Federal District of Brazil Travel Guide

About the Federal District, Brazil

The Federal District (Distrito Federal) is an administrative region in Brazil that serves as the seat of the nation’s capital, Brasília. Unlike the country's 26 states, the Federal District is not subdivided into municipalities but is instead composed of administrative regions, with Brasília functioning as the political and administrative core. Created in 1960 to promote the development of Brazil’s interior and reduce the concentration of power in coastal cities, the Federal District was carved out of Goiás state and planned as a modern capital. Designed by urban planner Lúcio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer, Brasília is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its futuristic architecture, monumental government buildings, and layout designed in the shape of an airplane or bird. The city houses the main branches of Brazil’s federal government, including the Palácio do Planalto (executive), the National Congress, and the Supreme Federal Court.

Geographically, the Federal District is located on the Central Plateau (Planalto Central), at an average elevation of around 1,000 meters, giving it a mild, dry climate for much of the year. Though primarily urban, the region includes significant natural reserves and green spaces, which are integral to the city’s original design. The Parque Nacional de Brasília (Brasília National Park), one of the largest urban parks in the world, offers cerrado (savanna) ecosystems, hiking trails, and natural springs. Lago Paranoá, an artificial lake created during the construction of Brasília, provides opportunities for water sports and leisure activities. The district is surrounded by natural attractions in the neighboring state of Goiás, such as Chapada dos Veadeiros and Chapada Imperial.

Economically, the Federal District has a service-driven economy centered around public administration, legal and legislative activities, education, and healthcare. As the headquarters of the federal government, it has one of the highest GDPs per capita in Brazil and benefits from a highly educated workforce. The region also has a growing private sector, particularly in areas such as real estate, communications, consulting, and information technology. Agriculture plays a minor role compared to neighboring states.