Uberlândia

Uberlândia, city, western Minas Gerais estado (state), southern Brazil. It lies in the Brazilian Highlands along the Bom Jardim River, which is a tributary of the Araguari River (also known as the Velhas River), at 2,802 feet (854 metres) above sea level. It was given city status in 1892. Uberlândia is a trade centre for a primarily agricultural and pastoral hinterland wedged between São Paulo and Goiás states, known as the Minas Triangle (Triangulo Mineiro). Chief crops include soy, cotton, corn (maize), rice, and feijão (beans). The city processes cattle, poultry, and hog products (including xarque [jerked beef] and dairy foods) and manufactures plastics and chemicals. The Federal University of Uberlândia (1969) and a pair of football (soccer) stadiums are located in the city. Uberlândia is on the main highway and railroad between São Paulo and Brasília (220 miles [350 km] north) and is served by an airport. Pop. (2010) 604,013.