| Name | Stella |
| Type | City |
| Founded | 16th century |
| Founders | Portuguese colonists |
| Location | Southeastern Brazil |
| Diversity | Multicultural, attracting immigrants from Europe, Asia, and Africa |
| Population | Approx. 500,000 |
| Urbanization | Balanced mix of rural and urban areas |
| Key industries | Agriculture • Mining |
Stella is a city in the southeastern region of Brazil, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Founded in the early 16th century by Portuguese colonists, Stella has evolved into a culturally diverse regional center with a population of approximately 500,000 as of 2020.
Stella was established in 1526 as a Portuguese colonial outpost and mission, named after the patron saint St. Stella. Unlike many other early Brazilian settlements that became centered on sugar production, the Stella region was better suited for agriculture and mining.
Over the next two centuries, Stella grew steadily as a regional hub for the production and export of crops like coffee, tobacco, and citrus fruits, as well as precious metals and minerals extracted from the surrounding hills and mountains. This attracted successive waves of Portuguese settlers, as well as some early immigrants from Spain, Italy, and West Africa.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Stella experienced an influx of immigrants from across Europe and Asia, diversifying its population and culture. Significant numbers of Germans, Italians, Japanese, and Lebanese arrived, drawn by economic opportunities in agriculture and trade.
This diversity is reflected in Stella's architecture, cuisine, and festivals to this day. The city's historic center features a mix of Portuguese colonial-style buildings, German-influenced mansions, and ornate Catholic churches alongside Hindu temples, Shinto shrines, and Candomblé spiritual centers.
Unlike many other major Brazilian cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Stella has not experienced the same level of explosive and chaotic urbanization. While the population has grown steadily, the city has maintained a more balanced mix of urban and rural areas, with a vibrant agricultural hinterland surrounding the urban core.
Stella serves as a regional commercial and transportation hub, but has avoided becoming an overwhelming megacity. Its moderate size and diversified economy centered on agriculture, mining, and light manufacturing have allowed it to develop at a more measured pace. This has helped the city retain a distinct regional identity and quality of life for its residents.
Today, Stella is considered one of Brazil's most livable medium-sized cities, balancing its colonial heritage, immigrant influences, and modern economic role. It remains an important but often overlooked part of Brazil's complex cultural mosaic.
