LOS ANGELES, June 26 — For one month, Brazil is putting its best cleated foot forward as the world turns its attention to the bustling, colourful country for the duration of the FIFA World Cup. For the uninitiated, it’s also a prime opportunity to become acquainted with the richly diverse economic powerhouse.

Here’s a snapshot of Porto Alegre, the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul state and one of 12 host cities.

Location: Porto Alegre is the southernmost capital city and lies in eastern Brazil.

Climate: Porto Alegre is cooler than other Brazilian capitals, with an average annual temperature of about 20C.

Population: 1.4 million

Overview :

The city prides itself on its multiculturalism, with large populations of Germans, Italians, Spanish, Africans, Polish and Lebanese as well as Catholics, Jewish, Protestants and Muslims who live together.

Given its proximity to Argentina and Uruguay, the region is influenced by its neighbours’ folkloric music and has adopted the caffeinated herbal drink, the mate infusion or chimarrão, as its own.

The city, which is spread out across 497 square kilometres, is covered with more than one million trees, making it one of the greenest cities in Brazil.

What to see and do:

Brique da Redencao

Located in the city’s largest park, Parque Farroupilha or Redencao, the art fair is one of the most popular destinations on Sundays for featuring antiques, drawings, paintings and handicrafts, as well as local snacks and foods.

Guaiba waterfront

Take one of several boat trips through the Guaiba river and visit up to 16 islands, canals, swamps and marshes. With a waterfront that extends over 72 km, the area is home to bars, restaurants and cafes and is another popular hot spot in the city.

Public market

Visitors can stroll between 107 food stalls, shops, cafes and restaurants over two storeys every day. In addition to exotic fruits, visitors can also find local handcrafts, wine, cachaca shops and bakeries.

Rio Grande do Sul Art Museum (MARGS)

Recognisable by its stained glass windows and neoclassical architecture, the Porto Alegre landmark is home to what’s considered one of the most important art collections in the country, with the majority of works coming from local Rio Grande do Sul artists.

— AFP Relaxnews