The Brazilian semi-arid region is characterised by a dry climate, with little rainfall and high evapotranspiration. It covers 1.03 million square kilometres (12% of the country's area) and currently has a population of 27 million people (12% of the Brazilian population) living in 1,262 municipalities in nine states of the Federation. In November 2017, a further 73 municipalities were included as a result of the prolonged drought.