Borba is a municipality in the state of Amazonas in northern Brazil.

Geography

Borba is located on the banks of the Madeira River around 150 km south of Manaus. Its population was 41,748 (2020) and its area is 44,251 km2. The city is the seat of the Territorial Prelature of Borba. The municipality contains 46% of the 283117 ha Rio Madeira Sustainable Development Reserve, created in 2006. It contains about 10% of the 513747 ha Matupiri State Park, created in 2009 along the Matupiri River. It fully contains the 179083 ha Matupiri Sustainable Development Reserve, created in 2009. It contain 21% of the 397557 ha Igapó-Açu Sustainable Development Reserve, also created in 2009. Borba also contains about 60% of the 896411 ha Acari National Park created by president Dilma Rousseff in 2016 in the last week before her provisional removal from office.

History

Founded in 1728 as the Jesuit mission Aldea Trocano by Portuguese Padre João Sampaio. In 1755, it became the first vila (Portuguese town) in what was then the new captaincy of Rio Negro, named Borba.

Economy

The economy of Borba depends largely on fishing, agriculture, and extractive activities like rubber extraction and cocoa harvesting. The city is served by Borba Airport.