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Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, BrazilAbout
Porto Alegre is the state capital of Rio Grande do Sul and the biggest urban agglomeration of south Brazil. The perfect blend of Brazilian-Portuguese and River Plate-Spanish cultures, added to a strong European heritage gives the city a unique background within Brazil. The city is one of the richest metropolis in the country, the state capital with the highest life quality and literacy rate (97%), the book capital of Brazil. On the banks of the huge freshwater Lagoa dos Patos, Porto Alegre is a key player in Mercosul (South American free-trade agreement). It is also, thanks to its well-educated and forward-thinking population, one of the most sophisticated cities in Brazil. The downtown area has benefited from a thoughtful approach to development, including the creation of transportation hubs and the preservation of much of the grand, neoclassical architecture.
