Porto Alegre is the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and Brazil’s southernmost Metropolitan Area. An important economic and trade center, Porto Alegre’s citizens are proud of their quality of life. Quality which is marked not only by its sophisticated shopping centers and thriving cultural agenda, but also by a close, respectful relationship with nature, as only young urban centers know how to cultivate. The perfect blend of Brazilian-Portuguese and River Plate-Spanish cultures, added to a strong European heritage gives the city a unique background within Brazil. The city is one of the richest metropolis in the country, the state capital with the highest life quality and literacy rate (97%), the book capital of Brazil.
The gaúchos are very proud of their land and culture. Porto Alegre is located on the shores of a large lake – the GUAÌBA – and the city’s topography is marked by 40 hilltops. On the lake, a group of islands in front of the city forms an archipelago, with a unique ecosystem that brings exuberant wildlife. The city is home to 28% of Rio Grande do Sul’s native plant species, 9,288 in all. Many are trees – remnants of the original Atlantic Forest. The fauna is equally diverse, especially on the islands and in the hills. Porto Alegre’s citizens love spending their free-time in its many parks and squares and walking along its tree-lined streets.
Currently, Porto Alegre is a service centered city in between the industrial part of the state (north-east) and the rural part (south). It is also called the “Mercosul Capital”.
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