Webcam Blumenau. City Center
Blumenau is located in the south of Brazil, part of the state of Santa Catarina. It is part of the Vale do Itajai mesoregion. The population in 2007 was 292,972, with an area of 519.837 square kilometers. The population density is 563.6 persons/square km.
Since the city was founded by German colonists, most of its population (a little over half) consists of German descendants. Another large part of the population is of Italian descent, as the towns that surround Blumenau almost all grew out of colonies of Italian immigrants. Descendants of the Portuguese also live in Blumenau, although in more modest numbers, and many residents are of mixed descent.
The main economic activity of the city is the textile industry. Large manufacturers such as Cia Hering, Carsten and Teca have started their operations here. In Blumenau there are also activities in other industrial sectors: metallurgy, mechanics and electrical machinery, and the city is also the largest producer of transformers in Brazil.
Blumenau has a strong economy, which is also promoted by a vibrant trade, services and tourism sector and international exhibitions, which are usually held in Vila Germânica.
Another area is the development of information technology. Blumenau is the headquarters of the so-called Vale do Software (Software Valley), where leading programs in various segments are created. There are now about 500 software companies in the city - more than the number of bakeries. The turnover from these companies reaches about $240 million. Blumenau attracts professionals from all over the country, as well as international companies that are opening offices in the city.
One new business that is rapidly gaining momentum in the city is breweries that make beer according to old recipes, such as the Eisenbahn.
