Gravataí stands out in the economic growth and expansion by combining the quality of life. Served by three state highways and federal * is located in the heart of Mercosur, 22 kilometers from Porto Alegre and 15 minutes from Salgado Filho International Airport. Cosmopolitan while maintaining the bucolic scenery of small villages where people are known by name, Gravataí can grow without leaving aside the social values that give foundation on which the main centers of development. Lured by the qualified labor force, large companies have chosen to install here its modern industrial parks. In a high quality industrial with emphasis on automotive hub, the sectors of trade and services have grown by offering shopping options for residents. * RS-118, RS-030, RS-020 and BR-290. PROFILE Birth City: April 8 -246 years Population: 266,230 inhabitants (estimate 2008/IBGE) Total area: 497.82 kilometers ² Urban Area: 121.37 kilometers ² Rural Area: 376.45 kilometers ² Population growth rate: 2.19% (2006) Population density: 544 inhabitants / km ² (2006) Voters: 159,638 (Male: 77,006 - Female: 82,632 - Young people (between 16 and 18): 1943 - Illiteracy: 2717) Relief: Coxilha Climate: Subtropical Geography: The city is bathed by the river Gravataí. Part of the city belongs to the Environmental Protection Area Grande wet. Infográficos IBGE INDICATORS Life expectancy: 73.6 years (2000) Infant mortality rate: 8.99 deaths/1000 Water supply: 98% of the urban Garbage Disposals: 150 tons / day and throughout the city Lighting: 100% of streets Residential Lighting: in 90% of households (including rural) GDP (2006): U.S. $ thousand 3879.258 GDP per capita (2006): U.S. $ 14,327 Total Exports (2005): U.S. $ 326,652,182 FOB