The economy of the Southern Region of Brazil is distributed in the agricultural, extractivism, industry, commerce and services sectors.
The region is responsible for 16.2% of the GDP (National Gross Domestic Product), according to the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics).
In the South, the economy evolved from an entirely agricultural matrix to industrial diversification, both of which are the main sources of income for the population.
The southern region is formed by the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
Economy in Paraná
The Paraná economy is based on agriculture, livestock, industry and mining. One of the pillars of the national automotive industry is located in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, capital of the state.
Several automakers operate in the city of São José dos Pinhais. Production is centered on passenger vehicles, cargo, light commercial vehicles, buses and automotive parts.
In the countryside, high agricultural technology is used in the production of cotton, coffee, corn and wheat. The state is prominent in the production of rice, potatoes, sugar cane and cassava.
Mineral extraction is based on the removal of limestone, copper, iron, marble and dolomite.
Economy in Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina's municipalities have agriculture, civil construction, fishing, livestock and tourism as their economic base. The technology sector has a greater presence in the capital, Florianópolis.
In the field, oats, bananas, onions, barley, beans, tobacco, apples, soy and grapes are produced. The economic base is in the fishing-livestock binomial. Santa Catarina is the largest pork producer in the country and exports to Europe, mainly to Russia.
Economy in Rio Grande do Sul
The richest state in the region is marked by economic diversification. In addition to agriculture, industry and the service sector are the basis of the local economy.
Among the main products are: rice, corn, soy and wheat.
Culture in the South Region
The cultural heritage of the South is one of the engines of the region's economy. It is formed by a mix of customs inherited from Indians, African blacks, Portuguese, Germans and Italians. This differentiation is observed in architecture, parties, food and music.
One of the festivals that most attract visitors to the region is located in Santa Catarina, the "Oktoberfest", which attracts at least 100,000 people every year to Blumenau. The party, marked by German tradition, became a landmark for the region.
Tourism in the South Region
The cultural link boosts tourism, marked by the offer of colonial coffees, especially in Serra Gaúcha.
The natural beauties are the main attractions for tourists to the South. The coast is rich in beaches, even with the milder climate compared to those located in the rest of the country.
The peculiar relief, with mountains and different formations, is also an important attraction. The Iguaçu Falls are located in Paraná, a group of 273 waterfalls, located in the city of Foz do Iguaçu.
Read too: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Economy of Brazil
