Although Sao Paulo is not the capital of Brazil, it definitely claims to be the most important role in life this country. If Rio de Janeiro can be called the head of the state, then Sao Paulo will be its heart. Although it is inferior to the capital of carnivals in terms of popularity among tourists, huge money revolves here, science develops and life in general is in full swing. If one day you are brought to Brazil, do not bypass this city, give it at least a couple of days.
Facts about Sao Paulo
- This is the most densely populated city in everything southern hemisphere. And, accordingly, in South America.
- Sao Paulo is also the largest Portuguese-speaking city in the world.
- More people live here than in all of Portugal.
- Since 2007, Sao Paulo has been the only metropolis in the world where there are no billboards and banners at all. The government banned them so as not to spoil the appearance of the city. In total, there are about 1,500 cities in the world where outdoor advertising is prohibited, but these are mostly small towns.
- This city ranks second in the world in terms of the number of helipads, second only to New York. Local rich people prefer to travel by air rather than stand in traffic jams.
- Brazil is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world, Sao Paulo is the most ethnically diverse city in Brazil (interesting facts about Brazil).
- Unlike European countries, many restaurants and shops in Sao Paulo are open around the clock. True, it is not recommended to go out at night – it is dangerous.
- Every year more tourists come here than people live here. But still, more tourists travel to Rio de Janeiro (interesting facts about Rio de Janeiro).
- In terms of the popularity of tattoos among the local population, Sao Paulo ranks first among all cities in the world.
- All decent hotels and restaurants here are guarded to the teeth by armed employees of private security firms.
- São Paulo ranks 14th in the list of the largest cities in the world.
- The largest Japanese diaspora lives here. More Japanese live only in Japan itself (interesting facts about Japan).
- On average, every second morning there is a light drizzle. Because of this, the Brazilians even called São Paulo «the city of rain».
- There are more than 15,000 bars and 13,000 restaurants in this city, and even smaller cafes cannot be counted at all.
- The Tiete River flowing through São Paulo is remarkable in that it does not flow into the ocean, but rather from it, deep into the continent (interesting facts about rivers).
- The most vivid impression of this city is the combination skyscrapers and slums, in which about half of the local population lives. In many of these areas, illegally built according to the principle of «where you have to», even the police try not to call in.
- Every year in São Paulo, a purely local holiday is celebrated – pizza day. By the way, it is pizza that is the most popular local fast food.
- The local metro, consisting of 6 lines, is the largest in Brazil.
- Sao Paulo Airport annually passes more passengers than any other the other is located in South America.
- There is not much to do here without the Portuguese language – almost no one speaks English.