The state colony of =Rio Negro= was founded in 1829[18] while this
section of Brazil was still within the limits of São Paulo.[19] Shortly
after its founding the colony was increased by the location of members
of the mustered-out German legion of the Imperial army.[20] Subsequently
many settlers from the São Bento district in Santa Catharina moved over
to this colony.
The following provincial colonies are settled largely by Germans or
German-speaking Austrians: =Jesuino Marcondes, Ivahy, Iraty,= all
founded in 1907; =Itapará= and =Tayó=, both founded in 1908; and =Vera
Guarany=, founded in 1909.[21]
By far the most important center for Germans in the state is the
capital, Curityba. There are some 12,000 German-speaking residents in
this city. In addition, a large number are located in the important
cities of Lapa, Ponta Grossa, Porto da União and Castro.[22]
A large part of the German element in Paraná is due to indirect
immigration from Santa Catharina.