In 1826 the government of Switzerland recognized the independence of Brasil, but international relations with this country can be traced even further back - Still during colonial times, one hundred swiss families were allowed to immigrate to Brazil and settle in Rio de Janeiro in 1818.

In a second wave of immigrants which also saw the relocation of some of the pioneers, the city of Nova Friburgo in the state of Rio was named, created and almost entirely built by swiss immigrants who arrived in the area in 1826 seeking a new life.