RIO CLARO

city, in the highlands of east-central So Paulo estado (state), Brazil. It is situated at 2,050 feet (625 m) above sea level along the Corumbata River. Formerly called So Joo Batista da Beira do Ribeiro Claro and So Joo Batista do Morro Azul, it was given town status in 1845. Rio Claro is now the trade and processing centre for an agricultural region producing coffee, cotton, rice, sugarcane, and other crops. The city's light industries include the manufacture of machinery, shoes, furniture, and textiles. Goods are transported to So Paulo, the state capital, 112 miles (180 km) southeast, and elsewhere by rail, road, and air. Pop. (1985 est.) 129,859.