Santa Maria

Santa Maria, city, central Rio Grande do Sul estado (state), southern Brazil, lying in the Jacuí River valley at an elevation of 502 feet (153 metres). Founded in 1797, it was given city status in 1876. The community was once called Santa Maria da Bôca do Monte (“St. Mary of the Mountain’s Mouth”) because of its position at the foot of the Geral Mountains. The city is a thriving commercial centre and a rail junction for the main lines from São Paulo to the Uruguay border and from the capital of the state, Porto Alegre, to the Argentine border. It is also served by an airfield and several major highways. Its industries include railroad shops and meat-processing plants. Agricultural products grown in the area include soy, rice, and potatoes, and livestock is raised nearby. The city is home to the Federal University of Santa Maria (1960) and a sizable football (soccer) stadium. Pop. (2010) 261,031.