Rio Verde is a municipality located in the state of Goiás, Brazil. It is situated in the Central-West Region of the country, within the Sudoeste de Goiás mesoregion and the Rio Verde microregion. The municipal seat lies at an elevation of approximately 657 meters (2,156 feet) above sea level.
Geography
- Coordinates: 17°48′S 50°56′W
- Total area: about 4,160 km² (1,607 sq mi)
- Climate: Tropical savanna (Aw) with a distinct wet season (October to March) and dry season (April to September). Average annual temperature is around 22 °C (72 °F).
Demographics
- Population: The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) estimated the population at 215,000 inhabitants in 2020.
- Population density: Roughly 52 inhabitants per km² (135 inhabitants per sq mi).
History
The settlement that would become Rio Verde originated in the early 19th century as a small ranching community along the Verde River (Rio Verde). The area grew steadily through the latter half of the 1800s, driven by cattle raising and later by agricultural expansion. Official municipal status was granted in the mid‑20th century, consolidating the town’s administrative functions for the surrounding rural region.
Economy
Rio Verde is a major agribusiness hub in Goiás. Its economy is dominated by:
- Crop production: Soybeans, corn, cotton, and sorghum are cultivated on extensive mechanized farms.
- Livestock: Cattle ranching is a significant activity, with both beef and dairy production.
- Industry: Food processing, agricultural machinery, and agribusiness services support the primary sector.
- Education and services: The municipality hosts a campus of the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), which contributes to research, especially in veterinary and agricultural sciences, and provides a range of professional and technical courses.
Infrastructure
- Transportation: Rio Verde is intersected by major highways, notably BR‑153 (the Belém–Brasília Highway) and GO‑210, facilitating regional trade. The Rio Verde Airport (IATA: RVD, ICAO: SNRV) offers limited commercial and cargo flights.
- Utilities: The city is supplied with electricity from the national grid and has municipal water treatment facilities serving both urban and rural populations.
Education
The Federal University of Goiás campus in Rio Verde offers undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular emphasis on veterinary medicine, animal science, and agronomy. Several private institutions and technical schools also operate in the municipality.
Culture and Events
Local cultural life includes annual festivals such as the Festa do Peão de Boiadeiro (cowboy festival) and agricultural fairs that showcase regional products and livestock. Religious celebrations reflect the predominantly Catholic demographic, with the main parish church dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
Health Services
Rio Verde maintains a network of public health facilities, including the Hospital de Base de Rio Verde, which provides secondary and tertiary care to the municipality and surrounding areas.
References
- Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). “Censo Demográfico 2020.”
- Prefeitura Municipal de Rio Verde. Official municipal reports and statistics.
- Federal University of Goiás (UFG) – Campus Rio Verde. Academic program listings.
This entry reflects information available from official Brazilian statistical agencies, municipal records, and academic institutions as of 2023.