Urupema is a municipality in the state of Santa Catarina in the South region of Brazil.

The city's first inhabitants were attracted by the abundance of resources provided by the local Paraná pines, a coniferous tree which, at the time, was the main source of food for native populations during fall and winter.

Unlike Amerindians in North America who used the fur of bisons and moose, the natives of Brazil did not have any similar large animals available.

Together with São Joaquim, Urubici, Bom Jardim da Serra and São José dos Ausentes, Urupema is considered the coldest city in Brazil if the maximum average temperature and the number of cold hours are considered.

As of 2022 Urupema is 62.3% White, 29.3% Mixed, 8.1% Black, 0.3% Yellow and 0.04% Indigenous while the sex ratio is 52% male and 48% female.