Bonfim (Portuguese pronunciation: [bõˈfĩ]) is a municipality located in the mideast of the state of Roraima in Brazil. Its population is 12,557 and its area is 8,095 km2.[2] The city lies opposite the Takutu River from Lethem, Guyana. The Takutu River Bridge links Bonfim and Roraima with the town of Lethem and the Atlantic port of Georgetown, Guyana.[3]
Bonfim | |
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Municipality | |
The Municipality of Bonfim | |
![]() Location of Bonfim in the State of Roraima | |
![]() ![]() Bonfim Location in Brazil | |
Coordinates: 03°21′36″N 59°49′58″W | |
Country | ![]() |
Region | North |
State | ![]() |
Founded | 1 June 1982 |
Government | |
• Mayor | Joner Chagas (PRTB) |
Area | |
• Total | 8,095 km2 (3,125 sq mi) |
Elevation | 92 m (302 ft) |
Population (2020 [1]) | |
• Total | 12,557 |
• Density | 1.6/km2 (4.0/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC-4 |
Demonym | bonfinense |
Website | bonfim.rr.gov.br |
In 1775, the Portuguese built Fort São Joaquim at the confluence of the Uraricoera and the Takutu River to prevent the Dutch from advancing into the area.[4] The ruins of the fort can still be seen.[5] In 1790, the Amerindians revolted, and the Portuguese retreated from the region.[4]
Bonfim started with the compound of a religious mission from the United States.[5] On 1 July 1982 it became a municipality[5] by Federal Bill Nº 7.009. On 28 March 2007 it was declared a free port for international trade by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.[6]
The municipality is home to Amerindians of the Wapishana and Macushi tribes who live in the Wapixana, Macuxi, and Jabuti Indigenous Territories. Many of the indigenous community are tri-lingual speaking their own language, Portuguese and English.[5]
The economy is mainly based on livestock in particular cattle ranching and agriculture which an emphasis on cassava, bananas and cashew.[5]
Bonfim is connected to the BR-401 which links the road network of Guyana to Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima, located 115 kilometres from Bonfim.[7]
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Capital: Boa Vista | ||
Boa Vista |
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Nordeste de Roraima | ||
Caracarai | ||
Sudeste de Roraima |