Bonfim, Roraima

Bonfim
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 / 3.36000°N 59.83278°W / 3.36000; -59.83278
Country Brazil
RegionNorth
State Roraima
Founded1 June 1982
Government
 • MayorJoner Chagas (PRTB)
Area
 • Total
8,095 km2 (3,125 sq mi)
Elevation
92 m (302 ft)
Population
 (2022 [1])
 • Total
13,923
 • Density1.7/km2 (4.5/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−4 (AMT)
Demonymbonfinense
Websitebonfim.rr.gov.br

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]

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 2022
  2. ^ "Bonfim". IBGE (in Portuguese). Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  3. ^ Stabroek News at [1] as of 16 March 2007
  4. ^ a b "Macuxi". Socio Ambiental. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d e "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.