Goiania, state Goias

Гойания, штат Гойас См. Фото-галерею

Goiânia is a planned city founded on October 24, 1933 by Pedro Ludovico, the governor of the state at the time. It is located on a fertile plain criss-crossed by numerous rivers, the most important being the Meia Ponte River. The idea of transferring the state capital came about from the need to locate it in accordance with the economic interests of the state. The first state capital, Vila Boa (today Goiás Velho), had been chosen when the economy was based on gold extraction. Later it was demonstrated that cattle-raising and agriculture had become the most important factors in development, and the old state capital was too out of the way.

Legislators kept the idea of a change alive for a long time. In 1891 the constitutional delegates made the idea of the transfer of the capital official including it in the constitution, ratifying it in 1898 and later in 1918.

Vaguely remembered until 1930, the idea of a change only became reality during the government of Pedro Ludovico, who was the new governor appointed for the state of Goiás after the military revolt of 1930. In 1932 a commission was created to choose the place where the new capital would be built. In 1933 the commission decided on the present location and the foundation stone was erected.

The plan was for a city of 50,000 with the shape of a concentric radius – streets in the form of a spoke, with the Praça Cívica as the center, with the seats of the state and municipal government – The Palace of Emeralds and the Palace of Campinas.

In 1937 a decree was signed transferring the state capital from the Cidade de Goiás to Goiânia. The official inauguration only occurred in 1942 with the presence of the president of the republic, governors, and ministers.

The first buildings in this planned city, designed by Atílio Correia Lima, were inspired by Art Deco. The collection of buildings in the city is considered one of the most important in Brazil. Mostly built in the 1940s and 1950s they have been recognized by the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage. Included are 22 buildings and monuments, the original center of Goiânia, and the pioneering nucleus of Campinas, the town that gave birth to Goiânia.

Today the economy of Goiania is based on various industries; primarily the economy finds its roots based in the Agricultural industry thriving in and around the city. The supplying of equipment, tools, fertilizer and all various agriculture products make up a large portion of the city industries.

Second to Agriculture is the motor trade industry. Sales, Repairs and reconditioning of motorcycles and general vehicles is very wide spread and visible in all areas of the city.

It must be noted that in recent years the Telecommunication and IT industry have begun to expand into Goiania and one now find many large Brazilian companies setting up offices in the city of Goiania.

In addition there is also a large influx of investment from the United States and Great Britain, from the many Goianos who have moved overseas in order to earn money in various trades and services.