→ Drought Quadrilateral: The North-Eastern part of the Brazilian Highlands receives very little rainfall (less than 600mm) and is known as the "Drought Quadrilateral".
→ Climate Obstacles: The Escarpment (Great Escarpment) acts as a barrier to the moisture-laden winds, creating a rain-shadow region in the North-East.
→ Economic Difficulty: Due to extreme heat and frequent droughts, agriculture is not productive, leading to a lack of industrial development and sparse human settlements.