Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo
State
Country
Brazil
Continent
South America
Size
1,521 KM2
Population
12,325,232
Spending Budget
$963 - $2,046
Famous For
- Ibirapuera Park.
- Paulista Avenue
Best Time to Visit
- January
- March
- April
- May
History
It was only in the 15th century the land of Sao Paulo was explored and discovered. Then further exploration was done by catholic Missionaries and Sao Paulo became a city only in 1711. This region was used as headquarters by the Bandeirantes who were a group of enslaving and treasure hunting people operated in Brazil. Their exploration led to further increase in the border. Sao Paulo started to get its significance after the independence of Brazil as gold mining and coffee plantations started to boom which uplifted it’s economy. Coffee was introduced in 1727 and it’s plantation provided employment to lot of people. Soon immigrants from Europe like Italians and immigrants from Japan, China, Spain also got employment due to coffee plantations and became its indigenous residents. After this Sao Paulo received political and economic importance. Railroads were built resulting in an increased population making it into today’s Sao Paulo. During the 20th century there occurred two important revolutions. One in 1930 and the other in 1932. The coffee plantations started to oscillate after World War I and World War II affected goods export. Eventually the population of Sao Paulo increased due to increased migrants which made Sao Paulo a main metropolitan.
Present Day
Today Sao Paulo is the 4th largest city in the world and Brazil’s wealthiest state. Greater Sao Paulo is the metropolitan area which is the most populous in Brazil. The government type is the Mayor council type. The city contains a population of 12,325,232. The area of the entire province is divided as Megacity, Urban, Metro and Macro metropolis regions. The city’s GDP speaks about its economy as it is ranked 11th largest in world. The advanced infrastructure of city can be understood when looking at skyscrapers which are the tallest in Brazil but these buildings rarely reach 40 stories hence called 'low rise building' city. Cultural influence of this city can be evident by various festivals and events happening here like the LGBTQ pride parade. Sao Paulo is home for Arabians, Italians, Japanese, Portuguese and also Jews and gives the name paulistanos indicating anyone from the city. It is also home for Sao Paulo Stock Exchange. Among the residents here more than nine-tenths are educated. Roadways are the major means of transport here. About 10 major motorways crosses the city. There 2 major airports and 3 urban rail transit systems and also there is a well developed Subway system available too.
Future
On visiting Sao Paulo one will instantly say that the economic success has something to do with the infrastructure. And that is right as Sao Paulo gets enormous benefit by investing in infrastructure. But at the same time environmental protection is also taken very seriously and it’s the policy making that makes all of this possible. The city administration also understands that entrepreneurship is the future and provides them shelter in a way leading to mutual growth. In spite of all these, Sao Paulo suffers from a little social imbalance as the health and conditions of the rich are very well and poor people suffer a significant deterioration. To handle this inequality certain plans like clearance of slum, housing developments, charity movements like Focolare Movement have been undertaken. Underground metro system plan is also being implemented which will improve people’s moving. Sao Paulo also focusses on development along with people’s growth. Keeping in mind that environmental wealth is very important, Sao Paulo has planned to reduce the use of cars thereby increasing the public transport. This will also eliminate the need for high numbers of parking space. The city administration believes adapting better urban plans will help them resolve the housing issues
Ibirapuera Park.
Occupying about 158 hectares of land the Ibirapuera Park is the most visited in South America. This park was created in 1954. The management of this park is in the hands of the city of Sao Paulo. This is actually an urban styled park which adds to the beauty of Sao Paulo.
Paulista Avenue
The most important area as it is the headquarters of many financial developments, the none other than the Paulista Avenue which is why this place is popularly known as the economic centre of Sao Paulo. It is a major point for the subways and bus lines making it easier for the natives and the tourist to reach this place. A vast amount of shopping area makes this region busy all the time. A must see place in Sao Paulo.
Museu de Arte
This is the Sao Paulo Museum of Art with a lot of western art in it. Also the museum is located on the city’s important area, the Paulista Avenue. The museum was established in 1947 and focusses post World War art. It also acts as one of the important art libraries in Brazil. A fascinating place to visit.
Teatro Municipal
The Teatro Municipal is a historically significant performing theatre in Sao Paulo. This theatre has been the site for the Brazilian art revolution. With a seating capacity of 1523 the theatre was inaugurated in 1911. Famous artists used to appear here in this theatre for various reasons making it a centre of attraction.
Se (cathedral)
This Renaissance styled Metropolitan cathedral is the Sao Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral. The cathedral is 111 metres long with Dome height of 30m. This is the largest cathedral in the city of Sao Paulo. Having a capacity for more than 8000 people, certain rare marbles were used in its construction. The crypt in this cathedral has the tomb of bishops. And there are lot of other things to find out in this cathedral.