São Paulo (state)

Main article: São Paulo

Further information: Southeast Region

Geography

São Paulo is one of the 26 states of the Federative Republic of Brazil. It is in the Southeast Region. It borders Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, and Mato Grosso do Sul, as well as the Atlantic Ocean. The state is a little bigger than the United Kingdom.

People

São Paulo is the most populous state in Brazil. Many people from different places live there, including Portuguese, Italian, Indigenous, African, Arab, Armenian, Chinese, German, Greek, Japanese, Spanish, and others. People have lived in this area since around 12,000 BC. In 1532, the first permanent Portuguese settlement in the Americas was built at São Vicente.

Economy and Culture

São Paulo has a strong economy. It is known for its industry, science, and technology. The state makes a lot of orange juice, sugar, and ethanol. It is also a popular place for tourists to visit. The state has some of the best schools and universities in the country. It is also known for its natural beauty, history, and culture.

History

Main article: History of the state of São Paulo

Early period

The area now called São Paulo state has been home to people for thousands of years. Ancient sites show humans lived there even earlier, around 17,000 years ago. These early groups were hunters and gatherers, moving to find food.

Before Europeans came, the region was home to the Tupi people, who hunted and farmed. The first European to settle here was João Ramalho, a Portuguese sailor who arrived around 1510. In 1532, a Portuguese group led by Martim Afonso de Sousa landed near Santos and included Ramalho’s settlement.

Early European rule in Brazil was limited, as Portugal focused on other places. To protect against attacks, Portugal divided the coast into sections called "captaincies." The area around São Vicente became one of the few successful settlements. In 1548, Brazil came under direct control of the Portuguese king.

By 1600, the town had about 1,500 people. It wasn’t a major export center, but its location helped people explore the interior. The town grew slowly, with development around sugar farms.

Expansion

Explorers from São Paulo, called bandeirantes, searched the interior for treasures like silver, gold, and diamonds. They also set up trading posts that became permanent settlements, helping Brazil grow westward toward the Amazon and the Andes Mountains.

In 1807, French forces invaded Portugal, causing the Portuguese royal family to move to Brazil. This brought economic changes to São Paulo, including opening ports to international trade.

Empire of Brazil period

In 1822, Brazil declared independence from Portugal, with São Paulo playing a key role. Over the next decades, the city grew, with new schools, newspapers, and cultural buildings. Transportation improved with the first railway in the late 1860s, just in time for the coffee boom. The Paraíba valley, between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, became a major coffee-growing area, and São Paulo city became important for moving coffee to the port of Santos.

Republican era

When Brazil became a republic in 1889, São Paulo formed an important political partnership with Minas Gerais state. This partnership helped shape national politics.

As slavery ended in 1888, São Paulo brought in new workers from Europe and later Japan. By 1920, São Paulo had become Brazil’s second-largest city, turning into a busy center of industry, culture, and diversity.

Early 20th century

Coffee was a huge part of Brazil’s economy, making up over half of the country’s exports between 1901 and 1910. But depending too much on coffee caused problems when prices dropped or harvests were bad.

São Paulo’s industry grew slowly, starting with textiles linked to cotton farms. Immigration brought new workers and customers, helping industries like food processing grow. By 1945, São Paulo had become South America’s largest industrial center.

Constitutionalist Revolution

The Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932, also called the Paulista War, was an uprising in São Paulo against the federal government led by Getúlio Vargas. The people of São Paulo wanted a new constitution. The revolution began after five students were killed by government troops in May 1932. Though the state was defeated by October, some of the revolution’s goals were later met, including a new constitution in 1934.

Late 20th century

After years of political changes, São Paulo continued to grow. New industries and infrastructure projects helped the state become a major economic center. However, economic challenges in the 1980s led to high unemployment and crime. Wealthy families moved to secure suburbs, while poorer communities grew on the city’s edges. For the first time, many Brazilians moved abroad to countries like North America, Europe, Australia, and East Asia.

Geography

São Paulo is one of the 27 states of Brazil, located in the Southeast Region. It covers an area of 248,222.362 km². The state is bordered by Minas Gerais to the north and northeast, Paraná to the south, Rio de Janeiro to the east, Mato Grosso do Sul to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast.

The land in São Paulo varies in height, with most areas between 300 and 900 meters above sea level. The state's highest point, Mine Stone, is in the Serra da Mantiqueira and rises to 2,798 meters. São Paulo has many rivers, with the Paraná being the largest river basin. Other important rivers include the Paranapanema River and the Tiete River.

Climate

São Paulo has different kinds of weather. In the mountains, it is cooler with warm summers and cooler winters. Along the coast, it is very warm and rainy all year. In the center of the state, there is a rainy season in summer and a dry season in winter. Some areas have a short dry season. Snow is very rare but can happen in certain mountain areas.

Environment

Much of São Paulo is covered by the Atlantic Forest biome, though only a small part of this forest remains today. Other areas include the cerrado biome, which has fewer trees, and coastal areas with special plants that can live in salty soil. São Paulo has many protected areas where natural plants and animals are preserved. These include parks, reserves, and other special places meant to protect nature.

Demographics

See also: Race and ethnicity in Brazil and Immigration to Brazil

The state of São Paulo has about 44 million people. Many people live close together, with 177 people in every square kilometre.

People in São Paulo come from many places. The largest groups are White (57.8%), Multiracial (33%), African (8%), East Asian (1.2%), and Indigenous (0.1%).

Many people in São Paulo have Italian ancestors, especially in the capital city. Portuguese and Spanish people are also common. São Paulo has large communities from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and many other parts of the world.

The city of São Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world, with over 20 million people nearby. Together, these areas form a big urban region called the Expanded Metropolitan Complex of São Paulo, which has around 30 million people.

Metropolitan areas and urban agglomerations

See also: São Paulo macrometropolis and Rio de Janeiro–São Paulo megalopolis

The Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, also called Greater São Paulo, includes 39 cities. It is the most crowded metropolitan area in Brazil and one of the largest in the world, with about 21 million people. Many of these cities have many people living very close together.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Brazil

In São Paulo, most people follow the Catholic Church. Other common religions include Protestantism, Spiritism, and various other beliefs. Some people do not follow any specific religion.

Health

São Paulo is an important place for healthcare in Brazil. The state has many hospitals and medical facilities, and its capital city helps patients from around the world. Most people in São Paulo are healthy, and the state has good healthcare services.

Education and science

São Paulo is a top place for learning and research in Brazil. It has many schools, colleges, and universities, including some of the best in Latin America. The state spends a lot of money on education and supports many research projects.

Educational institutions

• Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN) (Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, Public);
• Instituto Tecnológico da Aeronáutica (ITA) (Air Force Technological Institute, Public);
• Universidade de São Paulo (USP) (University of São Paulo, Public);
• Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp) (Federal University of São Paulo, Public);
• Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) (São Paulo State University, Public);
• Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) (University of Campinas, Public);
• Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar) (Federal University of São Carlos, Public);
• Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de São Paulo (IFSP) (São Paulo Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Public);
• Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia (Mauá) (Mauá Institute of Technology, Private);
• Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP) (Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, Private);
• Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (Mackenzie) (Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Private);
• Universidade de Sorocaba (UNISO) (University of Sorocaba, Private)
• Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) (Getúlio Vargas Foundation, Private);
• Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, Private);
• Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC) (Federal University of ABC, Public);
• Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA) (Marília Faculty of Medicine, Public);
• Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP) (São José do Rio Preto Faculty of Medicine, Public);
• Universidade Metodista de São Paulo (UMESP) (Methodist University of São Paulo, Private);
• Faculdade de Teologia Metodista Livre (FTML) (Free Methodist College, Private);
• Faculdade de Tecnologia do Estado de São Paulo (FATEC) (São Paulo State Technological College, Public);
• Universidade de Ribeirão Preto (UNAERP) (Ribeirão Preto, Private);
• Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR) (Marília, Private);
• Universidade Paulista (UNIP) (Private)

Government and politics

See also: Governor of São Paulo and Legislative Assembly of São Paulo

Palácio dos Bandeirantes, the seat of state government

Legislative Assembly of São Paulo

The Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) led the state's government and its Legislative Assembly from 1994 until 2022. In 2022, Tarcisio de Freitas from the Republicanos party became the current governor. Many important leaders come from São Paulo, including three of the last four presidents of Brazil. These leaders include Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Michel Temer. Although Cardoso was born in Rio de Janeiro and Lula in Pernambuco, they both live in cities within São Paulo state.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the state of São Paulo

In 2009, the service sector was the biggest part of São Paulo's economy, making up most of the state's money. The next biggest was the industrial sector, and farming made up a small part. São Paulo makes a lot of the goods and services in Brazil.

São Paulo is responsible for a big part of Brazil's total money. The state's economy is very large. It is based on making machines, cars, airplanes, and many services. There are also farms growing oranges, sugar cane, and coffee.

São Paulo is one of the biggest places for business in Latin America and South America. It makes many things like machines, sugar cane products, clothes, cars, and airplanes. The service and money businesses, along with farms growing oranges, sugar cane, and coffee, are very important.

Some important towns in São Paulo are Campinas, Ribeirão Preto, Bauru, São José do Rio Preto, Piracicaba, Jaú, Marilia, Botucatu, Assis, and Ourinhos. These towns are known for farming, technology, or health science. There are also places like the Instituto Butantan that study snakes and other animals.

São Paulo grows a lot of food like beans, rice, oranges, coffee, sugar cane, flowers, vegetables, maize, cattle, pigs, milk, cheese, wine, and oil. There are also big shopping places in São Paulo city.

Primary sector

São Paulo grows a lot of important crops. It is the biggest place in the world for growing oranges and makes a lot of sugar cane, coffee, soy, maize, bananas, peanuts, lemons, and many other fruits and vegetables.

São Paulo also makes a lot of coffee, peanuts, bananas, soy, maize, and other crops. It has many cows, pigs, and chickens, and makes a lot of milk, eggs, and chicken meat.

Secondary sector

São Paulo has many factories and makes many things. The biggest parts of industry are building, food, chemical products, and making cars.

São Paulo makes a lot of cars and has factories for companies like GM, Volkswagen, Ford, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and others. It also makes tractors and steel.

In the chemical business, São Paulo has many big companies. The food business is also very big, with companies like Yoki, Vigor, Minerva Foods, and others.

São Paulo makes shoes too, with places like Franca for men's shoes, Jaú for women's shoes, and Birigui for children's shoes. It also makes textiles and electronic things, with companies like General Electric, Samsung, HP, Foxconn, Apple, Dell, LG, Motorola, and more.

Tertiary sector

The service business is the biggest part of São Paulo's economy. In 2023, there were many companies in São Paulo with lots of workers. In 2023, there were many banks in São Paulo.

Tourism

See also: Tourism in the city of São Paulo and Tourism in Brazil

Tourism in the state of São Paulo is very important. Many visitors from Brazil and other countries come here. The capital city, São Paulo, is famous for its museums, theaters, and restaurants. It also has beautiful parks like Ibirapuera Park and exciting events.

The state has many places to explore. You can visit beaches along the coast, like in Ilhabela and Santos, or enjoy the cool mountain air in places like Campos do Jordão. There are also parks with waterfalls, caves to explore, and farms where you can learn about rural life. The state has many historical buildings and monuments, and some areas are recognized as important natural places by UNESCO. Whether you like city life, nature, or history, São Paulo has something for everyone.

Infrastructure

Transport

The state of São Paulo has modern roads, airports, and railways. This makes it easy for people and goods to move around. Its road system is the largest in Brazil, with many highways connecting different parts of the state.

Airports

See also: São Paulo § Airports, and Transport in São Paulo § Airports

Every day, almost 100,000 people use São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport. The airport has three terminals and can handle many passengers. It is important for moving goods, with flights carrying products like fruits and medicines.

São Paulo–Congonhas Airport is close to the city center and is very busy. Viracopos-Campinas International Airport, near Campinas, is important for business and technology because of its connections and universities nearby.

Railways

The state has many railways for moving goods and people. The metro system in São Paulo carries millions of passengers each day. There are also train lines that help people travel around the city and nearby areas.

Highways

Main article: Highway system of São Paulo

São Paulo has the largest highway system in Brazil, with many paved roads and highways. These roads help people travel quickly, but some people think the tolls are too expensive.

Ports

São Paulo has two big ports: the Port of Santos, which is important for moving cargo, and the Port of São Sebastião.

Water

See also: Water management in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo

Sports

Football is the most popular sport in the state. Some big clubs are Palmeiras, São Paulo, Santos, Corinthians, Ponte Preta, Guarani, Portuguesa, and XV de Piraciticaba. Other sports like Basketball and Volleyball are also popular. Many famous athletes from Brazil come from São Paulo.

São Paulo hosted the opening game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Corrida de São Silvestre

The São Silvestre Race happens every New Year's Eve in São Paulo. It started in 1925 and is now a 15 km race. There is also a fun race for children called São Silvestrinha.

Brazilian Grand Prix

The Brazilian Grand Prix is a Formula One race held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Interlagos. In 2006, Fernando Alonso won the championship, and Felipe Massa won the race.