Economy of Porto Alegre
The economy of Porto Alegre is the 7th largest regional economy in Brazil.[1]
History
| Economic distribution[2] | |
|---|---|
| Industry | 29% |
| Agriculture | 7% |
| Services | 64% |
With the fastest growing economy in Brazil, the state of Rio Grande do Sul attracts immigrants from many other regions of the country. Porto Alegre is the most important industrial centre for Southern Brazil and one of the wealthiest cities in Latin America. The GDP of the city, more than R$30 billion, is the same as the GDP of Paraguay and Uruguay combined. Per capita income is R$20,900. About 64 percent of the economy is based on services, followed by the industrial sector at 29 percent. The service industry encompasses sectors such as computers, health, education and tourism. Major industries include shoes, petrochemicals, automobiles, and the assembly of computer components. Due to the vast pastures in the area, Porto Alegre produces tobacco and raises much livestock. It is also home to other successful industries such as foodstuff, wool, and metal-working. Unemployment has continued to be the lowest among the six main metropolitan areas in Brazil, at about 7 percent.[3]