São Paulo
The wealth of São Paulo state, the economic pole of South America, attracts people from all over the world. This multi-cultural force is symbolised by the capital that shares the same name — the largest metropolis in the South American continent and third largest in the world, has over 10 million inhabitants.
São Paulo is sophisticated and cosmopolitan and, at the same time, full of museums and urban parks. Famous for its international cuisine, the city is made up of a rich ethnic and cultural mosaic, highlighted by the largest Japanese colony in the world outside of Japan, represented by the vibrant neighbourhood of Liberdade.
Due to its excellent infrastructure, every year the city hosts major sporting events such as the São Paulo Indy 300, the GP Brazil Formula 1, and a phase of the Judo World Cup. In 2011, São Paulo was one of the hosts of the Women's Handball World Championship, and the following year became the stage for the Brazilian Tennis Open, the only ATP Tournament in the country. In 2014, it will host the FIFA World Cup. Less than 80 km from the capital, the port city of Santos, where the largest port in Latin America is located, hosts a phase of the Aquatic Marathon World Cup every year.
Several medallists of Beijing 2008 include São Paulo natives: swimmer Cesar Cielo, gold medallist in the Men's 50m freestyle event; Maurren Maggi, gold medallist in the Women's Long Jump event, and yachtsman Robert Scheidt, silver medallist in the Star class.
In Serra da Mantiqueira, cities in the countryside such as Lindóia, Serra Negra and Socorro are notable for their hydro-mineral stations, farms and local delicacies. In Campos do Jordão, the colonial architecture mansions are the backdrops for the biggest classical music festival in Latin America. Adventure sports and ecotourism are highlighted features of the beaches and waterfalls of cities such as Ilhabela and São Sebastião, on the northern coastline of the state.
