Brazil is a country of continental dimensions, renowned for its incredible geographical diversity, from bustling metropolises to vast, untouched wilderness. This immense scale often translates into cities that are not only vibrant centers of culture and economy but also extraordinary in their sheer physical expanse.
When we consider municipalities defined by their territorial size, a fascinating picture emerges. This list details the Largest Cities in Brazil by Area, specifically pinpointing 15 such remarkable places. Ranging from the colossal Altamira, nestled deep in the Amazon, to the significant municipality of Tefé, each entry provides a unique glimpse into Brazil’s expansive geography. For your convenience, you’ll find comprehensive data below, organized by State, Area (sq km), and Population (2022).
Why are some Brazilian cities so geographically vast?
Many of Brazil’s largest cities by area are located in the Amazon region, particularly in states like Pará and Amazonas. Their vast sizes often stem from historical land demarcation processes that incorporated extensive tracts of rainforest, undeveloped territories, and even protected areas within municipal boundaries. These areas are typically sparsely populated, leading to a notable distinction between a city’s administrative area and its urbanized core.
What makes Altamira one of Brazil’s largest cities by area?
Altamira, located in the state of Pará, holds the distinction of being one of the largest municipalities in the world by area. Its enormous size is a direct result of its geographical position within the Amazon rainforest. Historically, vast, undeveloped forest lands were included in its municipal limits, reflecting the expansive nature of land management in the region. Despite its immense territory, much of Altamira’s area remains pristine jungle or protected conservation units, with its urban population concentrated in a relatively small fraction of its total footprint.
Largest Cities in Brazil by Area
| City Name | State | Area (sq km) | Population (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altamira | Pará | 159,534 | 116,000 |
| Barcelos | Amazonas | 122,476 | 27,000 |
| São Gabriel da Cachoeira | Amazonas | 109,185 | 46,000 |
| Oriximiná | Pará | 107,603 | 78,000 |
| Tapauá | Amazonas | 89,324 | 19,000 |
| São Félix do Xingu | Pará | 84,212 | 136,000 |
| Lábrea | Amazonas | 68,508 | 46,000 |
| Apuí | Amazonas | 54,240 | 22,000 |
| Carauari | Amazonas | 43,971 | 28,000 |
| Pauini | Amazonas | 43,263 | 13,000 |
| Novo Aripuanã | Amazonas | 41,191 | 26,000 |
| Colniza | Mato Grosso | 27,947 | 43,000 |
| São João da Baliza | Roraima | 24,000 | 8,000 |
| Itaituba | Pará | 62,000 | 105,000 |
| Tefé | Amazonas | 25,000 | 61,000 |
Images and Descriptions
Altamira
One of the largest municipalities on Earth by area, Altamira covers a vast swath of the Amazon with large protected areas, rivers and a small urban core compared to its territory.
Barcelos
Huge Amazon municipality known for riverine communities, fishing (especially the annual giant catfish), and extensive rainforest.
São Gabriel da Cachoeira
Border municipality near Colombia and Venezuela, with many indigenous peoples and enormous, sparsely populated rainforest lands.
Oriximiná
Large western Pará municipality on the Trombetas River, with mining activity, indigenous lands and dense Amazon forest.
Tapauá
Vast, sparsely populated Amazon municipality with river transport as the main connection between communities.
São Félix do Xingu
Huge agricultural frontier municipality in southeastern Pará combining large cattle ranches, frontier towns and extensive forested land.
Lábrea
Southern Amazonas municipality noted for its rainforest, rivers and role as a regional river-port hub amid vast wilderness.
Apuí
Large area in southern Amazonas with frontier settlement, agriculture and significant rainforest and conservation units.
Carauari
Amazon municipality along the Juruá River, with riverine communities, protected areas and low population density across its territory.
Pauini
Remote municipality in southwest Amazonas, dominated by rainforest and river networks and mostly rural population.
Novo Aripuanã
Large municipality in Amazonas with riverine economy, forested landscapes and scattered communities along waterways.
Colniza
Largest municipality in Mato Grosso, a frontier zone with agriculture, cattle ranching and significant deforestation pressures.
São João da Baliza
Borderland municipality in Roraima with large tracts of savanna and forest, small urban center and low population density.
Itaituba
Major Tapajós River city serving as a regional commercial hub; large municipality with both urbanized towns and extensive forested and frontier lands.
Tefé
Riverside city on the Solimões River with important regional services, surrounded by large municipal territory of Amazon forest and wetlands.
