Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul state, is a dynamic city of roughly 1.4 million people. Situated on the eastern bank of Guaíba Lake – where five rivers meet – it’s a significant commercial and industrial hub in southern Brazil. Founded in the 18th century, Porto Alegre blends a historical core with a modern, evolving urban landscape. It’s the southernmost capital city in Brazil, offering a distinct cultural flavour.

Beyond its economic importance, Porto Alegre is known for its progressive social initiatives. The city pioneered participatory budgeting and has hosted major international events like the World Social Forum and FISL (Free Software International Latin America). While offering pockets of affluence, it’s important to be aware of significant socioeconomic disparities and ongoing social challenges within the city and its surrounding areas.