Prudentópolis is a municipality located in the Paraná region of southern Brazil. Covering an area of 2,395 square kilometers, it is known as "terra das cachoeiras gigantes" due to its numerous large waterfalls. The city was originally named São João de Capanema before being renamed Prudentópolis.
The city is recognized as one of the largest centers of Ukrainian immigration in South America. Approximately 75% of the population has Ukrainian roots, with an additional 20% identified as Polish. Since the late 1890s, waves of immigrants from Galicia established a dense network of farms, schools, and religious institutions. The Ukrainian language was granted official status in 2021 and remains an optional subject in local schools.
Prudentópolis serves as a significant cultural hub where Ukrainian traditions are deeply integrated into daily life. This heritage is reflected in the naming of streets after figures such as Taras Shevchenko and Lesia Ukrainka, as well as the presence of various secular organizations and a radio station that broadcasts programs in both Portuguese and Ukrainian.