Bonfim, Roraima

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
Municipality
The Municipality of Bonfim
Flag
Seal
Location of Bonfim in the State of Roraima
Bonfim
Location in Brazil
Coordinates: 03°21′36″N 59°49′58″W
Country Brazil
RegionNorth
State Roraima
Founded1 June 1982
Government
 • MayorJoner Chagas (PRTB)
Area
 • Total8,095 km2 (3,125 sq mi)
Elevation
92 m (302 ft)
Population
 (2020 [1])
 • Total12,557
 • Density1.6/km2 (4.0/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−4 (AMT)
Demonymbonfinense
Websitebonfim.rr.gov.br

Overview

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]

Transport

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]

References
  1. IBGE 2020
  2. "Bonfim". IBGE (in Portuguese). Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  3. Stabroek News at as of 16 March 2007
  4. "Macuxi". Socio Ambiental. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  5. "Historia da Cidade". Government of Bonfim (in Portuguese). Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  6. "LEI Nº 11.732, DE 30 DE JUNHO DE 2008". Planalto.gov.br (in Portuguese). Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  7. Reinaldo Imbrozio Barbosa; Ciro Campos (2001). "Detection and geographical distribution of clearing areas in the savannas ('lavrado') of Roraima using Google Earth web tool". Journal of Geography and Regional Planning: 125. ISSN 2070-1845.
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