Erechim

Erechim (Portuguese pronunciation: [eɾe'ʃi᷉]) is a municipality in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, located in the South Region of Brazil. Recognized as a subregional hub in the country, it serves as the central city of the Alto Uruguai region in Rio Grande do Sul and is the second most populous city in the northern part of the state, with an estimated population of 105,705 inhabitants in 2022, according to the IBGE. According to the Socioeconomic Development Index (IDESE), Erechim ranks as the second most developed city in Rio Grande do Sul among municipalities with over 100,000 inhabitants, leading in the education sector. The Atlas of Violence identifies it as the second safest municipality in the state. In 2015, Erechim held the 15th position in GDP among municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul.

Erechim is one of Brazil’s earliest planned modern cities. Its urban layout drew inspiration from urban planning concepts used in Washington, D.C. (1791), Paris (1850), Buenos Aires (1580), and Belo Horizonte (1897). However, recent modifications to its road network have enhanced traffic flow, characterized by wide streets, a clear hierarchy, and the creation of convergence points through diagonal streets intersecting the basic grid. Key elements of its urban design include a perpendicular street grid intersected by diagonal avenues, uniformly sized city blocks, and a perimeter avenue encircling the city.