In 1810, the political instability that would lead to the independence of the Spanish colonies in the Platina Basin led to the arrival of Portuguese troops to the region, in order take advantage of the opportunity and extend their empire in areas of temperate weather so coveted by them.

These troops, commanded by Diogo de Sousa, Count of Rio Pardo, founded the present city of Santana do Livramento, through the construction of a chapel dedicated to the homonymous saint.

The permanent Portuguese settlement of the region began with the donation of sesmarias made by the Marquês of Alegrete in 1814.

The city went through periods of great prosperity, when large woolen mills, refrigerators, social organizations and soccer clubs were emerging.

Slowly, the economy has been fading, for many reasons, among which can be cited: isolation (distance from other expressive economic centers), centralist vision (in politics, industry, commerce, territorial organization), economic option agriculture and trade, without emphasis on the development of industry, which plays the role of "bridge" between the aforementioned activities.

[3] The area of the municipality located between the Quaraí River and the Arroio Invernada (called the Rincão de Artigas) has been claimed by the government of Uruguay since 1934.

Santana do Livramento is 208 meters above sea level, and is 498 km (309 mi) from its capital city (Porto Alegre).

Inhabitants from both Livramento (Brazil) and Rivera (Uruguay) are free to move anywhere throughout the twin city community.

The integrated border control post housing the immigration and customs offices of both countries was inaugurated on 28 December 2016.

Within the plurality of Brazil, Santana do Livramento also have small groups of other creeds as Muslims, originating from countries of the Middle East and Hindus, coming from India.