Ubá

Where is Ubá located and what defines its landscape and climate?

Ubá is a municipality situated in the Zona da Mata region of southeastern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The city has an estimated population of 107,423 in 2025, following a recorded population of 103,365 in the 2022 census, across a total area of 407.452 square kilometers.

Geographically, the municipality sits within a valley where only 5% of the total area is flat, while the remainder is characterized by rugged terrain. The landscape features elevations that range from a low of 295 meters to a high of 875 meters. Most of the territory lies within the Paraíba do Sul River basin, whereas a small portion falls into the Doce River basin. The urban area is not bordered by any large river, but the Ubá River crosses the city from the northwest to the southeast, serving as the drainage route for the majority of the municipal sewage.

Historically, the physical environment of the region was tied to the native vegetation and river systems that shaped early settlements. The Ubá River derived its name from the local Coroado natives who utilized a specific type of grass, Gynerium sagittatum, known locally as U-Uva, to manufacture their arrows. Through linguistic evolution, this designation transformed into Ubá. The surrounding topography and river basins of the region formed the backdrop for historical land grants, indigenous displacement, and subsequent colonization within the Pomba River basin following the decline of mining activities in Minas Gerais.