Rio Grande

Rio Grande, name of several rivers of Brazil. The largest rises in S Minas Gerais state, SE Brazil, and flows c.650 mi (1,050 km) NW to the Paranaíba River, with which it forms the Paraná River. Its lower course forms part of São Paulo's northern boundary. The huge Furnas Dam with its reservoir near Passos, Minas Gerais, serves the industrial heart of Brazil with hydroelectricity.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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