'What is Porto Alegre?' Porto Alegre  

What is Porto Alegre?

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Porto Alegre

Loyal and Worthy City of Porto Alegre

Pfficial flag of Loyal and Worthy City of Porto Alegre

Official seal of Loyal and Worthy City of Porto Alegre

Flag Seal

Geograpichal divisions of Rio Grande do Sul. ~ Porto Alegre is highlighted in red. ~ Geograpichal divisions of Rio Grande do Sul. ~ Porto Alegre is highlighted in red. ~ Coordinates-- 30°01′59″S, 51°13′48″W

Country Brazil

State Rio Grande do Sul

Incorporated March 26, 1772

Mayor José Fogaça (PPS)

Area

: City 496.8 km² (191.81 sq mi)

Elevation 10 m (32.80 ft)

Population

: City (2005) 1.440.939

: Density 2, 815.6/km² (7, 386.14/sq mi)

Time zone UTC-3 (UTC-3)

: Summer (DST) UTC-2 (UTC-2)

Website: portoalegre.rs.gov.br

Porto Alegre, one of the largest cities in Brazil, is the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul. ~ Porto Alegre is the most important city of Southern Brazil, being its cultural, political and economical center. ~ Porto Alegre has the best standard of living of all Brazilian capitals and it was the only Brazilian city listed on Jones Lang LaSalle's World Winning Cities. ~

Geography, History and Culture

The city is located at a delta resulting from the conjunction of five rivers, forming Guaíba Lake (however, it is popularly known as a river too). ~ Although its origins date from the mid-18th century, when immigrants from the Azores settled in the area, the city was officially established in 1809. ~

Before this, Porto Alegre was the port of Viamão on the shore of Guaíba Lake. ~ Its ancient name was Porto dos Casais, and it was initially settled by Azorians. ~ Many families of settlers also came from the city of Rio Grande in the littoral Lagunar region, to the south, a military fortress at that time. ~ Today that city is most important port of Rio Grande do Sul state. ~

Porto Alegre has recently hosted Globaltech, a science and technology trade show which gathered institutions from Latin America. ~

There are more than 70 neighborhoods (see below) and 2/3 of the population is concentrated in the Zona Norte (Northern Zone), where most of the economic activity, including the city center, is located. ~

Porto Alegre has held, in 2001, 2002, 2003 and in 2005, the World Social Forum. ~

Porto Alegre is the most important industrial center in southern Brazil, and a key city for Mercosul. ~ It also is a center for gaúcho (the popular name for natives of the State) history and culture, famous for its churrasco (barbecue) and chimarrão (a strong tea prepared from erva mate). ~ Several important Brazilian universities, such as UFRGS and PUCRS are located there. ~

Having started 1999, the largest road work ever done in the city, the Terceira Perimetral (Third Perimetral) was built. ~ The Terceira Perimetral is a 12 km long road, connecting the northern and the southern sectors of the city, without passing through the city center. ~ It was finished in November 2006. ~

Because of its strategic position (Porto Alegre is the southernmost metropolis in Brazil) the city is an important stopping point for travellers and international businessmen in the south of South America, especially from the countries of Mercosul. ~

Porto Alegre is also one of the wealthiest cities in Latin America, and one of the most diverse. ~ It has harbored immigrants from all over the world, the largest numbers coming from Portugal, Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland. ~ The Arab, Jewish and Afro-Brazilian populations are quite significant as well. ~

Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods of Porto Alegre are geographical divisions of the city. ~ There is no devolution of administrative powers to neighborhoods, although there are several neighborhoods associations devoted to improve their own standards of living. ~ Porto Alegre has 78 official neighborhoods and 4 unnamed territories: Aberta dos Morros, Chapéu do Sol, Morro Santana and Passo das Pedras. ~

Climate

Porto Alegre has a subtropical climate, with regular precipitation throughout the year. ~ Summer temperatures only occasionally rise above 32ºC, although high levels of humidity make summers very unpleasant. ~ The highest temperature ever registered was 41 ºC in February. ~ Winter has mild temperatures, ranging between 5 ºC to 19 ºC. ~ Snowing is very rare, sometimes confused with sleet. ~ The lowest temperature ever recorded was -4 ºC in July. ~ Occurrence of radiation fog is common, causing several delays in early flights. ~

• Porto Alegre

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Comment #1 ANUP KUMAR KHANNA (59.94.147.84) -

I am reaching Porto Alegra on 14thApril, 07.Kindly forward me a list of Horse Clothing Wholesellers or Owners of Stud Horse Farms who are interested in procurring Clothings from Kanpur(India)

I Shall be grateful for the earliest Reply.

Kindly advise how to reach RIO DE JENARIO from PORTO ALEGRA

Thanks & Regardfs,

ANUP KHANNA

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