*Population density: 32.95 inhab/km² (2005) *Urban population: 22,271 (2000) *Rural population: 4,112 (2000) *Population growth: a gain of about 2,000 people since 1980
The average elevation is 630 meters above sea level and most of the land is flat or hilly. There are many rivers, the most important being the Fartura, Cerrado, and São Domingos. The main strams are the Santana, Santa Rosa, São Manoel and Diamantina. The climate of the region is hot and semi-humid, with an average temperature ranging from 27ºC fto 28ºC. According to the weather station in São Luís, the minimum temperature is 19ºC and the maximum, 35ºC. [1]
Cattle raising is the most important economic activity in São Luís. The pasture land is extensive and the main breeds raised are Gir and Nelore. Most cattle are shipped out to be slaughtered in larger urban centers. Swine, poultry, and horse raising are also important activities, as well as traditional agriculture.
The size of the cattle herd was 116,000 in 2004 of which 17,000 were milking cows. [2]
Milk production is important in the region. São Luís de Montes Belos is a reference point taking in a total of 17 municipalities with an estimated herd of 974,000 head, of which 137,000 are dairy cattle. The annual milk production is about 133 million liters of milk.[3] The town has been chosen to implement a Technological Milk Center (Centro Tecnológico do Leite (CTL), which will be a training site for the technicians who assist the cattle farmers.
The main natural resource is wood, which is used in construction and in the furniture industry. This small furniture industry has given the town the rather exaggerated nickname, ""Capital Industrial do Oeste Goiano"".
Main agricultural products in planted area
*bananas: 425 hectares (2003) *hearts of palm: 86 hectares *rice: 300 hectares *corn: 4,500 hectaresData are from IBGE
Economic Information
*Industrial units: 59 (2005), employing 1,493 workers in 2003 *Commercial units: 315 (2005), employing 1,308 workers in 2003 *Dairies: Laticínios Morrinhos Ind. e Com. Ltda. - Indústria e Comércio de Laticínios Magnata Ltda. - Laticínios Montes Belos Ltda (22/05/2006) *Meat-packing plant: none (22/05/2006) *Financial institutions: - Banco do Brasil S.A. - BRADESCO S.A. - Banco Itaú S.A. - CEF.(01/06/2005) *Automobiles: 3,837 (2004)
*Schools: 29 *Classrooms: 178 *Teachers: 358 *Students: 7,835 *Higher education: UEG - Faculdade de Educação, Ciências e Letras de São Luiz de Montes Belos (763 students in 2004) *Adult literacy rate: 87.9% (2000) (national average was 86.4%)
