Boa Vista, Roraima
Capital of Roraima, planned city north of the equator.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Boa Vista is the capital of the Brazilian state of Roraima, situated on the western bank of the Branco River. It is the only Brazilian state capital located entirely north of the equator. The city was created on July 9, 1890, as Boa Vista do Rio Branco and became the capital of the Federal Territory of Rio Branco in 1943 during World War II.
- Founded
- July 9, 1890
- Country
- Brazil
- State
- Roraima
- Population (2022 Census)
- Predominantly pardo (62.2%)
- GDP (2005)
- R$2,265,603,000
- Per capita income (2005)
- R$9,366
- Notable feature
- Only Brazilian state capital entirely north of the equator
Lore & Background
Boa Vista was founded by Augusto Villeroy, then governor of Amazonas, and its first mayor was João Capistrano da Silva Mota, also known as Coronel Mota. The city was planned by architect Darci Aleixo Derenusson, who based its radial design on that of Paris, France, and built under the direction of Captain Ene Garcez, the first governor of Roraima. The Civic Center, built in the form of an opened fan, starts from the banks of the Rio Branco and houses the head offices of the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches.
Reader's Guide
Boa Vista is significant as the capital of Roraima and the only Brazilian state capital entirely north of the equator. Its planned radial layout, inspired by Paris, distinguishes it from other capitals in the North Region. The city's economy relies on commerce with Manaus, Lethem (Guyana), and Santa Elena de Uairén (Venezuela), though road access is limited to these foreign cities and smaller state municipalities; air travel is the only means of transport to other regions of Brazil. The 2010s Venezuelan crisis caused a population increase of about 50,000 immigrants. Boa Vista's cultural highlights include the Festa Junina (Saint John Festival) and tourist attractions such as the Ayrton Senna complex, Anaua Park, and Taumanam artificial beach. The city hosts several professional football clubs and the Estádio Flamarion Vasconcelos (Canarinho).
Did You Know?
- Boa Vista is the only Brazilian state capital located entirely north of the equator.
- The city was created on July 9, 1890, as Boa Vista do Rio Branco.
- The architect Darci Aleixo Derenusson based Boa Vista's radial plan on that of Paris, France.
- The 2010s crisis in Venezuela led to Boa Vista's population swelling by around 50,000 Venezuelan immigrants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Boa Vista, Roraima?
Boa Vista is the capital of Brazil's northernmost state, Roraima, nestled along the western shore of the Branco River. It was established on July 9, 1890, originally under the longer name Boa Vista do Rio Branco.
What are Boa Vista, Roraima's powers/role?
Its most striking distinction is being the only Brazilian state capital that sits entirely north of the equator. It also functions as the administrative and commercial center for all of Roraima.
How does Boa Vista, Roraima's story end?
The city's story is still unfolding, but a major turning point came in 1943, when it was designated capital of the Federal Territory of Rio Branco amid World War II. It continues today as a living frontier metropolis with a predominantly mixed-race community.
Why is Boa Vista, Roraima important?
Its position north of the equator gives it a one-of-a-kind geographical status among Brazilian capitals. It also anchors a border region adjacent to Venezuela and Guyana, making it a strategic gateway city for northern Brazil.
When was Boa Vista, Roraima born?
The city was officially founded on July 9, 1890, as Boa Vista do Rio Branco. It later shed that longer name and solidified its identity as the capital of Roraima in the mid-twentieth century.
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