| Vilhena | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| — Municipality — | |||
| The Municipality of Vilhena | |||
| Aerial view of Vilhena | |||
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| Location of Vilhena in the State of Rondônia | |||
| Coordinates: | |||
| Country | Brazil | ||
| Region | North | ||
| State | Rondônia | ||
| Founded | November 23, 1977 | ||
| Government | |||
| • Mayor | José Rover (PP) | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 11,519 km2 (4,447.5 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 600 m (1,969 ft) | ||
| Population (2008)[1] | |||
| • Total | 68,405 | ||
| • Density | 5.5/km2 (14.2/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-4 (UTC-4) | ||
| HDI (2000) | 0.771 – medium[2] | ||
| Website | www.pmvilhena.com.br | ||
Vilhena is the easternmost municipality in the Brazilian state of Rondônia. Its population was 68,405 (2008) and its area is 11,519 km².[3] It is the fifth-largest city in Rondônia state.
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In common with many other municipalities of Rondônia, Vilhena was started in the early twentieth century, around 1910, when Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon built telegraph posts in the fields of the Plateau Parecis, linking several cities between Cuiaba and Porto Velho. Towns often would rise around these posts, Vilhena included.
Migration from southern and southeastern regions provided a population boost in 1959 after the construction of highway BR-364, which connects the north with the rest of the country. The region's wealth of wood in the forest sites and a healthy climate attracted many permanent residents. In 1964 many migrants from all over the country were attracted to the region because the distribution of land to settlers by INCRA (National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform).
In the year 1969 on April 1, Vilhena becomes district capital of Porto Velho by decree No. 565. Vilhena at this time had about 160 homes, with an estimated population of 800. Simultanously the office of Civil Registry and the Court of Peace were established. The first administrator of the district of Vilhena was Mr. Gilberto Barros de Lima, who held this district post from March 1973 to June 1977. Several sawmills were started at this time.
On October 11, 1977, President Ernesto Geisel endorsed the Law No. 6448, which break down Vilhena of Porto Velho. Being recognized as a city of Rondônia.
Vilhena is served by Brigadeiro Camarão Airport.
Crição cattle cutting predominates economic activity for large and medium landowners. Small owners are investing in improvements in their herds. In 2005, the cattle herd had a head count of 116,426. However, this herd had been estimated to be approximately 900-thousand in 1991. However, the pastures supplemental to cash crops, mainly for the cultivation of soybeans, so cattle are no longer the main source of agricultural economy.