Palmas

Palmas is the capital of Tocantins in central Brazil and was built following a planned layout on the banks of the Tocantins River. The city covers a wide area with broad avenues and residential neighborhoods separated by parks and open spaces.

The administration of the newly created state of Tocantins needed a capital from 1988 and had the city built from scratch within a few months. The first construction phase started with government buildings and residential areas for officials who moved from other parts of the country.

The Federal University of Tocantins operates multiple campuses throughout the city, providing higher education opportunities for students across northern Brazil.

The airport sits roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the center and connects the city with other parts of Brazil. Buses run within city limits and provide links between different neighborhoods and the central area.

A large reservoir formed in the early 2000s through the construction of a hydroelectric dam downstream and created artificial beaches at the edge of town. Many residents use these shores for swimming and leisure activities on weekends.

Location: Tocantins

Inception: May 20, 1989

Elevation above the sea: 230 m

Shares border with: Aparecida do Rio Negro, Lajeado, Miracema do Tocantins, Monte do Carmo, Novo Acordo, Porto Nacional, Santa Tereza do Tocantins

Website: http://palmas.to.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -10.18861,-48.33361

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:00