Itumbiara


Itumbiara is a municipality in the extreme south of the state of Goiás, Brazil. Its population in 2018 was of 103,652 in a total area of 2,461,3 km2. Itumbiara is one of the most prosperous cities in Goiás and is a major producer of soybeans, corn, cattle, and milk.

Geography

Itumbiara lies 197 kilometers south of the state capital, Goiânia, and is on the state boundary with Minas Gerais.
There are road connections with Goiânia and São José do Rio Preto, state of São Paulo, by the national highway, BR 153. Brazil's most popular hot springs, Caldas Novas and Rio Quente, are located a short distance to the north.
The territory of the municipality is crossed by the Paranaíba River, the Meia Ponte, the Rio dos Bois and by several small rivers and streams.
In 1824 the road was completed linking Uberaba and Anhanguera on the border between Goiás and Minas Gerais. The government installed a tax collection post and the site was called "Porto de Santa Rita" or just "Porto". Soon a chapel was built dedicated to Santa Rita and the settlement was known as Santa Rita do Paranaíba, after the great river that divides Minas and Goiás. In 1909 a suspension bridge was built over the river. In 1909 Santa Rita do Paranaíba became a municipality. In 1943 the name was changed to Itumbiara, after a road built by Engineer Inácio Pais Leme connecting the town with Cachoeira Dourada, 40 km. away. In 1966 the city was made the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Itumbiara.

Economy

Itumbiara is a large producer of corn, soybeans and cotton. The cattle herd is substantial, with almost one hundred and fifty thousand head of beef cows in addition to thirty thousand milking cows. There is also a large poultry raising industry.

Economic data

;Animal raising'
;Main crops in planted area
;Agribusiness
Major agro-industrial industries are:
;Farm Data in ha.
For the complete list see

Tourism

Itumbiara's main attraction is its nautical tourism. The artificial lake Itumbiara can be used for all types of water sports. On the second Sunday of August the traditional river procession of Our Lady of the Graces takes place. Other touristic points are the Vermelhão Lake, two waterfalls, Salto de Santa Maria de Cima and Saltos de Santa Maria do Meio. The Affonso Penna Bridge, also known as the "Crystal Bridge", which links the states of Goiás and Minas Gerais. Itumbiara also has a Kart circuit, which hosts regional, national and international events, with a capacity for 5,000 people.
The city is served by Francisco Vilela do Amaral Airport.

Sister cities