Rio de Janeiro used to be the capital of Brazil.
Now the capital of Brazil is Brasilia.
GOOD-BYE, RIO – HELLO BRASILIA
For many years, the capital of Brazil was Rio de Janeiro. Right on the
Atlantic Ocean, Rio is considered one of the most beautiful cities in
the world.
But, in 1956, Brazil began work on a new capital city 600 miles (970
kilometers) northwest of Rio. The new capital, called Brasilia, was
built far inland in order to settle and develop that part of the
country. Four years later, in 1960, Brasilia became the new capital.
Today, it has a population of more than 400,000 people.
Seen from the air, Brasilia has the shape of a drawn bow and arrow. The
well-planned city is known for its beautiful concrete and glass
buildings. An artificial lake around part of the city provides a place
for boating and fishing.
