Bonfim | |
---|---|
Municipality | |
The Municipality of Bonfim | |
Coordinates: 03°21′36″N 59°49′58″W / 3.36000°N 59.83278°W | |
Country | Brazil |
Region | North |
State | Roraima |
Founded | 1 June 1982 |
Government | |
• Mayor | Joner Chagas ( PRTB) |
Area | |
• Total | 8,095 km2 (3,125 sq mi) |
Elevation | 92 m (302 ft) |
Population (2020
[1]) | |
• Total | 12,557 |
• Density | 1.6/km2 (4.0/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC−4 ( AMT) |
Demonym | bonfinense |
Website | bonfim.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]
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]
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]