Ten fun facts about Brasília

1. Brasilia: Latin American City With The Highest GDP Per Capita

Brasilia is the wealthiest major Latin American city, boasting an impressive GDP per capita of $25,000. This is significantly higher than the average GDP per capita of Latin American cities, which is estimated to be around $14,000. This impressive economic performance is largely due to the city's strong industrial base, which includes a wide range of industries such as automotive, electronics, and aerospace. Additionally, Brasilia's strategic location in the center of the country has enabled it to become a major hub for trade and commerce.

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2. Unique City in Brazil Governed by Federal District

Brasília is a unique city in Brazil, as it is an administrative division rather than a legal municipality like many other cities in the country. This means that the city is governed by the Federal District, which is a subdivision of the federal government. The Federal District is responsible for the city's infrastructure, public services, and economic development. Brasília is also the capital of Brazil, and is home to many government buildings and monuments.

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3. Brasília Hosts World Championship of Hang Gliding

In 2003, Brasília hosted the 14th Hang Gliding World Championship, a major event in the world of free flying. This championship featured a variety of categories, including hang gliding, paragliding, speed flying, and acro flying. The event was attended by hundreds of competitors from around the world, and the competition was fierce. The championship was a great success, and it showcased the city's commitment to promoting free flying and other extreme sports.

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4. Brasilia: The City of Prophecy

In the 19th century, a prophecy was made that a civilization would thrive around an artificial lake. This prophecy has come true in the form of Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, which lies between the predicted parallels of latitude around Paranoa Lake. This lake is an artificial reservoir created in the 1960s to provide water to the city, and it has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The city of Brasilia is a modern marvel, with its unique architecture and vibrant culture, and it is a testament to the power of prophecy.

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5. Three Languages Taught in Schools

In Brasília, Portuguese is the official national language and is taught in schools, but English and Spanish are also taught, providing students with the opportunity to learn multiple languages. This is beneficial for those who wish to travel or work in other countries, as they will already have a basic understanding of the language. Furthermore, learning multiple languages can help to broaden one's cultural understanding and appreciation.

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6. The First Shopping Center in Brasília Opens 50 Years Later

In 1971, the bustling city of Brasília opened its first shopping center, the Shopping Conjunto Nacional. This mall was not only the first of its kind in Brasília, but also the second shopping center to be built in all of Brazil. Since its opening, the Shopping Conjunto Nacional has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

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7. 77th most affordable city in the world - Brasília

Despite its high cost of living, Brasília is surprisingly affordable compared to other cities around the world. According to a 2013 survey, the Brazilian capital ranked 77th in terms of cost of living, making it one of the most affordable cities in the world. With its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and diverse population, Brasília is an attractive destination for those looking for a city that offers a unique experience without breaking the bank.

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8. The Modernist City

In 2010, Brasilia was ranked the fourth most populous city in Brazil, with a population of over 2.5 million people. This made it the largest city in the Central-West region of the country, and the eleventh largest city in the entire nation. The city is known for its modernist architecture, and is the only city in the world to be built in the 20th century and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the seat of the federal government of Brazil, and is home to numerous government buildings and monuments.

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9. The Seasons Defined by Humidity

In Brasília, the seasons are defined by the humidity levels; one season is extremely dry, while the other is much more humid. The dry season typically lasts from May to September, with temperatures ranging from a low of 15°C to a high of 30°C. During this time, the humidity levels are usually below 20%. The humid season, on the other hand, runs from October to April, with temperatures ranging from a low of 10°C to a high of 25°C. During this time, the humidity levels can reach up to 80%, making it a much more humid and uncomfortable season.

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10. The City That Changed Brazil

For nearly two centuries, Rio de Janeiro served as the capital of Brazil, until 1960 when the newly constructed city of Brasília was officially declared the nation's capital. The city of Brasília was designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa, and was built in just 41 months, from 1956 to 1960. It was the first planned city of the 20th century, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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