Established in 1972, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão (State University of Maranhão) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the large city of São Luís (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Maranhao. Officially recognized by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil (Ministry of Education of Brazil), Universidade Estadual do Maranhão (UEMA) is a coeducational Brazilian higher education institution. Universidade Estadual do Maranhão (UEMA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. This 50 years old Brazilian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UEMA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.