São Paulo is situated in southeastern Brazil and serves as the capital of the state bearing the same name. It stands as the largest city in the entire Southern Hemisphere, located just 70 kilometers from the Atlantic coast. The city itself resides on a plateau nestled within the valley of the Tietê River. São Paulo boasts a remarkably diverse population, comprising individuals of Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, African, and mulatto descent. The city was founded in 1554 as a small settlement established by Jesuit missionaries.
The primary objective of the missionary society was to convert the local Indian nations to Catholicism. São Paulo's development was strategically located amidst the picturesque foothills of the Serra do Mar Mountains, along the banks of the Tietê River, and in proximity to the nearby bay. This location proved ideal for the city's growth. The fertile plateau and expansive green lands in the vicinity allowed the state of São Paulo to achieve prosperity within a relatively short period.
Today, São Paulo stands as a major metropolis with a population of at least 11 million inhabitants within its city borders alone. When considering the surrounding suburbs, this number rises closer to 20 million. Despite its size, São Paulo's tourism industry is thriving, attracting countless visitors who wish to witness the vibrant heart of magnificent Brazil firsthand.
