In 1775, the Portuguese built Fort São Joaquim at the confluence of the Uraricoera and the Takutu River to prevent the Dutch from advancing into the area.[3] The ruins of the fort can still be seen.[4] In 1790, the Amerindians revolted, and the Portuguese retreated from the region.[3]
Bonfim started with the compound of a religious mission from the United States.[4]
On 1 July 1982 it became a municipality[4] by Federal Bill Nº 7.009.
On 28 March 2007 it was declared a free port for international trade by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.[5]
The municipality is home to Amerindians of the Wapishana and Macushi tribes who live in the Wapixana, Macuxi, and Jabuti Indigenous Territories. Many of the indigenous community are tri-lingual speaking their own language, Portuguese and English.[4]
The economy is mainly based on livestock in particular cattle ranching and agriculture which an emphasis on cassava, bananas and cashew.[4]
Transport
Bonfim is connected to the BR-401 which links the road network of Guyana to Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima, located 115 kilometres from Bonfim.[6]
