State of Rio Grande do Sul

Rio Grande do Sul State anchors Brazil's southern extremity—culturally and economically distinct with gaucho traditions, European immigration heritage, and agricultural export orientation. Porto Alegre, the capital (1.5 million, 4.4 million metro), became known globally for hosting the World Social Forum (2001-2005), positioning itself as a progressive counterpoint to Davos.

The economy combines industrialized agriculture (soybeans, rice, wine), manufacturing (machinery, vehicles, footwear), and services. The Vale dos Vinhedos wine region produces Brazil's best wines; Italian immigrant descendants established viticulture that now earns geographic indication protection. The state's colder climate enables crops impossible in tropical Brazil.

May 2024 brought catastrophic flooding that displaced hundreds of thousands and caused billions in damages—a climate shock that overwhelmed infrastructure and demonstrated vulnerability to extreme weather. The rebuilding process continues. Rio Grande do Sul represents Brazil's European-descended south: higher incomes than the Northeast, distinct cultural identity (chimarrão mate tea, churrasco barbecue), and political traditions that swing between labor progressivism and agricultural conservatism.