Rio Grande do Sul

Southernmost federal unit (state) of Brazil, to the east of the Uruguay River, bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Argentina, and on the south by Uruguay; area 282,184 sq km/108,993 sq mi; population (1991) 9,138,700; capital Porto Alegre. The region consists mainly of vast grasslands where there is extensive stock-raising (cattle, sheep, pigs); wine, rice, and soybeans are produced, and industries are centred around agricultural production and processing. The state produces 90% of the national wine production.