Guaíba

Guaíba is a word with multiple meanings, primarily associated with a geographic location in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It can refer to:

• Guaíba Lake (Lago Guaíba): A large body of water in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It is often mistakenly called a river, but it is a complex system of rivers and lagoons that converge near Porto Alegre. The Guaíba Lake is formed by the confluence of the Jacuí, Caí, Sinos, and Gravataí rivers. Its waters flow into the Lagoa dos Patos, which then connects to the Atlantic Ocean.

• Guaíba Municipality: A city located on the shores of the Guaíba Lake, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It is part of the Porto Alegre Metropolitan Region.

• Guaíba River (incorrect usage): While commonly referred to as the Guaíba River, technically it is a lake formed by the meeting of several rivers. The incorrect designation persists in popular usage and even some official contexts.

The name "Guaíba" is of Indigenous origin, likely derived from the Tupi-Guarani language. Its precise meaning is debated, but it is often associated with terms relating to "water" or "place of waters." The region is historically significant, having been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for millennia before European colonization. The Guaíba Lake plays a vital role in the region's ecology, transportation, and water supply. The municipality of Guaíba is an important industrial and agricultural center.