=2&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&orc133=4&qtu2=5&qtu15=3&sev=93&sev=1000093&opc86=1&sec133=0&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&opn13=0&sec86=0&ascendente=on&sep=38559&orn=1&qtu7=36&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Paratinga&OpcCara=44&proc=1&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&opn7=0&decm=99|title=Tabela 2094 - População residente por cor ou raça e religião|year=2010|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://archive.fo/UNtK6|archive-date=2016-08-03|url-status=dead}}

{{wide image|Igreja Matriz de Paratinga, janeiro de 2023 (5).jpg|1000px|Santo Antônio Parish Church, January 2023.}}

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| caption2 = The Paratinga City Hall Palace, currently abandoned, in 2023.

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Throughout its history, Paratinga has developed significant regional political relevance. One of the most prominent strongholds in the interior during the imperial period, the region was a stage for considerable disputes between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party, as well as persecutions and armed conflicts between the two groups. The Teixeira Palha family, representing the conservatives, migrated to Goiás, while Colonel Rodrigo José de Magalhães, part of the liberals, maintained political power in the city into the republican era.{{Cite book|last=LINS|first=Wilson|year=1983|title=O médio São Francisco: uma sociedade de pastores e guerreiros|location=Salvador|publisher=Nacional|page=67}} The former intendant Juvêncio Cândido Xavier, son-in-law of Rodrigo José Magalhães, became a deputy,{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com.br/books?id=pAv2DwAAQBAJ|last=ABREU|first=Tiago|year=2019|title=Histórias de Paratinga|publisher=Cânone Editorial|location=Goiânia|page=238|access-date=2020-01-30|isbn=9788580581126}} as did Pedro Carneiro da Silva. The municipality is also the birthplace of Cleuber Brandão Carneiro, former mayor of Januária and former federal deputy of Minas Gerais.{{cite web|url=https://www.almg.gov.br/acompanhe/eventos/hotsites/2009/constituicao/aconstituinte/deputados/cleuber_carneiro.jsp|title=Cleuber Carneiro|publisher=Assembleia Legislativa de Minas Gerais|access-date=2020-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130112651/https://www.almg.gov.br/acompanhe/eventos/hotsites/2009/constituicao/aconstituinte/deputados/cleuber_carneiro.jsp|archive-date=2020-01-30|url-status=live}}

The executive power of the municipality of Paratinga is represented by the mayor, assisted by their cabinet of secretaries, in accordance with the model established by the Constitution of Brazil. The mayor is elected by direct election for a four-year term, with the possibility of re-election for a second consecutive term.{{cite web|url=http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/constituicao/Emendas/Emc/emc16.htm|title=EMENDA CONSTITUCIONAL Nº 16, DE 04 DE JUNHO DE 1997|date=1997-06-04|publisher=Planalto|access-date=2014-09-28|archive-url=http://www.archive.today/lGkdb|archive-date=2014-03-13}}{{cite web|url=http://portalpbh.pbh.gov.br/pbh/ecp/comunidade.do?evento=portlet&pIdPlc=ecpTaxonomiaMenuPortal&app=salaestudante&lang=pt_BR&pg=5341&tax=14662|title=Como funcionam os poderes|access-date=2015-03-05|archive-url=http://www.archive.today/u55xm|archive-date=2015-02-21|url-status=dead}} The first municipal executive was the intendant Rodrigo José Magalhães,{{cite web|url=http://www.citybrazil.com.br/ba/paratinga/historia-da-cidade|title=História da cidade de Paratinga - Bahia|publisher=City Brasil|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022155521/http://www.citybrazil.com.br/ba/paratinga/historia-da-cidade|archive-date=2013-10-22|url-status=dead}} and the current mayor is Vitor Ferreira de Santana (PT), elected in the 2024 municipal elections with 69.14% of the valid votes,{{cite web|url=https://g1.globo.com/ba/bahia/eleicoes/2024/noticia/2024/12/31/prefeito-de-paratinga-ba-toma-posse-nesta-quarta-1o-veja-lista-de-vereadores-eleitos.ghtml|title=Prefeito de Paratinga (BA) toma posse nesta quarta (1º); veja lista de vereadores eleitos|website=G1|access-date=2024-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102180654/https://g1.globo.com/ba/bahia/eleicoes/2024/noticia/2024/12/31/prefeito-de-paratinga-ba-toma-posse-nesta-quarta-1o-veja-lista-de-vereadores-eleitos.ghtml|archive-date=2025-01-02|url-status=live}} with José Alves Gonçalves (PSD) as vice-mayor.{{cite web|url=https://www.estadao.com.br/politica/eleicoes/2024/candidatos-ba/paratinga/vice-prefeito/ze-de-perminio-13/|title=Ze de Perminio 13 - Candidato a vice-prefeito - Paratinga - BA|website=O Estado de S. Paulo|access-date=2025-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102180508/https://www.estadao.com.br/politica/eleicoes/2024/candidatos-ba/paratinga/vice-prefeito/ze-de-perminio-13/|archive-date=2025-01-02|url-status=live}}

The legislative power is exercised by the municipal chamber, composed of thirteen councilors elected for four-year terms. In the current legislature, which began in 2024, it consists of five seats from the Workers' Party (PT), four from the Social Democratic Party (PSD), one from Progressistas (PP), and one from Avante. The current president is Councilor Rilton Souza Novaes.{{cite web|url=https://www.paratinga.ba.leg.br/institucional/noticias/nova-mesa-diretora-toma-posse-na-camara-de-vereadores-de-paratinga|title=Nova mesa diretora toma posse na Câmara de Vereadores de Paratinga|date=2019-01-01|publisher=Câmara Municipal de Paratinga|access-date=2019-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423221044/https://www.paratinga.ba.leg.br/institucional/noticias/nova-mesa-diretora-toma-posse-na-camara-de-vereadores-de-paratinga|archive-date=2019-04-23}} The chamber is responsible for drafting and voting on fundamental laws for the administration and the executive, particularly the municipal budget (known as the Budget Guidelines Law).{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.leg.br/leis/lei-organica-municipal|title=Lei Orgânica Municipal|publisher=Portal da Câmara Municipal de Paratinga|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803235752/http://www.paratinga.ba.leg.br/leis/lei-organica-municipal|archive-date=2016-08-03|url-status=live}}

In addition to the legislative process and the work of the secretariats, several municipal councils are active, including those for Health,{{cite web|url=http://formsus.datasus.gov.br/site/resultado_detalhe.php?id_aplicacao=13&id_aplicacao_campo=389&pagina=146&num_por_pagina=50|title=Cadastro de Conselhos de Saúde 2007/2008|publisher=Sistema Único de Saúde|access-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804001439/http://formsus.datasus.gov.br/site/resultado_detalhe.php?id_aplicacao=13&id_aplicacao_campo=389&pagina=146&num_por_pagina=50|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=dead}} School Feeding,{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.leg.br/institucional/noticias/presidente-do-conselho-de-alimentacao-escolar-fala-na-camara-de-vereadores|title=Presidente do conselho de Alimentação Escolar fala na Câmara de Vereadores|date=2013-10-02|publisher=Portal da Câmara Municipal de Paratinga|access-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804000316/http://www.paratinga.ba.leg.br/institucional/noticias/presidente-do-conselho-de-alimentacao-escolar-fala-na-camara-de-vereadores|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=dead}} and Child and Adolescent Rights.{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=a2e33d344f|title=Convocação para os candidatos ao Conselho Tutelar de Paratinga|date=2015-07-04|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|access-date=2014-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804000931/http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=a2e33d344f|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=dead}} Paratinga is governed by its organic law, enacted on April 5, 1990,{{cite web|url=http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/iframe.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=35E80A58814A|title=Diário oficial Municipal|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|access-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804001954/http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/iframe.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=35E80A58814A|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=live}} and was home to one of the earliest state judicial courts, inherited from the former Urubu Court,{{cite web|url=http://www.antoniopessoacardoso.com.br/2014/07/paratinga-criada-em-1927-podera-ser.html|title=Paratinga, criada em 1927, pode ser vítima|first=Antônio Pessoa|last=Cardoso|access-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804002610/http://www.antoniopessoacardoso.com.br/2014/07/paratinga-criada-em-1927-podera-ser.html|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=live}} deactivated in July 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.bahiaverdade.com.br/noticias/1870-2017/07/05/tjba-decide-desativar-comarca-de-rio-de-contas-e-de-mais-32-cidades-do-interior-do-estado|title=TJ-BA decide desativar comarca de Rio de Contas e de mais 32 cidades do interior do estado|publisher=Bahia Verdade|date=2017-07-05|access-date=2017-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720134347/http://www.bahiaverdade.com.br/noticias/1870-2017/07/05/tjba-decide-desativar-comarca-de-rio-de-contas-e-de-mais-32-cidades-do-interior-do-estado|archive-date=2017-07-20|url-status=dead}} In addition to the city hall and municipal chamber buildings, Paratinga has a Municipal Palace, one of its historic buildings.{{Cite book|date=2004-01-16|title=Paratinga: Levantamento do patrimônio construído de interesse cultural para fins de tombamento|first=José Carlos de Oliveira|last=Matta|location=Salvador|publisher=Instituto do Patrimônio Artístico e Cultural da Bahia|access-date=2017-03-18|url=https://www.introvertendo.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Paratinga-Levantamento-do-patrimonio-construido-de-interesse-.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106233106/https://www.introvertendo.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Paratinga-Levantamento-do-patrimonio-construido-de-interesse-.pdf|archive-date=2022-11-06}} According to the Superior Electoral Court, in November 2020, Paratinga had {{formatnum:23896}} voters, representing 0.219% of Bahia’s electorate.{{cite web|url=http://www.tse.jus.br/eleitor/estatisticas-de-eleitorado/consulta-quantitativo|title=Quantidade de eleitores por município/região|publisher=Tribunal Superior Eleitoral|access-date=2020-09-20}}

When it was emancipated in 1749, Paratinga was composed of several hamlets. The first to secede and later become a municipality was Macaúbas. Other cities, such as Oliveira dos Brejinhos, were also part of its territory. After Paratinga was elevated to municipality status, Bom Jesus da Lapa and Ibotirama also seceded. On June 1, 1953, the district of Águas do Paulista was created, and in the territorial division of June 1, 1960, which remains in effect, Paratinga consists of two districts: the seat district and Paulista.{{cite web|url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/bahia/paratinga.pdf|title=Histórico|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|access-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731201712/http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/bahia/paratinga.pdf|archive-date=2016-07-31|url-status=dead}} The urban area of the municipality is divided, in addition to the Center, into other neighborhoods, which include Tomba, Coqueiro, São João, Cruzeiro, Alto da Estrela, Paratinguinha, Pedro de Agemira, and Alcides de Oliveira Dourado. The rural area is divided into several farms, villages, and communities.{{cite web|url=http://www.censo2010.ibge.gov.br/cnefe/|title=Cadastro Nacional de Endereços para Fins Estatísticas|year=2010|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|access-date=2014-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127143018/http://www.censo2010.ibge.gov.br/cnefe/|archive-date=2011-11-27|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/index.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=37E80A5B8F|title=REPUBLICAÇÃO DO EXTRATO DE CONTRATO DE OBRAS E SERVIÇOS DE ENGENHÁRIA|year=2008|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|access-date=2017-03-15}} In 2014, the Tomba neighborhood and the rural community of Poção de Santo Antônio were certified by the Palmares Cultural Foundation as quilombos, with the neighborhood being a kind of urban quilombo.{{cite web|url=http://www.agenciaabraco.org/site/municipio-de-paratinga-ba-certifica-os-primeiros-quilombos-no-diario-oficial/|title=Município de Paratinga (BA) certifica os primeiros Quilombos no Diário Oficial|publisher=Agência Abraço|date=2014-05-22|access-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804122147/http://www.agenciaabraco.org/site/municipio-de-paratinga-ba-certifica-os-primeiros-quilombos-no-diario-oficial/|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=dead}}

File:Homem conduz boiada, zona rural de Paratinga, 2003.jpg

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| image1 = Mercado Municipal de Paratinga (8), janeiro de 2017.jpg

| caption1 = Customers shopping at the Paratinga Municipal Market.

| image2 = Margens do rio São Francisco em Paratinga, dezembro de 2008 (2).jpg

| caption2 = River transport has historically been one of the main economic activities in the city and continues to be practiced today.

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In its early centuries, Paratinga’s economy was heavily driven by primary sector activities. Livestock and agriculture were part of the daily routine for most of the population, while local commerce expanded as settlement grew in the Brazilian interior. With the presence of the São Francisco River, river transport remained a key activity for merchants, who transported goods to nearby locations such as Bom Jesus da Lapa and even more distant regions such as Jacobina and Xique-Xique. From the republican period and the settlement of the Vale do Santo Onofre, rural villages and families helped Paratinga stand out in the production of cachaça. In 1995, the municipality recorded significant sugarcane production, utilizing one thousand hectares of harvested land and ranking among the state’s top producers.{{Cite book|first=Manuel Alberto|last=Gutiérrez|author2=MANDARINO, Cuenca Diego Costa|date=October 2007|issn=1678-1953|title=Mudança na Geografia agrícola: A atividade canavieira nos principais municípios produtores do estado da Bahia|location=Aracaju|url=https://core.ac.uk/download/files/574/15432986.pdf|publisher=Embrapa|page=12|access-date=2016-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809030742/https://core.ac.uk/download/files/574/15432986.pdf|archive-date=2016-08-09|url-status=dead}} Today, the municipality also thrives on tourism, particularly through its district of Águas do Paulista and the Brejo das Moças.{{cite web|url=http://www.bahianapolitica.com.br/noticias/27351/paratinga-faz-123-anos-hoje.html|title=Paratinga faz 123 anos hoje|publisher=Bahia na Política|first=Jair|last=Onofre|date=2014-07-25|access-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804122437/http://www.bahianapolitica.com.br/noticias/27351/paratinga-faz-123-anos-hoje.html|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=live}}

In 2018, Paratinga’s Gross Domestic Product was R${{formatnum:159600}} thousand, with R${{formatnum:48627}} thousand from the tertiary sector; R${{formatnum:78291}} thousand from administration, health, education, and social security; R${{formatnum:5798}} thousand from taxes on products net of subsidies at current prices; R${{formatnum:5394}} thousand from industry; and R${{formatnum:21489}} thousand from the primary sector. The GDP per capita was R${{formatnum:4947.60}}.{{cite web|url=http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=152&codmun=292370|title=Bahia » Paratinga » produto interno bruto dos municípios - 2013|year=2013|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|access-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412073952/http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=152&codmun=292370|archive-date=2016-04-12|url-status=dead}} In 2016, the GDP was R${{formatnum:200638}}.

According to the IBGE, in 2013, the municipality had a herd of {{formatnum:11713}} poultry (chickens, roosters, and chicks), {{formatnum:38005}} cattle, {{formatnum:1095}} sheep, {{formatnum:3985}} goats, {{formatnum:6347}} pigs, and 721 horses. In the 2014 temporary crop production, the municipality produced sugarcane ({{formatnum:38000|t}}), cassava ({{formatnum:10122|t}}), maize ({{formatnum:3240|t}}), beans ({{formatnum:2260|t}}), sorghum ({{formatnum:1800|t}}), and castor bean ({{formatnum:5|t}}).{{cite web|url=http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=149&codmun=292370|title=Bahia » Paratinga » produção agrícola municipal - lavoura temporária - 2014|year=2014|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|access-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412134251/http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=149&codmun=292370|archive-date=2016-04-12|url-status=dead}} In permanent crops, it produced coconut (12,000 fruits), mango ({{formatnum:1290|t}}), orange ({{formatnum:225|t}}), banana ({{formatnum:120|t}}), and guava ({{formatnum:40|t}}).{{cite web|url=http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=148&codmun=292370|title=Bahia » Paratinga » produção agrícola municipal - lavoura permanente - 2014|year=2014|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|access-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412131427/http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=148&codmun=292370|archive-date=2016-04-12|url-status=dead}} In the same year, the municipality also produced {{formatnum:3651}} thousand liters of milk from {{formatnum:10142}} milked cows, 38,000 dozen eggs, and {{formatnum:2000}} kilograms of honey.{{cite web|url=http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=147&codmun=292370|title=Bahia » Paratinga » produção agrícola municipal - pecuária - 2014|access-date=2016-08-04|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|year=2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412123937/http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=147&codmun=292370|archive-date=2016-04-12}}

In 2010, considering the municipal population aged 18 or older, 53.3% were economically active and employed, 38% were inactive, and 8.7% were active but unemployed. In the same year, among the active and employed population in the same age group, 23.03% worked in the service sector, 5.92% in commerce, 57.87% in agriculture, 6.55% in construction, 3.08% in manufacturing industries, and 0.85% in public utilities. According to the 2014 Business Registry Statistics, Paratinga had 270 local units in 2014, with 265 active. Wages and other remunerations totaled {{formatnum:25187}} thousand reais, and the average monthly salary in the municipality was 1.6 minimum wages.{{cite web|url=http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=155&codmun=292370|title=Bahia » Paratinga » estatísticas do cadastro central de empresas - 2014|year=2014|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|access-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919120346/http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=155&codmun=292370|archive-date=2016-09-19|url-status=dead}}

The urban infrastructure sector of Paratinga is managed by the Secretariat of Infrastructure and Urban Services, which is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and promoting urban development in the city.{{cite web|url=http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/iframe.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=31EE01588D4A|title=TERMO DE ADITAMENTO DO CONTRATO DE Nº 301/2014|first=Eliezer Pereira Dourado|last=Filho|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|date=2015-01-27|access-date=2016-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809075545/http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/iframe.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=31EE01588D4A|archive-date=2016-08-09|url-status=live}}

File:Hospital Municipal de Paratinga, janeiro de 2023 (2).jpg

The healthcare network in Paratinga, as of 2009, comprised seven establishments, all of which provided services to the Unified Health System (SUS), with a total of 44 hospitalization beds (all public).{{cite web|url=http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=5&codmun=292370|title=Health Services 2009|year=2009|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|accessdate=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001080304/http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=5&codmun=292370|archive-date=2014-10-01|url-status=dead}} In April 2010, the professional healthcare workforce in the municipality consisted of 32 physicians, 21 nursing assistants, five nursing technicians, 12 nurses, three pharmacists, five dentists, three physiotherapists, one social worker, two nutritionists, and two psychologists, totaling 86 professionals.{{cite web|url=ftp://ftp.datasus.gov.br/caderno/geral/ba/BA_Paratinga_Geral.xls|title=Health Information Notebooks - Paratinga/BA|publisher=DATASUS|accessdate=2016-08-04}}

In the same year, the life expectancy at birth was 71.5 years, the infant mortality rate was 18.2 per thousand births, and the fertility rate was 2.6 children per woman. According to data from the Ministry of Health, five cases of AIDS were recorded in Paratinga between 1990 and 2013, and from 2001 to 2011, {{formatnum:268}} cases of dengue and forty-five cases of leishmaniasis were reported.{{cite web|url=http://www.relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/portalodm/6-combater-a-aids-a-malaria-e-outras-doencas/BRA002029291/paratinga---ba|title=6 - Combat AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases|publisher=Portal ODM|accessdate=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804140024/http://www.relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/portalodm/6-combater-a-aids-a-malaria-e-outras-doencas/BRA002029291/paratinga---ba|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=dead}} Dengue was first recorded in the municipality in 1998.{{cite journal|first=Maria Suely|last=Melo|author2=BARRETO, Florisneide Rodrigues|author3=COSTA, Maria da Conceição Nascimento|author4=MORATO, Vanessa Cristina|author5=TEIXEIRA, Maria Gloria|date=March–April 2010|title=Progression of Dengue Virus Circulation in the State of Bahia, 1994-2000|journal=Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical|url=https://www.repositorio.ufba.br/ri/bitstream/ri/2457/1/repos2010.36.pdf|access-date=2016-08-08|pages=139-144|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809040255/https://www.repositorio.ufba.br/ri/bitstream/ri/2457/1/repos2010.36.pdf|archive-date=2016-08-09|url-status=dead}} In 2014, 98.6% of children under one year of age were up to date with their vaccination schedules{{cite web|url=http://www.relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/portalodm/4-reduzir-a-mortalidade-infantil/BRA002029291/paratinga---ba|title=4 - Reduce Infant Mortality|publisher=Portal ODM|accessdate=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804140454/http://www.relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/portalodm/4-reduzir-a-mortalidade-infantil/BRA002029291/paratinga---ba|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=dead}}, and among children under two years weighed by the Family Health Program (PSF), 1.5% were malnourished.{{cite web|url=http://www.relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/portalodm/1-acabar-com-a-fome-e-a-miseria/BRA002029291/paratinga---ba|title=1 - End Hunger and Poverty|publisher=Portal ODM|accessdate=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804140737/http://www.relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/portalodm/1-acabar-com-a-fome-e-a-miseria/BRA002029291/paratinga---ba|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=dead}}

Paratinga is part of the Western Bahia Macroregional Health Area and the Ibotirama Health Region, which also includes the municipalities of Barra and Buritirama. As a goal for the municipality, the Bahia State Health Department proposes the integration of society with health councils, aiming to increase active community participation in budgeting, conferences, and actions promoted by the council.{{cite web|url=http://www1.saude.ba.gov.br/mapa_bahia/VISAOLINHASMICRO.asp?LINHA_ACAO_ID=1&Button14=Ok&MICRO=Ibotirama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804141158/http://www1.saude.ba.gov.br/mapa_bahia/VISAOLINHASMICRO.asp?LINHA_ACAO_ID=1&Button14=Ok&MICRO=Ibotirama|title=Health Regions of the State of Bahia|publisher=Secretaria de Saúde da Bahia|accessdate=2016-08-04|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=live}} Due to Chagas disease,{{cite book|first=Herton Helder Rocha|last=Pires|author2=BARBOSA, Silvia Ermelinda|author3=MARGONARI, Carina|author4=JURBERG, José|author5=DIOTAIUTI, Liléia|date=July–August 1998|title=Variations of the External Male Genitalia in Three Populations of Triatoma infestans Klug, 1834|url=http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0074-02761998000400011&script=sci_arttext&tlng=es|access-date=2016-08-08|language=en}} the Federal Government, in partnership with the National Health Foundation (Funasa), promoted housing improvement initiatives to reduce cases.{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=d435a6cdd7|title=Municipality Selected for Chagas Disease Control Program|date=2013-11-29|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|accessdate=2016-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808223123/http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=d435a6cdd7|archive-date=2016-08-08|url-status=dead}} The city also has its own responsible institution, the Paratinga Municipal Health Department.{{cite web|url=http://www.ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/iframe.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=31EB045B8B49|title=ADJUDICATION/HOMOLOGATION|first=Eliezer Pereira Dourado|last=Filho|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|date=2014-05-08|accessdate=2016-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809080151/http://www.ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/iframe.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=31EB045B8B49|archive-date=2016-08-09|url-status=live}}

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| image1 = Escola Municipal Borges dos Reis, Paratinga, janeiro de 2023 (2).jpg

| caption1 = The Borges dos Reis Municipal School, January 2023.

| image2 = Faculdade Unopar em Paratinga, janeiro de 2023 (1).jpg

| caption2 = Unopar distance education campus.

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In 1828, Paratinga offered public and private classes in Letters and Latin Grammar.{{cite book|title=The Educational Situation in Bahia at the End of the First Brazilian Empire|last=Nunes|first=Antonietta d´Aguiar|url=http://www2.faced.ufu.br/colubhe06/anais/arquivos/550AntoniettaNunues.pdf|publisher=Federal University of Bahia|page=1-12|access-date=2017-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320231730/http://www2.faced.ufu.br/colubhe06/anais/arquivos/550AntoniettaNunues.pdf|archive-date=2017-03-20|url-status=dead}} However, the first educational institution in Paratinga was a public school, established in 1830. Paratinga has a system of primary education and secondary education, along with a variety of education professionals. In addition to primary and secondary schools, the municipality was home to the Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães Educational Technology Center. Founded in 2001 and maintained until the 2010s, the institute was the first public entity in the city to offer computer classes{{cite web|url=http://correiodooeste.com.br/paratingaescola-de-informatica-do-municipio-passa-por-reforma/|title=Paratinga: Municipal Computer School Undergoes Renovation|publisher=Correio do Oeste|date=2013-08-15|accessdate=2017-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318123648/http://correiodooeste.com.br/paratingaescola-de-informatica-do-municipio-passa-por-reforma/|archive-date=2017-03-18|url-status=live}} and later transformed into a higher education distance learning campus of the Universidade Norte do Paraná (Unopar).{{cite web|url=https://www.unopar.com.br/unidade/paratingaba-ii15193509u/|title=Paratinga/BA|work=University of Northern Paraná|accessdate=2023-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125112038/https://www.unopar.com.br/unidade/paratingaba-ii15193509u/|archive-date=2023-01-25|url-status=dead}}

Since the second half of the 20th century, the city has experienced growth in the education sector. In 1956, the municipality had 37 educational institutions, all public. At that time, only 20% of the population over 5 years old was literate. In 2015, Paratinga had a network of 54 primary schools (with 363 teachers), 44 preschools (90 teachers), and eight secondary schools (118 teachers).{{cite web|url=http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=156&codmun=292370|title=Bahia » Paratinga » Education - Enrollments, Teachers, and School Network - 2015|year=2015|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|accessdate=2014-07-19|archive-url=https://archive.is/3CGs8|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=dead}} The education component of the HDI in the municipality reached 0.510 in 2010, while the literacy rate of the population over ten years, according to the 2010 census, was 77.6% (76.2% for men and 79.1% for women).{{cite web|url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=1383&i=P&nome=on&qtu8=137&digt102=&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=1383&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=1&poc2=2&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&qtu11=658&nivt=0&orp=4&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&orv=2&orc2=3&qtu2=5&opn10=0&opv=1&opc2=1&pop=1&opn2=0&sev=1646&sec2=6794&sec2=4&sec2=5&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&qtu102=14213&opn13=0&sep=28847&orn=1&digt10=&opn11=0&qtu7=36&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Paratinga&opn102=0&OpcCara=44&proc=1&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&qtu10=10282&digt11=&opn7=0&decm=99|title=Table 1383 - Literacy Rate of People Aged 10 Years or Older by Sex|year=2010|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|accessdate=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://archive.fo/9SwiT|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=dead}} The completion rates for primary education (ages 15 to 17) and secondary education (ages 18 to 24) were 43.6% and 34.3%, respectively, with a literacy rate of 95.0% for the population aged 15 to 24.{{cite web|url=http://www.relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/portalodm/2-educacao-basica-de-qualidade-para-todos/BRA002029291/paratinga---ba|title=Provide Quality Basic Education for All|publisher=Portal ODM|year=2010|accessdate=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804164547/http://www.relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/portalodm/2-educacao-basica-de-qualidade-para-todos/BRA002029291/paratinga---ba|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=dead}}

In the late 1990s, the municipal government, along with investments from the Fund for the Maintenance and Development of Primary Education and Teacher Training (Fundef), launched initiatives to establish school clusters and provide transportation to students from rural villages. These initiatives aimed to increase enrollment and retention rates in the city's schools and provide assistance to students. As a result, in 1998 and 1999, Paratinga was featured in a report sponsored by the Ministry of Education (MEC) as a national reference.{{cite thesis|last=Santos|first=Fábio Josué Souza dos|year=2006|location=Salvador|title=Neither "Country Bumpkin" nor "Doctor": The Rural Student in the City School - A Study of Identity and School|url=http://www.cdi.uneb.br/site/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/fabio_josue_souza_dos%20santos.pdf|pages=19-20|access-date=2016-07-31|publisher=State University of Bahia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822164026/http://www.cdi.uneb.br/site/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/fabio_josue_souza_dos%20santos.pdf|archive-date=2016-08-22}} According to data from the National Treasury Secretariat organized by the Center for Metropolitan Studies (CEM), in 2015, the city government allocated 50.1% of its budget to education, a higher expenditure than 95.81% of Brazilian municipalities. The per capita amount was equivalent to R$871.03.{{cite web|url=https://www.nexojornal.com.br/interativo/2016/09/20/Como-sua-cidade-gasta-dinheiro-Descubra-e-compare-com-outras|title=How Does Your City Spend Money? Find Out and Compare with Others|publisher=Nexo Jornal|date=2016-09-20|accessdate=2016-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924123840/https://www.nexojornal.com.br/interativo/2016/09/20/Como-sua-cidade-gasta-dinheiro-Descubra-e-compare-com-outras|archive-date=2016-09-24}}

In 2010, Paratinga had an expected duration of schooling of 8.87 years, higher than the state average (8.63 years). The percentage of children aged 5 to 6 attending school was 96.19%, and those aged 11 to 13 attending primary school was 76.86%. Among young people, the proportion of those aged 15 to 17 with completed primary education was 49.40%, and those aged 18 to 20 with completed secondary education was 29.52%. Considering only the population aged 25 or older, 25.15% had completed primary education, 17.02% had completed secondary education, and 1.48% had completed higher education. Additionally, 32.67% were illiterate. In 2014, the age-grade distortion among primary school students, i.e., those older than the recommended age, was 28.1% for the initial years and 47% for the final years, with a distortion of 52.3% in secondary education.

File:Complexo Policial de Paratinga (3), janeiro de 2017.jpg

According to the 2014 Violence Map, with data from 2012, published by the Sangari Institute, among municipalities with more than 20,000 inhabitants, the homicide rate in the municipality was 3.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, ranking 2580th nationally.{{cite web|url=http://www.mapadaviolencia.org.br/tabelas2014/2014_Homicidio_total.xlsx|title=Tabela HT. Número e taxas (por 100 mil) de homicídio em municípios com mais de 20.000 mil habitantes. População Total. Brasil. 2008/2012.|publisher=Instituto Sangari|year=2015|accessdate=2016-04-08|format=xls|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708065758/http://www.mapadaviolencia.org.br/tabelas2014/2014_Homicidio_total.xlsx|archivedate=2014-07-08}} The suicide rate that year was 0.0 per 100,000 inhabitants, with only two confirmed deaths between 2008 and 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.mapadaviolencia.org.br/tabelas2014/2014_Suicidio_total.xlsx|title=Tabela ST. Número e taxas (por 100 mil) de suicídio em municípios com mais de 20.000 mil habitantes. População Total. Brasil. 2008/2012.|publisher=Instituto Sangari|year=2015|accessdate=2016-04-08|format=xls|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708070109/http://www.mapadaviolencia.org.br/tabelas2014/2014_Suicidio_total.xlsx|archivedate=2014-07-08}} Regarding the rate of deaths from traffic accidents, the index was 10.0 per 100,000 inhabitants, ranking 1374th nationally.{{cite web|url=http://www.mapadaviolencia.org.br/tabelas2014/2014_Transp_total.xlsx|title=Tabela TT. Número e taxas (por 100 mil) de óbitos em acidentes de transporte em municípios com mais de 20.000 mil habitantes. População Total. Brasil. 2008/2012.|publisher=Instituto Sangari|year=2015|accessdate=2015-01-09|format=xls|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708065822/http://www.mapadaviolencia.org.br/tabelas2014/2014_Transp_total.xlsx|archivedate=2014-07-08}} The 24th Civil Police Coordination Office of Bom Jesus da Lapa is responsible for the region{{cite web|url=http://g1.globo.com/bahia/noticia/2014/04/grupo-explode-agencia-e-atira-contra-batalhao-da-pm-em-paratinga-na-ba.html|title=Grupo explode agência e atira contra batalhão da PM em Paratinga, na BA|date=2014-07-04|publisher=G1|accessdate=2016-04-08|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409234254/http://g1.globo.com/bahia/noticia/2014/04/grupo-explode-agencia-e-atira-contra-batalhao-da-pm-em-paratinga-na-ba.html|archivedate=2014-04-09}} and works alongside the Paratinga Municipal Guard,{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/index.php?action=e56f80e&&codnews=2e01e17467|title=Carnaval 2014 de Paratinga foi folia, cor, alegria e paz|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|date=2014-07-03|accessdate=2016-04-08|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804175359/http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/index.php?action=e56f80e&&codnews=2e01e17467|archivedate=2016-08-04}} which has its own building.{{cite web|url=http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/iframe.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=31EE075B8D48|title=DECRETO MUNICIPAL Nº. 012/2015|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|date=2015-02-23|accessdate=2016-04-08|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804175642/http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/iframe.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=31EE075B8D48|archivedate=2016-08-04}}

The municipal and state governments have implemented initiatives to combat and prevent violence in the city, such as lectures and discussions on school bullying, organized by the Municipal Education Secretariat in collaboration with the Military Police in 2014, through the "Conversando com a Escola" project.{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=511a418e72|title=Palestras promovem debate sobre a violência no ambiente escolar|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|date=2014-04-28|accessdate=2016-10-08|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810160938/http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=511a418e72|archivedate=2016-08-10}} Paratinga is located in a state where the rate of violence against women reached 9,800 cases in the first quarter of 2016 alone.{{cite web|url=http://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/direitos-humanos/noticia/2016-05/bahia-registra-10-mil-casos-de-violencia-contra-mulher-no-primeiro|title=Bahia registra 9,8 mil casos de violência contra a mulher no primeiro trimestre|publisher=Agência Brasil|first=Sayonara|last=Moreno|date=2015-05-20|accessdate=2016-08-10|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810165558/http://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/direitos-humanos/noticia/2016-05/bahia-registra-10-mil-casos-de-violencia-contra-mulher-no-primeiro|archivedate=2016-08-10}} In the municipality, the number of female deaths is low. In 2014, there were no recorded deaths attributed to external injuries. The total number of deaths during this period was seven.{{cite web|url=http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=146&codmun=292370|title=Bahia » Paratinga » morbidades hospitalares - 2014|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE)|year=2014|accessdate=2016-08-10|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412110343/http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=146&codmun=292370|archivedate=2016-04-12}}

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| image1 = Estação de energia de Paratinga (7), janeiro de 2017.jpg

| caption1 = Paratinga Power Substation, in January 2017.

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| caption2 = The Tomba FM radio station is housed in the Chica do Cajueiro Cultural Center, which is located in the Tomba neighborhood.

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In 2010, Paratinga had {{formatnum:7211}} households, of which {{formatnum:2832}} were in urban areas (39.27%) and {{formatnum:4379}} in rural areas (60.73%). Of these, {{formatnum:6537}} were owned (90.65%), with {{formatnum:6517}} fully paid (90.38%) and 20 in the process of acquisition (0.28%); 300 were rented (4.16%), and 349 were provided (4.84%), with 24 by employers (0.33%) and 325 through other means (4.51%). Another 25 were occupied under other conditions (0.35%).{{cite web|url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=3219&i=P&orc63=6&nome=on&qtu8=137&digt102=&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=3219&orc68=3&opc63=2&sec299=0&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&sec68=0&opc1=2&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&qtu11=658&qtu23=294&nivt=0&opc68=1&poc1=2&orc125=5&orp=8&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=1&sec1=0&poc125=1&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&poc68=1&qtu2=5&opn10=0&qtu15=3&sev=96&sev=1000096&opc125=1&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&qtu102=14208&opn13=0&orc1=4&sec63=0&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&sec125=0&orc299=7&sep=25630&orn=1&digt10=&opn11=0&qtu7=36&opn23=0&poc63=2&opc299=1&qtu10=10282&digt11=&opn7=0&decm=99&poc299=1&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Paratinga&opn102=0&OpcCara=104&proc=1|title=Tabela 3219 - Domicílios particulares permanentes, por número de moradores, segundo a situação do domicílio, o tipo de domicílio, a condição de ocupação e a existência de banheiro ou sanitário e esgotamento sanitário|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|year=2010|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://archive.fo/2eJkH|archivedate=2016-08-04}}

The water supply service is provided by the Autonomous Water and Sewage Service (SAAE), managed by the municipal government{{cite web|url=http://www.tcm.ba.gov.br/sistemas/textos/2012/delib/04542-12.odt.pdf|title=PROCESSO TCM Nº 04542-12 - PRESTAÇÃO DE CONTAS|publisher=Tribunal de Contas dos Municípios do Estado da Bahia|accessdate=2016-08-04}} and by the Bahia Environmental Engineering and Water Resources Company (Cerb), through the "Água para Todos" program.{{cite web|url=http://www.cerb.ba.gov.br/sala-de-imprensa/noticias/cerb-conclui-sistema-integrado-de-%C3%A1gua-em-paratinga-que-vai-beneficiar-37-|title=Cerb conclui sistema integrado de água em Paratinga que vai beneficiar 37 localidades|publisher=Companhia de Engenharia Ambiental e Recursos Hídricos da Bahia|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804220540/http://www.cerb.ba.gov.br/sala-de-imprensa/noticias/cerb-conclui-sistema-integrado-de-%C3%A1gua-em-paratinga-que-vai-beneficiar-37-|archivedate=2016-08-04}} In 2010, {{formatnum:4588}} households were supplied by the general network (63.63%); {{formatnum:1655}} through wells or springs (22.95%); 137 via rivers, dams, lakes, and/or streams (1.90%); 354 from rainwater (4.91%), 219 from water trucks (3.04%), and 258 through other means (3.58%).{{cite web|url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=3217&i=P&poc67=1&nome=on&qtu8=137&digt102=&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=3217&poc61=2&sec309=0&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&opc1=1&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&qtu11=658&qtu23=294&nivt=0&poc1=1&orp=7&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=1&sec1=0&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&sec61=0&qtu2=5&opn10=0&qtu15=3&sev=96&sev=1000096&orc67=5&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&qtu102=14208&opn13=0&orc1=3&opc61=2&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&orc61=4&opc67=1&poc309=1&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Paratinga&opn102=0&OpcCara=104&proc=1&sec67=0&opc309=1&qtu10=10282&digt11=&opn7=0&decm=99&orc309=6&sep=25628&orn=1&digt10=&opn11=0&qtu7=36&opn23=0|title=Tabela 3217 - Domicílios particulares permanentes e Moradores em domicílios particulares permanentes, por situação do domicílio, segundo a forma de abastecimento de água, o destino do lixo e a existência de energia elétrica|year=2010|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://archive.fo/pMJIF|archivedate=2016-08-04}} The company responsible for electricity supply is the Bahia State Electricity Company (COELBA).{{cite web|url=http://www.coelba.com.br/Pages/A%20Coelba/quem-somos.aspx|title=Quem somos|accessdate=2016-08-04|publisher=Companhia de Eletricidade do Estado da Bahia|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127073721/http://www.coelba.com.br/Pages/A%20Coelba/quem-somos.aspx|archivedate=2016-01-27}} The nominal voltage of the grid is 220 volts.{{cite web|url=http://servicos.coelba.com.br/residencial-rural/Pages/tensao-de-fornecimento.aspx|title=Tensão de funcionamento|publisher=Companhia de Eletricidade do Estado da Bahia|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107013219/http://servicos.coelba.com.br/residencial-rural/Pages/tensao-de-fornecimento.aspx|archivedate=2016-01-07}} Of the total households, {{formatnum:6734}} had electricity (93.39%), with {{formatnum:6674}} from the distribution company (92.55%) and 60 from other source(s) (0.83%).{{cite web|url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=1398&i=P&opc12065=1&poc12065=1&poc67=1&nome=on&qtu8=137&digt102=&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=1398&poc61=1&sec309=0&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&opc1=1&poc300=1&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&qtu11=658&qtu23=294&nivt=0&poc1=1&orp=9&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=1&orc12065=3&sec1=0&opc300=1&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&orc300=5&sec61=0&qtu2=5&opn10=0&qtu15=3&sev=96&sev=1000096&sec300=0&orc67=7&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&qtu102=14208&opn13=0&sec12065=0&orc1=4&opc61=1&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&orc61=6&opc67=1&poc309=2&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Paratinga&opn102=0&OpcCara=104&proc=1&sec67=0&opc309=2&qtu10=10282&digt11=&opn7=0&decm=99&orc309=8&sep=29091&orn=1&digt10=&opn11=0&qtu7=36&opn23=0|title=Tabela 1398 - Domicílios particulares permanentes e Moradores em domicílios particulares permanentes, cuja condição no domicílio não era pensionista, nem empregado(a) doméstico(a) ou seu parente, por classes de rendimento nominal mensal domiciliar, a situação do domicílio, a existência e número de banheiros de uso exclusivo do domicílio, a principal forma de abastecimento de água, o destino do lixo e a existência de energia elétrica|year=2010|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://archive.fo/e3oxn|archivedate=2016-08-04}} Garbage was collected in {{formatnum:7355}} households (91.57%), with {{formatnum:6197}} through cleaning services (77.15%) and {{formatnum:1158}} via dumpsters (14.42%).{{cite web|url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?c=3218&z=cd&o=7|title=Tabela 3218 - Domicílios particulares permanentes, por forma de abastecimento de água, segundo a existência de banheiro ou sanitário e esgotamento sanitário, o destino do lixo e a existência de energia elétrica|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|year=2010|accessdate=2013-05-16|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924101724/http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?c=3218&z=cd&o=7|archivedate=2015-09-24}} All waste produced in Paratinga is disposed of in a landfill.{{cite web|url=http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/iframe.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=32ED06588D4E|title=Homologação|date=2014-08-03|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804223616/http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/iframe.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=32ED06588D4E|archivedate=2016-08-04}}

The area code (DDD) for Paratinga is 077{{cite web|url=http://www.webbusca.com.br/atlas/ddd/bahia.asp|title=Estado: Bahia (BA)|publisher=Web Busca|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609022654/http://www.webbusca.com.br/atlas/ddd/bahia.asp|archivedate=2016-06-09}} and the postal code (CEP) is 47500-000.{{cite web|url=http://www.citybrazil.com.br/ba/paratinga/index.php|title=Bahia - Paratinga|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804224254/http://www.citybrazil.com.br/ba/paratinga/index.php|archivedate=2016-08-04}} In 2016, Paratinga had one FM radio station, Tomba FM, characterized as a community radio.{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinganoticias.com/2014/11/radio-tomba-fm-apresenta-programa-do-tomba-surrao-para-o-mercado-da-metropole.html|title=Rádio Tomba FM apresenta Programa "Do Tomba Surrão para o mercado da metrópole"|first=Geraldo|last=Rosa|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804224920/http://www.paratinganoticias.com/2014/11/radio-tomba-fm-apresenta-programa-do-tomba-surrao-para-o-mercado-da-metropole.html|archivedate=2016-08-04}} On January 19, 2009, the municipality began to benefit from telephone number portability, along with other localities with DDDs 31 in Minas Gerais; 42 in Paraná; 79 in Sergipe, as well as other municipalities with codes 75 and 77 in Bahia.{{cite web|url=http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/exibirPortalNoticias.do?acao=carregaNoticia&codigo=17473|title=Portabilidade na telefonia chega a Belo Horizonte e Aracaju|date=2009-01-19|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213020307/http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/exibirPortalNoticias.do?acao=carregaNoticia&codigo=17473|archivedate=2010-12-13}} According to 2010 census data, {{formatnum:3563}} households had only mobile phones (49.40%), 394 had both mobile and landline phones (5.46%), and 168 had only landline phones (2.32%).{{cite web|url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=3516&i=P&opc12062=2&poc12062=2&opc386=1&nome=on&qtu8=137&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=3516&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&opc1=1&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&nivt=0&poc1=1&orp=6&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=1&orc12062=3&sec1=0&orc386=5&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&qtu2=5&qtu15=3&sev=96&sev=1000096&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&opn13=0&sec12062=0&sec386=0&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Paratinga&OpcCara=44&proc=1&orc1=4&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&poc386=1&sep=9130&orn=1&qtu7=36&opn7=0&decm=99|title=Tabela 3516 - Domicílios particulares permanentes, por existência de telefone, segundo a situação do domicílio e as classes de rendimento nominal mensal domiciliar per capita|year=2010|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://archive.fo/rR3J3|archivedate=2016-08-04}}

Throughout its history, Paratinga has had several newspapers or periodical publications. One of the most prominent, O Ibopatinga, was founded in 1958 by students from Paratinga and the neighboring city, Ibotirama. It focused on news, culture, and was part of a local left-wing nationalist movement called the Paratinga Nationalist Front.{{cite book|last=Araújo|first=Carlos|year=2002|title=Ibotirama e as canções de agosto|url=https://blogcarlosaraujo.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/ibotirama-e-as-canc3a7c3b5es-de-agosto.pdf|pages=20|accessdate=2017-03-18}}{{cite journal|last=Brandão|first=Evandro|date=1958-05-29|title=Grandioso comício no lançamento da Frente Nacionalista de Paratinga, na Bahia|url=http://memoria.bn.br/DocReader/Hotpage/HotpageBN.aspx?bib=149322&pagfis=1723&url=http://memoria.bn.br/docreader#|journal=O Semanário|location=Rio de Janeiro|pages=10|issue=110|accessdate=2017-03-18}} In addition to being featured in newspapers from neighboring cities, the municipality was covered by reports and opinion articles published in various national and regional outlets, such as Folha de S.Paulo,{{cite web|last=Wolthers|first=Gabriela|title=Estado faz uso de verba federal|url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/fsp/1996/3/04/brasil/9.html|publisher=Folha de S.Paulo|date=1996-03-04|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318133529/http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/fsp/1996/3/04/brasil/9.html|archivedate=2017-03-18|accessdate=2017-01-29}} Jornal da Bahia,{{cite journal|date=1980-02-27|title=Paratinga|location=Salvador|journal=Jornal da Bahia}} O Pasquim{{cite journal|date=1980-03-18|title=Paratinga a mercê do prefeito Ranchinha|location=Bom Jesus da Lapa|journal=O Pasquim}} and Nova Fronteira. During the 1980s, the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB) circulated the Jornal Construção, which was active during the transition from the Military Regime to the New Republic and published critiques of the local government. In the 1990s, Linha Direta was published, aiming to cover culture, politics, sports, and leisure with a monthly periodicity.

{{multiple image

| align = right

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| image1 = BA-160 em direção a Ibotirama (6), Paratinga, janeiro de 2017.jpg

| caption1 = The BA-160, in Paratinga, January 2017.

| image2 = Estrada de Águas do Paulista (28), Paratinga, janeiro de 2017.jpg

| caption2 = Rural road to the district of Águas do Paulista.

}}

Until the mid-20th century, Paratinga had several means of transportation. During its early centuries, river transport was crucial for the movement of goods and people, and it is still in use today. According to the Encyclopedia of Municipalities, published in the late 1950s, Paratinga was also connected to other cities via highways and rural roads. Through its bus terminal, the municipality was linked to the city of Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and other major cities. Until the 1980s, Paratinga had an airstrip, which was later closed. Since then, the municipality has lacked such facilities. The municipality began receiving traffic lights, some road signs, and urban signage in 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.introvertendo.com.br/podcast/introvertendo-125-autistas-em-cidades-de-interior/|title=Introvertendo 125 - Autistas em Cidades de Interior|publisher=Introvertendo|accessdate=2020-08-29|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829195831/https://www.introvertendo.com.br/podcast/introvertendo-125-autistas-em-cidades-de-interior/|archivedate=2020-08-29}}

The municipal vehicle fleet in 2015 consisted of {{formatnum:1564}} motorcycles, {{formatnum:824}} cars, 379 pickup trucks, 118 scooters, 72 trucks, 40 minibuses, 37 vans, 48 buses, three tractor-trucks, three utility vehicles, and 29 in other categories, totaling {{formatnum:3117}} vehicles.{{cite web|url=http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=153&codmun=292370|title=Bahia » Paratinga » frota - 2015|year=2015|publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919131505/http://cidades.ibge.gov.br/xtras/csv.php?lang=&idtema=153&codmun=292370|archivedate=2016-09-19}} There is also limited public transportation dedicated to transporting children from rural areas to schools in the urban center of Paratinga.{{cite web|url=http://www.oestealerta.com.br/2015/05/absurdo-em-paratinga-criancas-sem.html|title=Absurdo: em Paratinga crianças sem transporte escolar sofrem acidente ao tentarem chegar a escola de motocicleta|publisher=Oeste Alerta|accessdate=2016-08-04|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804235651/http://www.oestealerta.com.br/2015/05/absurdo-em-paratinga-criancas-sem.html|archivedate=2016-08-04}}

In terms of road transport, the city has a bus terminal.{{cite web|url=http://www.barreirasnoticias.com/2012/08/comerciante-morre-no-ho-em-acidente-na.html|title=Comerciante morre no HO em acidente na cidade de Paratinga|publisher=Barreira Notícias|date=2012-08-09|first=Carlos|last=Modesto|access-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805000050/http://www.barreirasnoticias.com/2012/08/comerciante-morre-no-ho-em-acidente-na.html|archive-date=2016-08-05|url-status=dead}} The municipality is located in the Brazilian state with the second-largest road network in the country. The BA-160, a highway that runs through Paratinga, was paved during the administration of Nilo Moraes Coelho in the 1990s to facilitate the transport of agricultural production from the Projeto Formoso.{{cite web|url=http://www.folhadovale.net/pessimo-estado-da-ba-160-atrasa-progresso-da-regiao-do-medio-sao-francisco.html|title=Péssimo estado da BA-160 atrasa progresso da região do médio São Francisco|publisher=Folha do Vale|date=2014-01-09|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160803004706/http://www.folhadovale.net/pessimo-estado-da-ba-160-atrasa-progresso-da-regiao-do-medio-sao-francisco.html|archive-date=2016-08-03|url-status=live}} This road, maintained by the Bahia state government, connects Paratinga to several cities in western Bahia.{{cite web|url=http://atarde.uol.com.br/bahia/noticias/1503343-onibus-de-banda-de-forro-bate-em-caminhao-e-deixa-feridos|title=Ônibus de banda de forró bate em caminhão e deixa feridos|publisher=A Tarde|date=2013-05-13|access-date=2016-08-09|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160809041012/http://atarde.uol.com.br/bahia/noticias/1503343-onibus-de-banda-de-forro-bate-em-caminhao-e-deixa-feridos|archive-date=2016-08-09|url-status=dead}} These include Barra, Xique-Xique,{{cite web|url=http://noticias.r7.com/cidades/noticias/restauracao-da-rodovia-ba-160-e-entregue-nesta-quarta-20120711.html|title=Restauração da rodovia BA-160 é entregue nesta quarta|publisher=R7|date=2012-07-11|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805001101/http://noticias.r7.com/cidades/noticias/restauracao-da-rodovia-ba-160-e-entregue-nesta-quarta-20120711.html|archive-date=2016-08-05|url-status=dead}} Ibotirama, Bom Jesus da Lapa,{{cite web|url=http://g1.globo.com/bahia/noticia/2013/05/onibus-de-banda-bate-em-carreta-e-deixa-feridos-na-bahia.html|title=Ônibus de banda bate em carreta e deixa feridos na Bahia|publisher=G1|date=2013-05-13|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20131110000013/http://g1.globo.com/bahia/noticia/2013/05/onibus-de-banda-bate-em-carreta-e-deixa-feridos-na-bahia.html|archive-date=2013-11-10|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://g1.globo.com/bahia/noticia/2014/07/dois-morrem-apos-motorista-perder-controle-de-veiculo-na-ba-160.html|title=Dois morrem após motorista perder controle de veículo na BA-160|publisher=G1|date=2014-07-31|access-date=2016-08-05}} Iuiú, and Malhada,{{cite web|url=http://www.tribunadabahia.com.br/2015/11/05/bahia-investira-r$-2-bi-em-estradas|title=Bahia investirá R$ 2 bi em estradas|publisher=Tribuna da Bahia|date=2015-11-05|first=Adilson|last=Fonsêca|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805002011/http://www.tribunadabahia.com.br/2015/11/05/bahia-investira-r$-2-bi-em-estradas|archive-date=2016-08-05|url-status=dead}} extending toward Minas Gerais.{{cite web|url=http://limites.sei.ba.gov.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IUIU_MAPA_100K_2015_23_SEI.pdf|title=Iuiu|publisher=Secretaria do Planejamento (SEPLAN)|date=May 2015|access-date=2016-08-10|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160810150923/http://limites.sei.ba.gov.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IUIU_MAPA_100K_2015_23_SEI.pdf|archive-date=2016-08-10|url-status=dead}} The Ibotirama-Paratinga-Lapa section crosses indigenous territories.{{cite web|url=http://www.infraestrutura.ba.gov.br/arquivos/File/publicacoes/aisa.pdf|title=Programa de recuperação e manutenção de rodovias|publisher=Secretaria de Infraestrutura do Governo do Estado da Bahia|year=2015|access-date=2016-08-10|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160810150546/http://www.infraestrutura.ba.gov.br/arquivos/File/publicacoes/aisa.pdf|archive-date=2016-08-10|url-status=dead}} In 2008, it was ranked the fifth worst highway in Bahia by Guia Quatro Rodas, described as follows: "Before taking this road, visit the Grotto of the Bom Jesus da Lapa Sanctuary and pray fervently to Saint Christopher for protection."{{cite web|url=http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/guia-quatro-rodas/2008/10/30/as-piores-estradas-da-bahia/|title=As piores estradas da Bahia|date=2008-10-30|publisher=Guia Quatro Rodas|access-date=2016-08-17|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20110219055538/http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/guia-quatro-rodas/2008/10/30/as-piores-estradas-da-bahia/|archive-date=2011-02-19|url-status=dead}} In 2010, it was deemed the worst highway in Brazil according to an assessment by the National Transport Confederation (CNT).{{cite web|url=http://www.interiordabahia.com.br/p_meio_ambiente/10886.html|title=BA-160 é a pior estrada do país, indica pesquisa da CNT de Rodovias|publisher=Interior da Bahia|date=2010-09-17|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20100923170322/http://www.interiordabahia.com.br/p_meio_ambiente/10886.html|archive-date=2010-09-23|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.correio24horas.com.br/detalhe/bahia/noticia/bahia-tem-pior-estrada-do-pais/?cHash=a245e8f48cb7709bde3897efd4ebc7e3|title=Bahia tem pior estrada do país|publisher=Correio 24 Horas|date=2010-09-17|access-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160803004416/http://www.correio24horas.com.br/detalhe/bahia/noticia/bahia-tem-pior-estrada-do-pais/?cHash=a245e8f48cb7709bde3897efd4ebc7e3|archive-date=2016-08-03|url-status=dead}} Two years later, in 2012, Editora Abril's Guia Quatro Rodas ranked the Lapa-Paratinga-Ibotirama section of BA-160 as the sixth worst highway in Brazil based on a survey.{{cite web|url=http://www.hondamaniaco.com.br/dica-para-viagens-as-piores-estradas-do-brasil-dos-anos-201112/|title=Dica para viagens: As piores estradas do Brasil dos anos 2011/12|publisher=Honda Maníaco|date=2012-09-03|access-date=2016-08-10|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160810151411/http://www.hondamaniaco.com.br/dica-para-viagens-as-piores-estradas-do-brasil-dos-anos-201112/|archive-date=2016-08-10|url-status=dead}} The 2018 CNT survey classified the highway's condition as "poor."{{cite web|url=http://pesquisaresultado.cnt.org.br/assets/arquivos/2018-BA.pdf|title=Pesquisa CNT de rodovias 2018: relatório por unidade federativa - BA|publisher=Confederação Nacional do Transporte|year=2018|access-date=2019-03-10|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20190310215046/http://pesquisaresultado.cnt.org.br/assets/arquivos/2018-BA.pdf|archive-date=2019-03-10}}

Paratinga also has local roads connecting the urban area to farms, communities, and rural villages, as well as providing shorter routes to other municipalities. These include the regions of the villages forming the Águas do Paulista district, the Caatingas road, Riacho dos Porcos–Zezé, Junco–Volta da Serra, Pau do Bobo–Muquém, Bom Sucesso,{{cite web|url=http://www.censo2010.ibge.gov.br/sinopseporsetores/?nivel=st|title=Sinopse por setores|author=Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE)|date=2011-11-16|access-date=2016-09-06|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20111014194720/http://www.censo2010.ibge.gov.br/sinopseporsetores/?nivel=st|archive-date=2011-10-14|url-status=dead}} and the Boqueirão road, which passes through the villages of Agreste and Boqueirão de Regino.{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=fa35e19212|title=Obras recuperam infraestrutura do município|date=2013-11-17|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|access-date=2016-08-10|archive-url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:HdrW9gDwS08J:www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/%3Faction%3De56f80e%26%26codnews%3Dfa35e19212+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=br&lr=lang_en%7Clang_pt|archive-date=2016-07-14|url-status=dead}} This road is used by drivers as a shorter route to the municipality of Macaúbas. These roads are maintained by the Paratinga Municipal Government,{{cite web|url=http://correiodooeste.com.br/paratinga-recebe-uma-motoniveladora-do-pac-para-melhorar-as-estradas-do-municipio/|title=Paratinga recebe uma motoniveladora do PAC para melhorar as estradas do município|publisher=Correio do Oeste|date=2013-07-13|first=Stebanny Van Basten|last=Néris|access-date=2016-08-10|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160810152406/http://correiodooeste.com.br/paratinga-recebe-uma-motoniveladora-do-pac-para-melhorar-as-estradas-do-municipio/|archive-date=2016-08-10|url-status=live}} through the Secretariat of Infrastructure and Urban Services.{{cite web|url=http://correiodooeste.com.br/paratinga-recebe-cacamba-pelo-pac2/|title=Paratinga recebe caçamba pelo PAC2|publisher=Correio do Oeste|date=2013-10-11|access-date=2016-08-10|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160810154406/http://correiodooeste.com.br/paratinga-recebe-cacamba-pelo-pac2/|archive-date=2016-08-10|url-status=live}}

The Municipal Secretariat of Culture and Racial Equality is the municipal body responsible for education, culture, tourism, and religious activities in Paratinga, overseeing the organization of cultural projects and events. It was established in March 2016, having been separated from the Secretariat of Education following demands from local social and cultural groups.{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=13682ac418|title=Prefeitura cria nova Secretaria Municipal|access-date=2016-08-05|date=2016-03-16|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805180621/http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=13682ac418|archive-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|url-status=dead}}

File:Casarão na Rua Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca (2), Paratinga, janeiro de 2017.jpg

As a city with centuries-old origins, Paratinga boasts structures and cultural assets that reflect not only its own history but also that of the western São Francisco region. The municipality preserves characteristics from various artistic periods, such as Neo Baroque-style houses, particularly in urban centers. Buildings in older areas, especially the Parish Church, exhibit influences from Baroque, mixed styles, and Art Deco.

However, the preservation state of much of its historical and cultural heritage remains uncertain. In 2001, a logbook from the Engenheiro Halfeld Expedition, passing through the city, praised the condition of Paratinga's historic buildings. Conversely, a 2002 study by the Legislative Assembly of Minas Gerais (ALEMG), part of the São Francisco River World Heritage Campaign, stated that the municipality's assets were "abandoned to their fate."{{cite journal|first=Márcio|last=Santos|year=2002|title=Campanha reafirma unidade do rio São Francisco|journal=Revista do Legislativo|location=Belo Horizonte|pages=92|url=https://dspace.almg.gov.br/bitstream/11037/1477/1/1477.pdf|access-date=2016-08-08|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160808221600/https://dspace.almg.gov.br/bitstream/11037/1477/1/1477.pdf|archive-date=2016-08-08|url-status=live}} In December 2015, a fire destroyed much of the city's main structure, the Parish Church, which subsequently underwent restoration.{{cite web|url=http://www.gameleiradalapa.com.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=220:incendio-atinge-igreja-de-santo-antonio-em-paratinga&catid=61&Itemid=281|title=Incêndio atinge Igreja de Santo Antônio em Paratinga|access-date=2017-03-18|date=2015-12-17|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160424124651/http://www.gameleiradalapa.com.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=220:incendio-atinge-igreja-de-santo-antonio-em-paratinga&catid=61&Itemid=281|archive-date=2016-04-24|publisher=Gameleira da Lapa|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://divulgacandcontas.tse.jus.br/dados/2016/BA/37753/2/50000016251/proposta_governo1471022759674.pdf|title=Coligação "O povo quer, Paratinga precisa" - Programa de governo|access-date=2017-03-18|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20170318172136/http://divulgacandcontas.tse.jus.br/dados/2016/BA/37753/2/50000016251/proposta_governo1471022759674.pdf|archive-date=2017-03-18|publisher=Tribunal Superior Eleitoral|url-status=live}} In 2004, the city government requested an assessment from the Institute of Artistic and Cultural Heritage of Bahia regarding Paratinga's structures for potential historical designation.

The influence of pre-colonial populations is also present in the city. The Lapinha Grotto, for instance, is one of the sites where rock art can be found. The neighboring municipality of Sítio do Mato, which was once part of Paratinga, also has ceramic fragments and artworks.{{cite web|url=http://www.bahiarqueologica.com/mural/relatorio_sitio_do_mato.pdf|title=Relatório de Visita|access-date=2012-07-05|publisher=Bahia Arqueológica|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160303174002/http://www.bahiarqueologica.com/mural/relatorio_sitio_do_mato.pdf|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=dead}} In certain rural areas, such as the village of Boqueirão de Regino, similar drawings exist.

File:Sociedade Filarmônica 13 de Junho, Paratinga, janeiro de 2023 (1).jpg

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Paratinga was the subject of various records and accounts, now documented in works about the history of Brazil and Bahia. One of the most notable and controversial accounts comes from historian Teodoro Sampaio, who, in 1879, described Paratinga as an old, poor, and unattractive village.{{cite book|year=2001|title=Surpresa em Paratinga: Prédios antigos em bom estado de conservação|publisher=Expedição Engenheiro Halfeld|pages=23-24|url=http://festivaldehistoria.com.br/fhist_ptl/caminhos/Caminho1/DIARIODEBORDO.pdf|access-date=2017-03-20|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20170320224046/http://festivaldehistoria.com.br/fhist_ptl/caminhos/Caminho1/DIARIODEBORDO.pdf|archive-date=2017-03-20|url-status=dead}} In the 20th century, particularly with the founding of the newspaper O Ibopatinga, several writers, including journalists and future academics, contributed to content production. Among them, José Evandro de Oliveira Brandão, a poet and journalist, stands out.{{cite journal|last=Brandão|first=Evandro|date=1959-02-04|title=O nome de Lott numa rua de Ibotirama|url=http://memoria.bn.br/pdf/149322/per149322_1959_00145.pdf|journal=O Semanário|location=Rio de Janeiro|pages=2|issue=145|access-date=2017-03-19}} Another prominent figure in Paratinga's literature is Carlos Fernando Filgueiras de Magalhães, a doctor, researcher, essayist, and author of several works,{{cite web|author=Moema de Castro e Silva Olival|date=2013-09-14|title=“Vestibular deve oferecer livros clássicos e de autores goianos”|url=http://www.jornalopcao.com.br/posts/opcao-cultural/vestibular-deve-oferecer-livros-classicos-e-de-autores-goianos|publisher=Jornal Opção|access-date=2017-03-20|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20140428065621/http://www.jornalopcao.com.br/posts/opcao-cultural/vestibular-deve-oferecer-livros-classicos-e-de-autores-goianos|archive-date=2014-04-28|url-status=dead}} who graduated in Medicine from the Federal University of Goiás, lived in Goiânia for decades,{{cite web|author=Ana Paula|date=2009-11-10|title=Carlos Fernando Filgueiras de Magalhães: homem de múltiplas dedicações|url=https://www.ufg.br/n/57367-carlos-fernando-filgueiras-de-magalhaes-homem-de-multiplas-dedicacoes|publisher=Universidade Federal de Goiás|access-date=2017-01-17|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20170320225031/https://www.ufg.br/n/57367-carlos-fernando-filgueiras-de-magalhaes-homem-de-multiplas-dedicacoes|archive-date=2017-03-20|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Ivair Lima|date=2010-03-24|title=Para além do jaleco|url=http://www.opopular.com.br/editorias/magazine/para-al%C3%A9m-do-jaleco-1.66083|publisher=O Popular|access-date=2017-01-17|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20170320225210/http://www.opopular.com.br/editorias/magazine/para-al%C3%A9m-do-jaleco-1.66083|archive-date=2017-03-20|url-status=live}} and later received the Jaburu Trophy, the most prestigious award in Goiás.{{cite web|title=Troféu Jaburu reúne lista de notáveis|url=http://www.casacivil.go.gov.br/post/ver/205514/trofeu-jaburu-reune-lista-de-notaveis|publisher=Casa Civil de Goiás|access-date=2017-03-20|date=2015-11-16|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20170118052521/http://www.casacivil.go.gov.br/post/ver/205514/trofeu-jaburu-reune-lista-de-notaveis|archive-date=2017-01-18|url-status=dead}}

One of the oldest and most traditional forms of cultural expression in Paratinga is the June 13 Philharmonic Society, an orchestra founded in 1902{{cite web|url=http://www2.uol.com.br/JC/_2001/2710/br2710_5.htm|title=Paratinga: Preciosidades e histórias|date=2001-10-27|location=Recife|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20040909045634/http://www2.uol.com.br/JC/_2001/2710/br2710_5.htm|archive-date=2004-09-09|publisher=Jornal do Comercio|url-status=dead}} and considered one of Bahia's leading philharmonic orchestras.{{cite book|first=Márcio|last=Santos|date=September 2002|title=Expedição Engenheiro Halfeld - Relatório de Pesquisa de Campo|pages=39-41|url=http://docplayer.com.br/12831326-Expedicao-engenheiro-halfeld.html|access-date=2016-08-05}} The group performs at various municipal events, including the feasts of Saint Anthony, the Divine, Our Lady of Conception, Saint Sebastian, as well as weddings, official ceremonies, and other cultural activities.{{cite journal|first=Debora Safira|last=Andrade|date=December 2010|title=Histórias, contos, lendas e tradições das comunidades ribeirinhas do São Francisco|journal=Revista de Desenvolvimento Econômico (RDE)|pages=65|url=http://revistas.unifacs.br/index.php/rde/article/view/1245/988|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805190524/http://revistas.unifacs.br/index.php/rde/article/view/1245/988|archive-date=2016-08-05|url-status=live}} Another local band, Zabumba Alecrim, formed by residents of rural and peripheral areas of Paratinga, is said by experts to represent the municipality's African roots.

Over time, two books have been published highlighting aspects of the municipality's history. The first, Sociedade Filarmônica 13 de Junho: 100 Anos de Tradição e Cultura (2006), was written by Carlos Fernando Filgueiras de Magalhães.{{cite book|year=2017|title=Os experimentalismos na linguagem poética de Carlos Fernando Filgueiras de Magalhães|url=http://www.anais.ueg.br/index.php/cepe/article/view/8224/5659|publisher=Universidade Estadual de Goiás|page=1-7|access-date=2017-07-25|author=RODRIGUES, Elaine Gonçalves|author2=David Nismária Alves|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20180908164902/http://www.anais.ueg.br/index.php/cepe/article/view/8224/5659|archive-date=2018-09-08|url-status=dead}} The second, Histórias de Paratinga (2019), was authored by journalist Tiago Abreu.{{cite web|url=https://opopular.com.br/noticias/magazine/o-popular-lista-cinco-livros-de-novos-autores-goianos-para-conhecer-e-como-adquirir-os-exemplares-1.2019865|title=O POPULAR lista cinco livros de novos autores goianos para conhecer e como adquirir os exemplares|first=Luiza|last=Guimarães|access-date=2023-01-25|work=O Popular|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211214112628/https://opopular.com.br/noticias/magazine/o-popular-lista-cinco-livros-de-novos-autores-goianos-para-conhecer-e-como-adquirir-os-exemplares-1.2019865|archive-date=2021-12-14|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.jornalopcao.com.br/colunas-e-blogs/imprensa/livro-resgata-historia-de-banda-de-5-musicos-cegos-e-de-um-pracinha-da-2a-guerra-mundial-223957/|title=Livro resgata história de banda de 5 músicos cegos e de um pracinha da 2ª Guerra Mundial|access-date=2023-01-25|work=Jornal Opção|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220121210310/https://www.jornalopcao.com.br/colunas-e-blogs/imprensa/livro-resgata-historia-de-banda-de-5-musicos-cegos-e-de-um-pracinha-da-2a-guerra-mundial-223957/|archive-date=2022-01-21|url-status=live}}

File:Banhistas em Águas do Paulista (7), Paratinga, janeiro de 2017.jpg

Paratinga features several tourist attractions spread across different parts of the municipality. The main one is located in the Águas do Paulista district, 34 km from the downtown area.{{cite web|url=http://www.ferias.tur.br/cidade/340/aguas-do-paulista-ba.html|title=Prefeitura cria nova Secretaria Municipal|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160415133912/http://www.ferias.tur.br/cidade/340/aguas-do-paulista-ba.html|archive-date=2016-04-15|publisher=Portal Férias|url-status=live}} It is notable for its natural thermal-mineral water pools and nearby bars and leisure spaces. Another attraction is the Brejo das Moças spa, also characterized by natural, warm water.{{cite web|url=http://quantocustaviajar.com/blog/aguas-termais-no-brasil/|title=Águas Termais no Brasil|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805181655/http://quantocustaviajar.com/blog/aguas-termais-no-brasil/|archive-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Quanto Custa Viajar|url-status=live}}

Along the São Francisco River, another highlight is the Port Quay;{{cite web|url=http://www.sigivilares.com.br/index.php?pag=noticia&id=15289|title=Internauta de Paratinga faz apelo: "O Velho Chico está morrendo"|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805182007/http://www.sigivilares.com.br/index.php?pag=noticia&id=15289|archive-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Quanto Custa Viajar|url-status=live}} the Saint Anthony Parish Church, established in the mid-18th century;{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=708a77db47|title=Prefeito de Paratinga solicita recuperação de Igreja Matriz|date=2016-06-20|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805182432/http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=708a77db47|archive-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|url-status=dead}} the 2 de Julho Square, where major annual events such as Carnival,{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=827bfc4587|title=Quinze atrações animarão o carnaval de Paratinga|date=2014-02-25|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805183346/http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=827bfc4587|archive-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Prefeitura de Paratinga|url-status=dead}} Festa Junina,{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=8bd7954c40|title=Semana da cidade celebra os 118 anos de Paratinga|date=2015-07-08|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805183904/http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=8bd7954c40|archive-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Prefeitura de Paratinga|url-status=dead}} performances by national and regional artists,{{cite web|url=http://correiodooeste.com.br/thaeme-thiago-nos-119-anos-de-paratinga%E2%80%8F/|title=Thaeme & Thiago nos 119 anos de Paratinga|date=2016-06-21|access-date=2016-05-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805184150/http://correiodooeste.com.br/thaeme-thiago-nos-119-anos-de-paratinga%E2%80%8F/|archive-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Correio do Oeste|url-status=live}} the city's anniversary, and others take place;{{cite web|url=http://www.falabarreiras.com/inauguracoes-na-festa-de-119-anos-de-paratinga/#.V6TbGCgrLIU|title=Inaugurações na festa de 119 anos de Paratinga|date=2016-06-30|first=Ely|last=Pacheco|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805183039/http://www.falabarreiras.com/inauguracoes-na-festa-de-119-anos-de-paratinga/#.V6TbGCgrLIU|archive-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Fala Barreiras|url-status=dead}} the Rio Branco Cultural Center, built in the 20th century; and the Municipal Market, constructed in 1938 and still fully operational; and the Paratinga Island, considered the largest island in the São Francisco River.{{cite web|url=http://www.criativaonline.com.br/index/noticias/id-1852/paratinga_comemora_120_anos_de_autonomia|title=Paratinga completa 120 anos de autonomia|date=2011-07-25|access-date=2016-08-05|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805220140/http://www.criativaonline.com.br/index/noticias/id-1852/paratinga_comemora_120_anos_de_autonomia|archive-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Criativa Online|url-status=dead}} Additionally, Paratinga is home to the Benjamim de Souza Filho Vaquejada Park, which hosts vaquejada events and various musical performances.

Paratinga also hosts numerous religious and folklore events. In January, the Folia de Reis takes place, involving masses, performances with bands, and caretagem. In February, the city celebrates Carnival, traditionally held at 2 de Julho Square. In May, Whitsun is celebrated; in June, the feasts of Saint Anthony and Saint John coincide with the city's anniversary. In December, the Feast of Our Lady of Conception is held.

File:Estádio Waldemiro Cruz durante transmissão da partida entre Paratinga e Luís Eduardo Magalhães, Paratinga, agosto de 2024 (18).jpg

Paratinga hosts an amateur football championship involving several teams,{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=e1822db470|title=Campeonato paratinguense de futebol amador|date=2014-03-10|access-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805223550/http://www.paratinga.ba.gov.br/?action=e56f80e&&codnews=e1822db470|archive-date=2016-08-05|url-status=dead}} and also has a team, Liga Esportiva Paratinguense, which has competed in the Bahia Intermunicipal Soccer Championship since 1993.{{cite web|url=http://correiodooeste.com.br/paratingaprefeitura-garante-total-apoio-a-selecao-de-futebol-no-intermunicipal-2014/|title=Paratinga: Prefeitura garante total apoio à seleção de futebol no Intermunicipal 2014|date=2014-04-14|access-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Correio do Oeste|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805223836/http://correiodooeste.com.br/paratingaprefeitura-garante-total-apoio-a-selecao-de-futebol-no-intermunicipal-2014/|archive-date=2016-08-05|url-status=live}} In rural areas, regional championships are held in three locations: Beira Rio-Paulista, Santo Onofre, and Caatingas.{{cite web|url=http://www.paratinganoticias.com/2014/10/campeonatos-rurais-movimentam-o-futebol-paratinguense.html|title=Campeonatos rurais movimentam o futebol paratinguense|first=Ely|last=Pacheco|date=2014-04-14|access-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Correio do Oeste|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805224252/http://www.paratinganoticias.com/2014/10/campeonatos-rurais-movimentam-o-futebol-paratinguense.html|archive-date=2016-08-05|url-status=dead}} Other cultural initiatives are outlined in the Culture Calendar, managed by the Municipal Secretariat of Culture and Racial Equality.

The main sports venue in the municipality is the Waldemiro Cruz Municipal Stadium, established in October 1980 with a capacity of 1,300 people. The municipal government and Liga Esportiva Paratinguense maintain the stadium. Additionally, Paratinga has four sports courts in its urban area, most built between the 1980s and 1990s and linked to public school facilities. In rural areas, the court in the Agreste village stands out.{{cite web|url=http://www.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=31EC015A894D|title=1º Termo de adiamento de edital|access-date=2017-03-20|publisher=Portal da Transparência}} These are maintained by affiliated schools, banking associations, and the municipal government.

File:Praça Dois de Julho pela noite (14), Paratinga, janeiro de 2017.jpg

Paratinga's nightlife is characterized by its bars, squares, and leisure spaces. Concentrated in the urban area and particularly in the tourist areas of the Águas do Paulista district, the municipality offers attractions featuring music and events. The hotel network is limited but includes some hotels in the urban area and in Paulista.

Paratinga's cuisine is distinguished by locally produced foods. Breakfast in Paratinga often includes the avoador, a white biscuit made from flour, which is a highlight of local harvests. Other typical foods include tapioca biscuits, cachaça, and rapadura.{{cite book|author=MACHADO, Jorge Manuel da Costa|author2=ABREU, Márcia Cristina Vergne de|year=1998|title=Guia Cultural da Bahia|location=Salvador|pages=109-114|access-date=2017-03-20|isbn=8586485284|url=https://www.introvertendo.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Guia-cultural-da-Bahia-Paratinga.pdf|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230622161005/https://www.introvertendo.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Guia-cultural-da-Bahia-Paratinga.pdf|archive-date=2023-06-22|url-status=live}}

According to Municipal Decree No. 006 of 2015, in addition to national and state holidays and three optional holidays, Paratinga observes five municipal holidays: Saint Sebastian (January 20), Saint Anthony, "Patron Saint of our parish" (June 13), the city's anniversary (June 25), Evangelical Day (August 5), and Our Lady of Conception (December 8).{{cite web|url=http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/iframe.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=31EE025E8D47|title=Decreto Municipal Nº. 006 / 2015|date=2015-01-13|access-date=2016-08-05|publisher=Prefeitura Municipal de Paratinga|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160805225306/http://ba.portaldatransparencia.com.br/prefeitura/paratinga/iframe.cfm?pagina=abreDocumento&arquivo=31EE025E8D47|archive-date=2016-08-05|url-status=live}}

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