Cuiabá is the capital city of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. It is located near the geographical centre of Brazil and forms the metropolitan area of the state, along with the neighbouring town of Várzea Grande. The city's name is an indigenous Bororo word meaning ‘arrow-fishing’, The city was founded in 1719, during the gold rush, it has been the state capital since 1818. The city is a trading centre for an extensive cattle-raising and agricultural area. The capital is among the fastest-growing cities in Brazil, followed by the growth of agribusiness in Mato Grosso, despite the recession that is affecting Brazilian industries. Cuiabá was one of the host cities for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
