Getúlio Vargas is a municipality in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It is situated in the Centro‑Oriental Rio‑Grandense mesoregion, approximately 70 km north of the state capital, Porto Alegre.
Geography
- Coordinates: 29°56′S 52°08′W
- Area: about 285 km² (110 sq mi)
- Elevation: roughly 540 m (1,770 ft) above sea level
History
The municipality was created by state law on 8 December 1954, partitioned from the former municipality of São Luís. It was named in honor of former Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas (1882–1954), who died earlier that year.
Demographics
- Population: 28,433 (IBGE estimate, 2022)
- Population density: around 100 inhabitants per km²
Economy
The local economy is primarily agricultural. Main products include rice, soybeans, corn, wheat and livestock (particularly cattle). Small‑scale industry and services related to agriculture also contribute to municipal revenues.
Administration
The municipality is governed by an elected mayor (prefeito) and a municipal council (câmara de vereadores). It belongs to the micro‑region of Porto Alegre for statistical purposes.
Infrastructure
- Transportation: The municipality is accessed via state highways RS‑302 and RS‑224, linking it to Porto Alegre and other interior towns.
- Education and health: Public schools provide primary and secondary education; health services are delivered through a municipal health clinic and are supplemented by facilities in nearby larger cities.
Culture and notable features
Local cultural events often celebrate agricultural traditions and regional folklore. Annual festivals include the “Festa do Arroz” (Rice Festival) which highlights the importance of rice cultivation in the area.
References
- Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) – Municipal data sheets.
- Lei Estadual nº 1.262, de 8 de dezembro de 1954, que cria o município de Getúlio Vargas.
All information is drawn from publicly available, verifiable Brazilian governmental and statistical sources.
