BARBACENA, an inland town of Brazil, in the State of Minas Geraes, 15om. N.N.W. of Rio de Janeiro and about 3,5ooft. above sea-level. The surrounding district is chiefly agri cultural, producing coffee, sugar-cane, Indian corn and cattle, and the town has considerable commercial importance. It is also noted for its healthy climate and possesses a large sana torium much frequented by convalescents from Rio de Janeiro during the hot season. Barbacena was formerly an important dis tributing centre for the mining districts of Minas Geraes before the railway was extended beyond that point.