What is the capital of Brazil?
Brasília is the capital of Brazil. It was built from scratch in the interior of the country and became the capital in 1960, replacing Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil's leaders had long wanted to move the capital inland to develop the vast interior. President Juscelino Kubitschek made it happen, and Brasília was built in less than four years. Urban planner Lúcio Costa designed the city's layout and architect Oscar Niemeyer designed many of its buildings.
Seen from above, the city's plan is often compared to an airplane or a bird. The government buildings, including the National Congress with its twin towers and bowl-shaped domes, line the central axis. Brasília is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why not Rio or São Paulo?
Rio de Janeiro was the capital from 1763 to 1960 and remains Brazil's best-known city. São Paulo is the largest city and the economic center, with more than 12 million people in the city itself.
Did You Know?
Brazil has had three capitals: Salvador from 1549 to 1763, Rio de Janeiro until 1960 and Brasília since then.