Cuiabá is the capital and largest city of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. Situated near the geographical center of South America, it forms a metropolitan area together with the neighboring town of Várzea Grande. The city's name originates from an indigenous Bororo word meaning "arrow-fishing."
Founded in 1719 during a gold rush, Cuiabá has served as the state capital since 1818. It functions as a primary trading center for the region's extensive agricultural and cattle-raising areas. The city is recognized as one of Brazil's fastest-growing urban centers, driven by the expansion of agribusiness in Mato Grosso. Additionally, Cuiabá was designated as one of the host cities for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.