Campos Novos

The vast expanse of land and its extensive properties naturally attracted immigrants from São Paulo, Paraná, and even neighboring landowners from Lages, who sought land for cattle ranching. Subsequently, the immense fields gave rise to the municipality's name. == History ==

Origins Like other municipalities in the broader Western Santa Catarina region, the history of Campos Novos has its roots in the earliest settlement experiences of the Southern Region of Brazil. Before the emergence of settlements in 1650 at São Francisco, Desterro, and Laguna—efforts led by settlers from São Paulo who ventured by sea in search of new opportunities—Western Santa Catarina was already experiencing the proximity of Spaniards, who, alongside Jesuits, explored the region stretching from the Iguazu River to the Uruguay River. Later, in 1663, the bandeirante Antônio Raposo Tavares traversed these lands and, allied with the Coroado indigenous groups, began aggressively pursuing indigenous settlements, a consequence of the catechetical endeavors of those priests. Until 1770, however, when they ceased traveling south due to the allure of gold in the Goiás and Mato Grosso captaincies, the settlers from São Paulo had little to exchange for these lands, at least in terms of regional colonization efforts. The historical narrative of this municipality begins to take shape with the expedition led by Major Atanagildo Martins, guided by Jongong in 1814, aimed at establishing contact with the Missions. Deviating from the planned route due to the fear instilled in his guide by the Guarani indigenous groups, this expedition reached the Vacaria fields, after traversing the fields where Campos Novos now stands. It is likely, however, that certain landowners from Lages were already permanently established there by 1839. Today, there are seven remaining districts besides the seat: Bela Vista, Dal Pai, Espinilho, Encruzilhada, Guarani, Ibicuí, and Leão. After emancipation , displayed at the Sebastião Paz de Almeida Historical and Archaeological Museum In 1893, with an invasion led by Colonel Demétrio Ramos, the municipality's territory felt the repercussions of a civil war. The village was attacked in the early hours of May 19 of that year. Caught off guard, the square's defenders, including local residents, sought refuge with their families in the residence of Colonel Henrique Rupp, which, due to its high-quality construction, provided adequate protection against the invaders. With the defense organized, Lieutenant-Colonel Atanázio de Matos, accompanied by six soldiers, was tasked with retaking the Intendancy, courageously expelling the revolutionaries. A new battle ensued to drive the attackers from their entrenched position, resulting in another victory for the defenders, causing a disorganized retreat of the assault forces. The resistance of Campos Novos led to the death of five brave defenders who fell in the line of duty. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city underwent a period of development with the arrival of immigrants drawn by the prospect of better living conditions in Brazil. Primarily Germans and Italians, they initially contributed to agriculture and the construction of the São Paulo-Rio Grande Railway, and later, after the 1920s, to the establishment of small industries. Poles, Russians, and Lebanese also arrived, along with a significant number of descendants of Germans and Italians, mainly from Rio Grande do Sul, and Caboclos who settled after the end of the Contestado War. Due to the city's demographic growth, infrastructure investments became necessary. The early 20th century saw the arrival of the railway and small industries. In 1922, the first medical clinic was established at Dr. José Athanásio's house, where the Dr. José Athanásio Hospital now operates. On March 29, 1954, the Auxiliadora School was founded, and in 1957, Rádio Cultura de Campos Novos was established. Agriculture was strengthened with the creation of Copercampos on November 8, 1970, which initiated cooperativism. Today, the city is a major grain producer, particularly of maize, soybean, bean, wheat, and barley, and is notable for its livestock, especially dairy production. == Geography ==

According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, the municipality's area is , with constituting the urban area and the remaining forming the rural area, making it the third largest in Santa Catarina, surpassed only by Lages and São Joaquim. It is located at 27°24′07″ latitude south and 51°13′30″ longitude west, approximately 370 kilometers west of the capital of Santa Catarina. It borders Erval Velho, Ibiam, and Monte Carlo to the north; Barracão (Rio Grande do Sul), Celso Ramos, and Anita Garibaldi to the south; Vargem, Brunópolis, and Abdon Batista to the east; and Capinzal, Zortéa, Ouro, Lacerdópolis, and Herval d'Oeste to the west. Geomorphology and hydrography The city's terrain is predominantly gently undulating, deep, and well-drained, offering favorable physical conditions for root development. It is minimally susceptible to erosion and supports the use of agricultural machinery and implements. In some areas of the municipal territory, there are stronger undulations, which are more prone to erosion and pose greater challenges to agricultural mechanization, particularly where the soil type is Cambisol, containing stones. Although much of the municipality's area has terrain suitable for agriculture, Campos Novos' soils are acidic, often contaminated with exchangeable aluminum, and have limited nutrient reserves. However, when properly managed, they become suitable for both annual crops and less intensive uses such as fruit cultivation, pasture, and reforestation. The city is part of the Lages Plateau hydrographic region and the Canoas River hydrographic basin, one of the main basins in Santa Catarina. The Canoas River flows through Campos Novos and eleven other municipalities, and upon merging with the Pelotas River, it forms the Uruguay River. The Campos Novos Hydroelectric Plant, operational since 2007, generates a quarter of Santa Catarina's energy consumption. Climate According to the IBGE, Campos Novos' climate is classified as humid subtropical (type Cfa according to the Köppen system), characterized by high relative humidity (RH) and an average annual temperature of around , with mild summers and cold winters. With over of annual insolation, the area receives approximately of rainfall per year, evenly distributed throughout the year, without a distinct dry season. In recent years, however, hot and dry days during Indian summers have become increasingly frequent, often exceeding , particularly in summer. During these dry periods, wildfires in rural areas are common, contributing to deforestation and the release of pollutants into the atmosphere, further degrading air quality. These fires are often intentional, used to prepare land for cultivation, but they are recurrently prohibited. Frosts are not uncommon, occurring on average 12 to 22 times per year. and, with significant intensity, on July 22, 2013.{{Weather box | width = auto | collapsed = yes | metric first = yes | single line = yes | location = Campos Novos (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1976–2005) | Jan high C = 26.6 | Feb high C = 26.4 | Mar high C = 25.5 | Apr high C = 23.1 | May high C = 19.2 | Jun high C = 18.1 | Jul high C = 18.1 | Aug high C = 20.4 | Sep high C = 20.7 | Oct high C = 22.9 | Nov high C = 25.0 | Dec high C = 26.5 | year high C = 22.7 | Jan mean C = 20.8 | Feb mean C = 20.6 | Mar mean C = 19.4 | Apr mean C = 17.1 | May mean C = 13.6 | Jun mean C = 12.5 | Jul mean C = 12.1 | Aug mean C = 13.8 | Sep mean C = 14.6 | Oct mean C = 17.0 | Nov mean C = 18.7 | Dec mean C = 20.4 | year mean C = 16.7 | Jan low C = 16.5 | Feb low C = 16.6 | Mar low C = 15.4 | Apr low C = 13.0 | May low C = 9.8 | Jun low C = 8.7 | Jul low C = 8.1 | Aug low C = 9.2 | Sep low C = 10.3 | Oct low C = 12.7 | Nov low C = 13.9 | Dec low C = 15.8 | year low C = 12.5 | precipitation colour = green | Jan precipitation mm = 211.0 | Feb precipitation mm = 177.5 | Mar precipitation mm = 156.9 | Apr precipitation mm = 164.1 | May precipitation mm = 166.5 | Jun precipitation mm = 167.9 | Jul precipitation mm = 172.4 | Aug precipitation mm = 141.1 | Sep precipitation mm = 208.9 | Oct precipitation mm = 250.9 | Nov precipitation mm = 148.5 | Dec precipitation mm = 180.5 | year precipitation mm = 2146.2 | unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm | Jan humidity = 76.0 | Feb humidity = 78.3 | Mar humidity = 77.9 | Apr humidity = 77.7 | May humidity = 80.5 | Jun humidity = 80.9 | Jul humidity = 77.4 | Aug humidity = 72.6 | Sep humidity = 75.6 | Oct humidity = 76.3 | Nov humidity = 70.7 | Dec humidity = 72.0 | year humidity = 76.3 | Jan dew point C = 16.9 | Feb dew point C = 17.2 | Mar dew point C = 16.1 | Apr dew point C = 13.9 | May dew point C = 10.9 | Jun dew point C = 9.8 | Jul dew point C = 8.8 | Aug dew point C = 9.5 | Sep dew point C = 10.8 | Oct dew point C = 13.2 | Nov dew point C = 13.7 | Dec dew point C = 15.6 | year dew point C = 13.0 | Jan sun = 215.3 | Feb sun = 185.9 | Mar sun = 204.8 | Apr sun = 188.2 | May sun = 167.1 | Jun sun = 152.5 | Jul sun = 177.0 | Aug sun = 192.0 | Sep sun = 168.2 | Oct sun = 175.2 | Nov sun = 213.0 | Dec sun = 218.5 | year sun = 2257.7 | source 1 = NOAAEmpresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA) To combat deforestation and the destruction of green areas, the municipal government has implemented programs such as Permanent Preservation Areas, which are vegetated strips between the hydroelectric plant's reservoir and surrounding properties, ranging from 30 to 100 meters wide. Deforested areas used for the plant's construction are being restored and converted into riparian forest. Additionally, the Rio Canoas State Park, established on May 27, 2004, spans and is dedicated to preserving the native forest near the hydroelectric plant. Some remnants of the Araucaria moist forests remain today, The municipal area has recorded 44 species of orchids and bromeliads. Regarding fauna, over 80 bird species have been recorded in the municipal area, Regarding herpetofauna, recorded species include the Amazon lava lizard (Tropidurus torquatus), striped worm lizard (Ophiodes striatus), Argentine giant tegu (Tupinambis merianae), worm lizard (Amphisbaena sp.), Wagler's snake (Waglerophis merremii), Neuwied's false fer-de-lance (Xenodon neuwiedii), coral snake (Micrurus altirostris), military ground snake (Liophis miliaris), jararaca (Bothrops jararaca), and Brazilian keelback (Helicops infrataeniatus). == Demography ==

In 2010, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) counted the municipality's population at inhabitants, ranking it as the 40th most populous in the state and the second most populous in the Curitibanos Microregion (behind only Curitibanos), with a population density of 19.9 inhabitants per km². According to the 2010 census, inhabitants were men and were women. The same census reported that inhabitants lived in the urban area and in the rural area. From 1991 to 2010, the proportion of people with a per capita household income of up to half a minimum wage decreased by 68.0%. In 2010, 80.7% of the population lived above the poverty line, 12.1% were at the poverty line, and 7.1% were below it. In 2000, the richest 20% of the city's population accounted for 61.9% of the total municipal income, 28 times higher than the 2.2% share of the poorest 20%. In 1991, the poorest 20% had a 3.2% share, indicating an increase in social inequality from the early 1990s to 2000. Religion Reflecting Campos Novos' cultural diversity, the city is home to a variety of religious practices. While it developed on a predominantly Catholic social foundation due to colonization and immigration—and the majority of people in Campos Novos still identify as Catholic—today, dozens of different Protestant denominations, as well as Spiritism and Spiritualism, can be found. In recent decades, Buddhism and Eastern religions have grown in the city. There are also notable Jewish, Mormon, and Afro-Brazilian religious communities. According to the 2000 IBGE census, the population of Campos Novos consists of: Catholics (85.70%), Evangelicals (12.09%), people with no religion (0.98%), Spiritists (0.52%), and others distributed among various religions (0.71%). Roman Catholic Church According to the Catholic Church's division, the municipality is part of the Diocese of Joaçaba, established on June 12, 1975, after being separated from the dioceses of Lages, Chapecó, and Caçador. It is subordinate to the Archdiocese of Florianópolis and encompasses thirty other municipalities. The diocese's creation was driven by the rapid population growth in the region in the early 20th century, which fostered the development of Catholicism. The city's main religious landmarks are the São João Batista Parish Church and the Our Lady of Aparecida Sanctuary. The parish church, located in the city center opposite Lauro Müller Square, is notable for its interior adorned with wooden sculptures, stained glass, and paintings. The sanctuary is renowned for the Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Aparecida, held annually on October 12, the saint's day, attracting an average of 70,000 devotees. Conducted since 1977, the pilgrimage covers three kilometers from the parish church to the sanctuary. Protestant churches Despite the Catholic majority, the city is home to a wide range of Protestant or Reformed denominations, including the Sara Nossa Terra Evangelical Community, Maranatha Christian Church, Lutheran Church, Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church, Anglican Episcopal Church, Baptist churches, Assemblies of God, Seventh-day Adventist Church, World Church of God's Power, Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, Christian Congregation in Brazil, among others. According to IBGE data, there were 25 immigrants from other parts of Santa Catarina and Brazil in 2010. Conversely, 25 people left Campos Novos for other countries, with four going to Italy (16.0%), four to Angola (16.0%), and three to Canada (12.0%). Immigration was more common in the early 20th century, contributing to agriculture and industrial development after 1930. Many immigrants sought employment, particularly in farming, and bolstered commerce. Campos Novos, like parts of Southern and Southeastern Brazil, received waves of immigrants from various regions, notably Italians, Spaniards, Germans, Dutch, Poles, Russians, and Lebanese. Additionally, people from other Santa Catarina cities, Paraná, São Paulo, and Northeastern Brazil relocated to the region, fleeing the Contestado War. == Politics and administration ==

Municipal administration is carried out by the executive branch and the legislative branch. The first to govern the municipality was Colonel Manoel Ferreira da Silva Farrapo, who took office immediately after the city's emancipation. The legislative branch consists of the municipal chamber, composed of nine councilors elected for four-year terms (as stipulated in Article 29 of the Constitution), with five seats held by the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), three by the Progressive Party (PP), and one by the Workers' Party (PT). The chamber is responsible for drafting and voting on fundamental laws for administration and the executive branch, particularly the participatory budget (Budget Guidelines Law). The city is governed by an organic law, promulgated and effective from March 30, 1990, and serves as the seat of the Campos Novos Judicial District. In June 2012, the municipality had voters, representing 0.529% of Santa Catarina's total. == Subdivisions ==

Campos Novos is divided into eight districts: the Seat, Bela Vista, Dal Pai, Espinilho, Encruzilhada, Guarani, Ibicuí, and Leão. The Seat was the most populous, with inhabitants. == Economy ==

The gross domestic product (GDP) of Campos Novos is the largest in the Curitibanos Microregion and the 464th in Brazil. In 2010, according to the IBGE, the city had local units and active businesses and commercial establishments. workers were classified as total employed personnel, with as salaried employees. Wages and other remunerations totaled reais, with an average monthly salary of 2.4 minimum wages across the municipality. Agriculture has always been a primary income source, with commerce and industry gaining prominence since the 1930s. Easy access via highways to major ports on the Santa Catarina coast and various Brazilian and Mercosur cities facilitates agricultural exports. In temporary farming, the main crops are corn ( tons produced and 18,000 hectares cultivated), soybean (132,000 tons produced and 40,000 hectares planted), and wheat ( tons produced and 11,000 hectares cultivated). In permanent farming, notable crops include yerba mate (240 tons produced and 60 hectares harvested), oranges (200 tons produced and 20 hectares harvested), and grapes (108 tons produced and 27 hectares harvested). The city is regarded as the "Santa Catarina granary," being one of the state's leading producers of corn, soybean, beans, wheat, and barley. Agriculture, alongside commerce, is the primary source of income for the municipal economy. Several agricultural cooperatives operate in the city, including Copercampos, established on 8 November 1970, Cooperativa Camponovense (Coocam), founded in 1993, and Apicampos, which supports the beekeeping sector, another prominent activity in Campos Novos. The development of agriculture in the city was significantly influenced by the emergence of these cooperatives starting in the 1970s, which provided substantial support to farmers and ranchers. branch ;Tertiary sector The provision of services contributes thousand reais to the municipal GDP, making it the largest source of Campos Novos' GDP. Commerce in the city began to develop and become more significant in the municipal economy during the first half of the 20th century, driven by the growing presence of Italian and German descendants, as was the case with the industrial sector. Campos Novos is currently considered the main commercial hub of the Association of Municipalities of the Southern Plateau of Santa Catarina (AMPLASC), an organization that supports the commercial sector of the municipality and its region. Other entities, such as the Campos Novos Chamber of Retail Managers (CDL) and the Campos Novos Commercial and Industrial Association (ACIRCAN), have also contributed to commercial development by supporting small and medium-sized businesses. According to statistics from the Secretariat of Industry and Commerce, a municipal entity that coordinates commercial and industrial activities, the secondary and tertiary sectors together accounted for approximately 700,000 establishments in Campos Novos. == Urban structure ==

Healthcare In 2009, the municipality had 21 healthcare facilities, including hospitals, emergency rooms, health centers, and dental services, with 13 being public and seven private. These facilities provided 171 hospital beds, with 95 in public institutions and 76 in private ones. In 2011, 99.3% of children under one year old had up-to-date vaccination records. with an infant mortality rate of zero per thousand children under one year old. Additionally, 100% of live births were attended by healthcare professionals. In the same year, 20.3% of pregnant women were under 20 years old. Among the basic support and care services are the Family Health Program (PSF), Paraná Medical Assistance (PAM), and the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU). The Dr. José Athanásio Hospital, with 89 beds (79 under SUS), is managed by the state. Education The Basic Education Development Index (IDEB) average for public schools in Campos Novos in 2009 was 4.1 (on a scale from 1 to 10), with 5th-grade students scoring 4.1 and 9th-grade students scoring 3.7; the national average for municipal and state schools was 4.0. In private institutions, the municipal index rises to 6.2 (6.4 for 5th-grade students and 5.9 for 9th-grade students). In 2009, the municipality had approximately enrollments in public and private schools. The Municipal Secretariat of Education and Culture aims to coordinate and provide administrative and pedagogical support to the Campos Novos school system. Examples of programs coordinated by the Secretariat include the Education for Youth and Adults (EJA), a free education network for adults who have not completed elementary school; the Special Education network, where students with physical disabilities are taught by specialized teachers; and the National School Library Program. Public safety and crime Public safety in Campos Novos is provided by various organizations. The Municipality maintains a Municipal Guard, tasked with protecting municipal assets, services, and facilities, and collaborating with municipal inspection agencies. The Municipal Civil Defense Council (Comdec), established by Ordinance Law 2,373 on November 24, 1997, is responsible for preventive, assistance, recovery, and rescue operations in situations involving public risk. It supports the Fire Department, which focuses on rescue operations and emergencies. The Military Police is a state force responsible for policing, patrolling banks and the environment, and overseeing prisons, schools, and special events. The force also carries out social integration activities. The Civil Police focuses on investigating and addressing crimes and infractions. Various efforts have been undertaken by state and municipal authorities to enhance city safety, such as increasing police personnel and holding public safety meetings and lectures. The first water supply system in Campos Novos was established through funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the National Health Foundation (FUNASA), which initially managed it. On 8 August 1966, the Municipal Autonomous Water and Sewage Service (SAMAE) was created to support the system. In 1999, FUNASA ceased operations, and the administration of the service was transferred to the municipality. Today, the city has a water treatment plant (ETA) located in the Ibicuí district, also managed by SAMAE. substation The Santa Catarina Electric Power Company (CELESC) is responsible for electricity supply in Campos Novos and several other municipalities in the state. In 2010, 99.8% of households in the municipality were served by the electricity service. The area code (DDD) for Campos Novos is 049, and the postal code (CEP) is 89620-000. Several television channels are available in the VHF and UHF bands, along with two newspapers. The first radio station in the city, Rádio Cultura de Campos Novos, was founded in 1957 to meet the growing population's need for information and cultural access. The decline of railways was due to the expansion of highways and airports. By land, the municipality is situated at the intersection of the BR-282, BR-470, SC-455, SC-458, and SC-456 highways, connecting it to nearby towns, the state capital, major Brazilian cities, and other Mercosur cities. The city also has a public transportation system linking the downtown area to neighborhoods and districts with bus stops established by the municipality, regulated by Law No. 2364 of 9 October 2001. Several airports operate near Campos Novos, such as the Joaçaba Airport , located in Joaçaba, approximately 50 km from the city center. Dual carriageways, paved roads, and numerous traffic lights facilitate traffic flow, but the increase in vehicles over the past decade has led to increasingly slow traffic, particularly in the municipal seat. Additionally, finding parking spaces in the commercial center has become challenging, causing some losses to local businesses. == Culture ==

The Municipal Secretariat of Education and Culture oversees the cultural sector in Campos Novos, aiming not only to support education but also to plan and implement cultural policies through programs, projects, and activities that foster cultural development. To promote local socioeconomic development, the culture secretariat, often in collaboration with other local institutions and companies, has increased investment in festivals and events. Notable annual events include the Copercampos Field Day, showcasing Copercampos’ work in February or March; the city’s anniversary, officially on 30 March but celebrated throughout the month; the Feast of the Patron Saint John the Baptist in June, featuring masses and June festivals; the Our Lady of Aparecida Pilgrimage, held annually on 12 October, the saint’s day, attracting an average of 70,000 faithful who walk 3 km from the Parish Church to the city’s sanctuary; and the Miss Campos Novos Contest in November. Additionally, the EXPOCAMPOS, a traditional agricultural fair, is held biennially. Attractions The city offers several inns, farms, and hotels in rural areas, focusing on ecotourism. The Cervo and Santa Mônica Farms and the Triunfo Farmstead offer hiking trails, camping areas, horseback riding, and fishing facilities. Visitors can also schedule a tour of the Campos Novos Hydroelectric Power Plant. In the Barra do Leão district, the Leonense Hot Springs offer sulfurous hot springs with an average temperature of 33°C, featuring camping areas and indoor pools. These waters are believed to aid in treating rheumatism, arthritis, stomach issues, skin conditions, fatigue, and insomnia. In the urban area, the city boasts several attractions of historical and cultural significance. Notable sites include the São João Batista Parish Church, located opposite Lauro Müller Square, known for its interior adorned with wooden sculptures, stained glass, and paintings; the Our Lady of Aparecida Sanctuary; and the Coronel Gasparino Zorzi House of Culture, which is housed in a building that served as the city hall, inaugurated in 1919 and designated as a municipal historical heritage site. The city’s main soccer team is Clube Atlético Camponovense, founded on 3 August 1991, which plays its matches at the Cid Pedroso Stadium, with a capacity of approximately 4,000 people. Other sports facilities include the Osni Jacomel Gymnasium, the Humberto Calgaro and Juvelino Fernandes Gymnasiums, some of which feature skate parks, tennis courts, street basketball courts, and beach volleyball courts. According to federal law No. 9,093, enacted on 12 September 1995, municipalities may have up to four religious municipal holidays, including Good Friday. ==See also==