Cuiabá is the capital city of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. It is located in the exact centre of South America and is in conurbation with the neighbouring town of Várzea Grande.
The name is of obscure Indian origin, reportedly meaning "arrow-fishing" and alludes to the Bororo custom of using arrows to fish. Another version says that there was an Indian group called Ykuiapá. Others say that a Portuguese man was taking a bath in the river using a kind of plate made with half coconut (named cuia), and the stream took it, and the man said: Cuia ba (something like "the cuia is gone"). The largest pole of tourism, economy, agro industry, trade and culture of the State.
The new Marechal Rondon International Airport connects Cuiabá with many Brazilian cities and also operates some international flights.
The city is home to the Federal University of Mato Grosso.
Cuiabá confronts the towns of Chapada dos Guimarães, Campo Verde, Santo Antônio do Leverger, Várzea Grande, Jangada e Acorizal. It is the place of intersection of many major roads, and waterways, although because of sand banks along the river, it does not support medium or large ships anymore.
The third most important airport of the Brazilian Central-West region is there, as well as the heart of an important agriculture produce area. It is also the geographic centre of South America and is famous throughout Brazil as the country's hottest metropolis, where temperatures are often above 40°C (104°F).
The town is in the transition zone between three of the most characteristic Brazilian ecosystems: Amazonia, Cerrado and Pantanal. It is also close to the mountain range known as Chapada dos Guimarães (which blocks polar masses and causes the extremely hot weather).
Cuiabá is also known as the Southern gate to the Amazon. |
