Brasília

Brasília (pop. 1,596,300), federal capital of Brazil since 1960, located on the Paraná River, 600 mi (966 km) northwest of the old coastal capital, Rio de Janeiro. It was built to help open the immense Brazilian interior. Its cross-shaped plan was designed by Lúcio Costa, while such major buildings as the presidential palace and the cathedral are the work of Oscar Niemeyer.

See also: Brazil.