Río Branco, Uruguay


Río Branco is a city in the Cerro Largo department of northeastern Uruguay, on the Brazilian border.

Name

The words Rio Branco mean "white river" in Portuguese. However, the name does not refer to any local river; it is a tribute to Brazilian diplomat José Paranhos, Baron of Rio Branco, who negotiated the definitive borders of Brazil and Uruguay. Hence the Portuguese name, instead of Spanish Río Blanco.

Location

It is located at the east end of Route 26, about east-southeast of the department capital city of Melo.

Geography

The Yaguarón River, which forms the natural border with Brazil, flows along the city's northern limits. Right across the river lies the Brazilian town of Jaguarão, with the Baron of Mauá International Bridge joining the two cities.

History

On 31 August 1915, the villa previously known as Artigas was given its present name by Act of Law 5330. On 1 July 1953, its status was elevated to a ciudad by Act of Law 11,963.

Population

In 2011, Río Branco had a population of 14,604.
YearPopulation
19084,106
19634,023
19755,685
19859,072
199612,215
200413,456
201114,604

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Uruguay

Places of worship