Why would location be more important than physical features in deciding where to build a city? Unit 2 Lesson 7 Communities Move – Brasilia, Brazil

Brasilia The city of Brasilia sits high on a huge plateau in the middle of Brazil. Thick forest grows all around it.

Brazil Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest in the world. It became a country in 1822 and its capital city was Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro is known for its sandy beaches and high mountains close to the coast. Rio was chosen as Brazil’s capital because it was close to mineral resources. Some people thought it was too far away from the rest of the country.

Changing the Capital City The new capital of Brazil had to be close to the center of the country. Government leaders wanted people to move inland, away from the coast.

Rain Forest A rain forest is a thick forest with a wet climate. A rain forest covers most of Brazil.

The Amazon River The Amazon River flows through the rain forest. The Amazon River is Brazil’s longest river. It is the second-longest river in the world. The Nile River in Africa is the longest river in the world.

Brasilia Brasilia was chosen as the new capital. It was on a plateau rising from the rain forest. There were no roads and supplies had to be brought in by airplane. It was chosen for its location not its physical features.

Lucio Costa Lucio Costa was a city planner who designed every detail of Brasilia. He laid out the city in the shape of an airplane.

City Plan for Brasilia The body is 4 miles long and the wings are 12 miles across. Costa put houses and business along the wings and the government buildings along the body. He put the most important buildings, where the government leaders meet, at the nose.

Oscar Niemeyer Oscar Niemeyer is a builder. He built the Metropolitan Cathedral in Brasilia. It is made of glass and concrete.