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 of Bonfim
Flag
Official seal of Bonfim
Seal
Location of Bonfim in the State of Roraima
Location of Bonfim in the State of Roraima
Bonfim is located in Brazil
Bonfim
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 indigenous village of Moscou

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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