Despite being a city average, requires great influence in the region in trade and services.

The origin of the name Capanema occurred during the construction of telegraph constructed by engineer William Schuch, the Barão de Capanema, the mining village of Antonio Pereira, Ouro Preto, born January 17, 1824, son Austrians.

He studied engineering at the Polytechnic School of Vienna and returned to Brazil with all the credentials that allowed him to modern scientific training.

But there are still major problems in local infrastructure, such as paving roads, sewage and water supply.

One of these is the producer of Cement Cibrasa Nassau, a large manufacturing company located in the municipality of Capanema.