The capital city of Brazil is Brasília. Designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, it was officially inaugurated as the capital in 1960, replacing Rio de Janeiro. Brasília is known for its modernist architecture and unique city layout, which is shaped like an airplane. The city was constructed to promote the development of the interior of Brazil and reduce the concentration of political and economic power in coastal cities. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its significant architectural contributions.