CRUZ ALTA

city, central Rio Grande do Sul estado (state), southern Brazil, lying at 1,552 feet (473 m) above sea level, in the Coxilha Grande (Grand Ridge). Founded in 1834, it was given city status in 1879. Cruz Alta is the commercial centre for a cattle-raising and agricultural (wheat, feijo ) area. Industrial activities include meat-packing, the manufacture of farm machinery, and flour milling. It is linked by rail, road, and air to Prto Alegre, the state capital, and to other major cities in the state. Pop. (1980 prelim.) 53,315.