São Paulo (state)

São Paulo is one of the 26 states of the Federative Republic of Brazil and is named after Saint Paul of Tarsus. It is located in the Southeast Region and is bordered by the states of Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, and Mato Grosso do Sul, as well as the Atlantic Ocean. The state covers an area of 248,219 square kilometres, slightly larger than the United Kingdom, and is divided into 645 municipalities. Its capital is the city of São Paulo, which is the most populous city in Brazil.

With more than 44 million people, São Paulo is the most populous state in Brazil and one of the most populous areas in the world. The population is very diverse, coming from many different backgrounds including Portuguese, Italian, Indigenous, African, Arab, Armenian, Chinese, German, Greek, Japanese, Spanish, and many others. The area has been home to Indigenous peoples since around 12,000 BC, and in 1532, the first permanent Portuguese settlement in the Americas was established here at São Vicente.

São Paulo has a very strong economy and is known for its industry, science, and technology. It produces large amounts of orange juice, sugar, and ethanol, and has the highest gross domestic product of any Brazilian state. The state is also a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, history, culture, and many modern attractions. It has some of the best schools and universities in the country and ranks highly in measures of health, education, and safety.

History

Main article: History of the state of São Paulo

Early period

The area now known as São Paulo state has been home to people for at least 10,000 years. Ancient sites show that humans lived there even earlier, around 17,000 years ago, during a cold period known as the last glacial maximum. These early groups were hunters and gatherers, moving around to find food and resources.

Before Europeans arrived, the region was home to the Tupi people, who lived by hunting and farming. The first European to settle here was João Ramalho, a Portuguese sailor who may have been shipwrecked around 1510. In 1532, a Portuguese expedition led by Martim Afonso de Sousa landed near present-day Santos and included Ramalho’s settlement.

Early European rule in Brazil was limited, as Portugal focused more on Africa and Asia. To protect against attacks and encourage settlement, 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 made it a good base for exploring the interior. The town grew slowly, with development centered around sugar plantations in the northeast.

Expansion

Explorers from São Paulo, known as bandeirantes, searched the interior for treasures like silver, gold, and diamonds. They also established trading posts that became permanent settlements, helping to expand Brazil’s borders westward toward the Amazon and the Andes Mountains.

In 1807, French forces invaded Portugal, causing the Portuguese royal family to flee to Brazil. This brought economic changes to São Paulo, including opening ports to international trade and easing restrictions on manufacturing.

Empire of Brazil period

In 1822, Brazil declared independence from Portugal, with São Paulo playing a key role in the movement. 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, spanning Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, became a major coffee-growing region, and São Paulo city became a key center for moving coffee to the port of Santos.

Republican era

When Brazil became a republic in 1889, São Paulo formed an important political alliance known as the “coffee-and-milk” deal with Minas Gerais state. This partnership helped shape national politics.

As slavery ended in 1888, São Paulo worked to bring in new workers from Europe and later Japan. By 1920, São Paulo had become Brazil’s second-largest city, transforming 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, as the old one had been taken away. 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 experiences several types of weather. In the mountains, the climate 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 type of climate with 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 is home to about 44 million people. It has a population density of 177 people for every square kilometre.

The people of São Paulo come from many different backgrounds. 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 also has large communities from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and many other places around the world.

The city of São Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world, with over 20 million people in its surrounding areas. Together, these areas form a huge urban region called the Expanded Metropolitan Complex of São Paulo, which includes 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 known as Greater São Paulo, includes 39 cities. It is the most populous metropolitan area in Brazil and one of the largest in the world, with about 21 million people. Many of these cities are very crowded, with high numbers of people living in each square kilometre.

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 a major centre for healthcare in Brazil. The state has many hospitals and medical facilities, and its capital city is known for treating patients from around the world. Most people in São Paulo report being in good health, and the state has good access to healthcare services.

Education and science

São Paulo is a leading 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) was in charge of the state's government and its Legislative Assembly from 1994 until 2022. In 2022, the current governor, Tarcisio de Freitas from the Republicanos party, won the election. 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. Former president Jair Bolsonaro began his political career in Rio de Janeiro, even though he was born in a small town in São Paulo.

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 69% of the state's total money made. The next biggest was the industrial sector at 31%, and farming made up just 2%. São Paulo makes 34% of all the goods and services in Brazil.

São Paulo is responsible for about a third of Brazil's total money made. The state's economy is very big, worth about US$1.221 trillion. 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. All together, these things make up 34% of Brazil's total money made.

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, and the Instituto Pasteur that makes medicines.

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 like Rua José Paulino and 25 de Março 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, persimmons, tangerines, cassava, carrots, potatoes, and strawberries.

In 2019, São Paulo made 425,617,093 tons of sugar cane, which is more than India, the second biggest maker. It also made 13,256,246 tons of oranges, more than China, the second biggest maker.

São Paulo also makes a lot of coffee, peanuts, bananas, soy, maize, cassava, tangerines, persimmons, lemons, strawberries, carrots, and potatoes. 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. In 2017, the industrial money made was R $378.7 billion, which is 31.6% of all Brazil's industry. The biggest parts of industry are building, food, chemical products, services like electricity and water, and making cars.

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

In the chemical business, São Paulo has many big companies like Braskem, BASF, and Bayer. 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, Semp-TCL, and more.

Tertiary sector

The service business is the biggest part of São Paulo's economy. In 2011, services made up 70.46% of all the money added to the state's economy.

In 2023, there were 5,994,192 companies in São Paulo with 17,047,181 workers. In 2023, there were 5,193 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. It brings in millions of visitors from Brazil and other countries, making up 10% of the state’s money. São Paulo is one of the most popular places to visit in Latin America and the world. The capital city, São Paulo, is famous for its many museums, theaters, and restaurants. It also has beautiful parks like Ibirapuera Park and exciting events like the São Paulo LGBT Pride Parade.

The state has many different 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 very modern roads, airports, and railways, making it easy for people and goods to move around. Its road system is the largest in Brazil, with many highways that help connect different parts of the state and other places.

Airports

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

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

São Paulo–Congonhas Airport is close to the city center and is very busy for airplane takeoffs and landings. Viracopos-Campinas International Airport, located near Campinas, is important for business and technology because of its great connections and many 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 other 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 that have two lanes in each direction. These roads help people travel quickly, but some people think the tolls (fees you pay to use certain roads) are too expensive.

Ports

São Paulo has two big ports: the Port of Santos, which is very 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 of the biggest 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 now is 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, a famous driver named Fernando Alonso won the championship by coming in second, and Felipe Massa won the race.