the central-west region of brazil was inhabited by diverse indians when the portuguese arrived in the early 18th century. the portuguese came to explore the precious stones that were found there. contact between the portuguese and the indians created a mixed-race population. until the mid-20th century, central-west brazil had a very small population. the situation changed with the construction of brasília, the new capital of brazil, in 1960. many workers were attracted to the region, mostly from northeastern brazil.