city, east-central Santa Catarina estado (state), southern Brazil, lying north of the Caveiras River in the Paraná Mountains, at 3,000 feet (900 metres) above sea level. Formed as a municipality in 1800, it was settled chiefly by Germans and in 1866 was elevated to city status. Livestock raising and diversified light industry are now the main economic activities. Principal agricultural products include lumber, soy, corn (maize), feijão (beans), wheat, potatoes, and apples. Lajes is on the main highway linking São Paulo and Porto Alegre and has air connections to Florianópolis, the state capital. Pop. (2005 est.) 162,400.