has had 5 elected Mayors. The current incumbent is Cinthia Ribeiro, who succeeded Carlos Amastha (PP). Mayors Fenelon Barbosa, 1990-1992 , 1993-1996 Odir Rocha, 1997-2000 , 2001-2004 , 2005-2012 , 2013-2018 , 2018- Demographics Sister cities Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States Education Educational institutions include: Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT) Centro Universitário Luterano de Palmas (Ceulp-Ulbra) Faculdade Católica do Tocantins (Católica do Tocantins) Fundação Universidade do Tocantins (Unitins) Faculdade Objetivo Tourism Palmas is close to Taquaruçu, an ecotourism resort and village located in the hills. Its cooler microclimate and natural surroundings attract many tourists from Palmas, other regions of Brazil and abroad. Taquaruçu is famous for the many waterfalls (cachoeiras) surrounding it, where tourists can swim and also practice sports like rappel. Transport Palmas is served by a local public bus service and an interstate bus service. Rodoviaria (central bus station) is located at the edge of city, with connections to all capitals of Brazil. Airport The city is served by the Palmas Airport. Planned for a population of one million, Palmas airport is uncrowded, with only a few flights per day, mostly to and from Brasília. The airport is 30 km from city center, and is served by city bus (2 buses). Highways The Rodovia Coluna Prestes (TO-050) connects the city with Brasília. The Federal Highway (BR-153) connects Palmas north and south through a 60 km drive west to Paraiso de Tocantins. BR-153 is mostly not twinned. The principal avenue of the city is the avenida Theotônio Segurado, connecting the North Director Plan with Taquaralto, on the South Palmas. Railway There is no passenger rail service to Palmas. The newly constructed North-South Railway (Ferrovia Norte-Sul), runs near Palmas. It is intended to alleviate Brazil's heavy truck traffic and to carry bulk goods to ports in North-Eastern Brazil. Sports In sports, the most notable football club in the city is Palmas FR, which plays at the Nilton Santos Stadium. Palmas has several sports and entertainment clubs, with swimming pools, other sports and cultural programs, clubs such as AABB and SESC. In August 2014 Palmas was chosen as the first host city of the World Indigenous Games, a multisport competition held in September 2015. See also World Indigenous Games References External links City Hall of Palmas website Government of the State of Tocantins website State capitals in Brazil Planned cities in Brazil Planned capitals Municipalities in Tocantins 1989