Twenty Richest Cities of the Beautiful South

Published: 6th of December, 2024 by Patrick Carpen

You’ve probably heard that “the beauty of Brazil lies in the south.” Well that’s somewhat true. The truth is the whole of Brazil is beautiful, each part with its unique tastes and characteristics. However, the south has better developed infrastructure, is safer, enjoys generally better climate, and is financially richer.

The southern region of Brazil, comprising the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, is home to several affluent cities. Below is a list of twenty of the wealthiest cities in these states, along with their estimated populations and a brief overview of their ethnic compositions:

1. Curitiba, Paraná
   • Population: Approximately 1,948,626
   • Ethnic Composition: Predominantly of European descent, with significant Italian, German, Polish, and Ukrainian communities.
2. Joinville, Santa Catarina
   • Population: Approximately 616,323
   • Ethnic Composition: Strong German influence, along with Italian and Swiss ancestries.
3. Florianópolis, Santa Catarina
   • Population: Approximately 508,826
   • Ethnic Composition: Primarily Portuguese descent, with notable German and Italian communities.
4. Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul
   • Population: Approximately 1,488,252
   • Ethnic Composition: Diverse European heritage, including Portuguese, German, Italian, and Spanish ancestries.
5. Blumenau, Santa Catarina
   • Population: Approximately 361,855
   • Ethnic Composition: Predominantly German descent, with Italian and Portuguese minorities.
6. Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul
   • Population: Approximately 517,451
   • Ethnic Composition: Mainly Italian descent, with German and Polish communities.
7. Londrina, Paraná
   • Population: Approximately 575,377
   • Ethnic Composition: Diverse, with Portuguese, Japanese, Italian, and German ancestries.
8. Maringá, Paraná
   • Population: Approximately 430,157
   • Ethnic Composition: Predominantly Italian and Japanese descent, with German and Portuguese minorities.
9. São José dos Pinhais, Paraná
   • Population: Approximately 329,058
   • Ethnic Composition: Primarily of European descent, including Italian, German, and Polish communities.
10. Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul
    • Population: Approximately 348,208
    • Ethnic Composition: Diverse European heritage, with Portuguese, German, and Italian ancestries.
11. Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul
    • Population: Approximately 343,132
    • Ethnic Composition: Predominantly Portuguese descent, with German and Italian minorities.
12. Ponta Grossa, Paraná
    • Population: Approximately 355,336
    • Ethnic Composition: Mainly of European descent, including German, Italian, and Polish communities.
13. Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul
    • Population: Approximately 283,677
    • Ethnic Composition: Diverse European heritage, with Portuguese, Italian, and German ancestries.
14. Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná
    • Population: Approximately 258,823
    • Ethnic Composition: Multicultural, with significant Arab, Chinese, and Paraguayan communities, alongside European descendants.
15. Criciúma, Santa Catarina
    • Population: Approximately 217,311
    • Ethnic Composition: Predominantly Italian descent, with German and Portuguese minorities.
16. Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul
    • Population: Approximately 246,452
    • Ethnic Composition: Mainly German descent, with Italian and Portuguese communities.
17. Chapecó, Santa Catarina
    • Population: Approximately 224,013
    • Ethnic Composition: Predominantly Italian and German descent, with Polish and Ukrainian minorities.
18. Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul
    • Population: Approximately 204,722
    • Ethnic Composition: Diverse European heritage, including Italian, German, and Polish ancestries.
19. Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina
    • Population: Approximately 183,604
    • Ethnic Composition: Predominantly German descent, with Italian and Hungarian minorities.
20. Itajaí, Santa Catarina
    • Population: Approximately 223,112
    • Ethnic Composition: Mainly German and Italian descent, with Portuguese and Polish communities.

Note: Population figures are estimates and may have changed since the last census. The ethnic compositions are generalized and can vary within different neighborhoods of each city.