SãoPaulo

São Paulo, commonly referred to simply as São Paulo, is a city in southeastern Brazil. It is the capital of the state of São Paulo and the largest city in the country by population. Located on a high plateau inland from the Atlantic coast, it is a major financial, corporate, and cultural hub in Brazil and Latin America. The city proper is home to about 12 million residents, while the metropolitan area exceeds 20 million.

São Paulo is a global financial center with a dense commercial district along Avenida Paulista, housing many corporate headquarters and the B3 stock exchange. The city concentrates a diverse economy dominated by services, finance, technology, and industry. Notable landmarks include Ibirapuera Park, the Municipal Market (Mercadão), and historic neighborhoods such as Liberdade and Vila Madalena.

Founded in 1554 by Jesuit fathers as the mission of São Paulo de Piratininga, the settlement grew with the coffee trade in the 19th century and attracted large waves of European and Asian immigration. The 20th century brought rapid industrialization and urban expansion, making São Paulo a leading economic center in Brazil and the region.

São Paulo has a rich cultural scene, with major museums such as MASP (Museum of Art of São Paulo) and Pinacoteca, theaters, and a dynamic culinary and music scene. The city hosts several universities, including the University of São Paulo (USP), Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP), and Mackenzie Presbyterian University.

São Paulo has a multimodal transport system, including the Guarulhos International Airport and Congonhas Airport, an extensive metro and suburban rail network, and a dense bus system. The climate is humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters; rainfall is well distributed throughout the year.