What is the Capital of Brazil? Brasilia

Capital City of Brazil: Brasília

City Overview

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is a planned city that stands as a symbol of modernism and innovation in urban development. Situated in the Central-West region of Brazil, Brasília was officially inaugurated as the capital of the country in 1960, replacing Rio de Janeiro. The city was designed by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa, with the aim of promoting development in the interior of the country and reducing the concentration of political and economic power in coastal cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. See Insidewatch for other major cities in Brazil.

Brasília’s design is unique, with its modernist architecture, vast open spaces, and an emphasis on aesthetics and functionality. The city is laid out in the shape of an airplane, with its major buildings forming the wings and the body. The city is renowned for its wide streets, parks, and green spaces, offering a stark contrast to the dense urban areas of Brazil’s coastal cities.

The capital serves as the administrative and political center of Brazil, housing the main government buildings, including the Palácio do Planalto (Palace of the Presidency), Congresso Nacional (National Congress), and Supremo Tribunal Federal (Supreme Federal Court). Brasília is also a cultural hub, with theaters, museums, and cultural centers, showcasing the country’s rich history and diverse heritage.

City Facts: Brasília

• Area: 5,802 square kilometers (2,244 square miles)
• Population: Approximately 3.2 million (2023)
• Time Zone: Brasília Time (BRT, UTC -3)
• Highest Mountain: Pico das Agulhas Negras (2,791 meters / 9,157 feet) – While not located in Brasília itself, this mountain is the highest peak in the state of Rio de Janeiro and is located within the same general region.
• Longest River: Rio Paraná – The Paraná River, which runs through the southern part of Brazil, is the second-longest river in South America and forms part of the natural landscape around Brasília.

Brasília is divided into several administrative regions, including the Plano Piloto, which is the heart of the city where most government institutions are located. The city’s population has grown rapidly since its founding, and it has become one of Brazil’s most important economic and cultural centers, despite being a planned city with relatively little historical development before the mid-20th century.

Major Landmarks in Brasília

1. Palácio do Planalto: The official workplace of the President of Brazil, this modernist building is one of Brasília’s iconic landmarks. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, its bold architecture and large colonnades are a representation of the city’s commitment to modernist ideals.
2. Congresso Nacional: This twin-tower building houses Brazil’s National Congress and is one of the most recognizable buildings in Brasília. The design features two cylindrical towers connected by a platform, flanked by large hemispherical domes.
3. Catedral Metropolitana de Brasília: This stunning cathedral, also designed by Niemeyer, features a unique crown-like structure made of 16 concrete columns. Its stunning glass walls and light-filled interior make it a major cultural landmark.
4. Supremo Tribunal Federal: The headquarters of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court is another example of Niemeyer’s modernist style. The building’s sleek, minimalist design reflects the values of transparency and accessibility in Brazilian governance.
5. Parque da Cidade (City Park): One of the largest urban parks in the world, this green space offers residents and tourists ample space for recreation and relaxation. It includes a large lake, sports facilities, and walking paths.
6. Museu Nacional Honestino Guimarães: A major cultural institution in Brasília, this museum focuses on modern Brazilian art and houses a variety of exhibitions showcasing the nation’s creative and artistic achievements.
7. JK Memorial: Dedicated to Juscelino Kubitschek, the founder of Brasília, this memorial honors his legacy in creating the capital. It features a modernist architectural style and houses memorabilia from his presidency.
8. Torre de TV (TV Tower): Offering panoramic views of Brasília, the TV Tower is a key landmark and tourist destination in the city. The tower is located in the central part of the city and stands at 224 meters (735 feet).

Climate Overview

Brasília has a tropical savanna climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The city enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, with the wet season lasting from October to April and the dry season from May to September. Due to its elevation (about 1,000 meters or 3,280 feet above sea level), the climate is relatively moderate compared to other cities in Brazil.

Climate Table: Average Temperature, Precipitation, and Sunny Days

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	24°C	240 mm	7
February	24°C	180 mm	7
March	24°C	150 mm	7
April	23°C	110 mm	8
May	21°C	20 mm	8
June	20°C	10 mm	10
July	19°C	5 mm	12
August	20°C	5 mm	12
September	22°C	20 mm	10
October	23°C	110 mm	8
November	24°C	180 mm	7
December	24°C	230 mm	6

Other Cities That Have Served as Capital in the History of Brazil

1. Salvador (1549–1763)

• Period of Capital: 1549–1763
  Salvador was the first capital of Brazil, chosen by the Portuguese due to its strategic location on the Atlantic coast. It was a vibrant center for trade and culture during the colonial period. It remained the capital until 1763, when the seat of the government moved to Rio de Janeiro.

2. Rio de Janeiro (1763–1960)

• Period of Capital: 1763–1960
  After the capital moved from Salvador, Rio de Janeiro became the main political and economic center of Brazil. Its status as a cultural and commercial hub continued until Brasília’s creation in the 1960s. Rio de Janeiro hosted several important events, including the Rio Carnival, and remained the capital for nearly 200 years.

Country Facts: Brazil

• Population: Approximately 214 million (2023)
• Area: 8,515,767 square kilometers (3,287,357 square miles)
• Largest City: São Paulo
• Currency: Brazilian real (BRL)
• Official Language: Portuguese
• ISO Country Codes: BR (Alpha-2), BRA (Alpha-3)
• Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic, with growing Protestant and Afro-Brazilian religious communities
• Government Type: Federal republic
• Capital City: Brasília

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest in the world by both area and population. The country is known for its rich cultural diversity, vibrant music, and dance traditions such as samba and bossa nova. It is also famous for its biodiversity, including the Amazon Rainforest, and its major industries such as agriculture, mining, and energy production. Brazil has a mixed economy with a significant emphasis on both industrial and agricultural sectors.

Brasília’s design and strategic location reflect Brazil’s ambitions for national unity and regional development. As the capital, it embodies the country’s commitment to modernity and progress, while also preserving the cultural and historical significance of its predecessors, Salvador and Rio de Janeiro.