The name Palmas means "palms", a reference to the palm trees which abound in the region.

Palmas, capital of the state of Tocantins, is still a building site. It is the newest city in Brazil and is known as the "capital of opportunity", attracting thousands of people who, in search of work, have migrated to this new economic frontier of the country. It is within this climate of growth that tourism is seen as a factor to be exploited. With its natural beauties still intact, kilometers of river beaches, waterfalls and ecological reserves, the capital is located in the geographical centre of Tocantins and forms part of the Palmas Tourist Region, together with four other municipalities - Lajeado, Miracema do Tocantins, Monte do Carmo and Porto Nacional.