CHAPTER 1 — THE BRAZILIAN STATE AND NATIONAL DEFENSE Parallel to such migration flows, the state set incentives for the occupation of less populated areas, with the objective of promoting national integration. The so-called “March to the West”, for instance, was a movement created by the first Administration of President Getulio Vargas (1930-1945) to foster the occupation of the Midwest. The subsequent transference of the country’s capital in the 1960’s to this region became a milestone in territorial occupation. The occupation of the Brazilian Northern region was propelled by a rubber extraction industry in the end of the 19th century. Miscegenation — of Portuguese, Indian and African heritages — and the harmonious interaction of several cultures have been responsible for Brazil’s particular and original identity. The Brazilian official language, Portuguese, is one of the main pillars of national identity and a means for the expansion of culture and traditions. Music, arts literature and sport also contribute to the building of national identity. Such elements embrace local characteristics, sayings and local knowledge, thus contributing to the development of a specific and diversified culture. Brasilia The main offices of the Federal Executive Branch (the Planalto Palace); of the Federal Legislative Branch (the National Congress), and of the Judicial Branch (the Federal Supreme Court) are located in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. In 1957, the construction of the city took place in Brazil’s Central Plateau, in order to achieve a policy set by the 1891 Constitution, which sought national integration and the development of the interior. The new capital was inaugurated on the The Planalto Palace 21st of April, 1960. It was based on an urban plan by Lucio Costa and architectural projects by Oscar Niemeyer. Due to its architectural value, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared it a world heritage site. 22 DEFENSE WHITE PAPER