Brazil's Capitals

By: M. Gilchrist

Since Brazil was discovered, it has had three different capitals, each representing distinct eras in the country’s history: the colonial period, the military dictatorship, and the emergence of democracy in 1989. These key eras played a significant role in shaping Brazil into the country it is today. 


The first capital of Brazil was Salvador, located in the northeast of the country in Bahia. During this time, Brazil was a colony, which comes from the Greek word colonus, meaning farmer. This illustrates how Salvador functioned as a provider of raw materials to Portugal, exporting cotton, sugar, and, most famously, pau-brasil. During this period, Portugal was importing large numbers of slaves from Africa, many of whom arrived in Salvador, contributing to a significant part of both Salvador's and Brazil’s culture. This influence gave birth to staples of Bahian cuisine, such as feijoada, the use of palm oil, acarajé, and vatapá. Additionally, dances like capoeira became popular in Brazil due to the African influence in Salvador.

The next capital of Brazil was Rio de Janeiro, which remains one of the most well-known cities in the country. It became the capital during Brazil’s transition from a Portuguese colony to an independent nation. Rio de Janeiro was the birthplace of Brazilian aristocracy and home to the former Brazilian royal family, including King João VI, whose reign is known as the Joanino period. This era saw drastic economic, political, and social changes. The king, residing in Rio at the time, decided to invest in banks, churches, educational institutions, and other financial services that enriched Brazil’s infrastructure. A significant portion of the Brazilian elite sent their children to study in France due to its cultural importance, which led to a greater French influence expanding in Brazil.

Finally, Brasília became the capital in 1960 and remains the capital today. Brasília represents both the rise and fall of Brazil’s military dictatorship. Its planned cityscape and minimalist, cold architecture symbolize the uncompromising military planning of the era. During this time, the dictatorship led to many investments that ultimately resulted in Brazil’s bankruptcy, a situation that persists to this day, except for the capital itself, Itaipú (a hydroelectric power station), and the BR-230, known as the Trans-Amazonian Highway. The dictatorship was marked by atrocities: 434 people were killed, 20,000 were tortured, and many were exiled.

​Despite Brasília symbolizing many of Brazil’s errors and mistakes, it remains crucial in building a better future for the country. Through Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, and today’s Brasília, each city has played a special role in creating the eccentric and diverse culture that Brazil is known for today.