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Culture & Lifestyle • City

São Paulo

São Paulo is the capital of São Paulo state and the largest city in Brazil.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

São Paulo is the capital of São Paulo state and the largest city in Brazil. Founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1554, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas and a major industrial, financial, and cultural centre in Latin America.

History

São Paulo was founded on 25 January 1554 by Jesuit missionaries. It grew from an early colonial settlement into one of the largest cities in the Americas. The founding date is associated with the feast day of the Conversion of St. Paul.

Geography

The city lies on a plateau in southeastern Brazil, inland from the Atlantic coast and the Serra do Mar range. Its elevation and inland location shape its urban development and transport connections.

Population and metropolitan area

São Paulo is Brazil’s largest city by population, with 12,284,940 residents in the municipality and 22,048,504 in the metropolitan area. It is among the world’s largest urban agglomerations.

Economy and role

The city is described as the foremost industrial centre in Latin America and an important national and regional hub for commerce and finance. It serves as a major centre of business and services within Brazil.

Key facts

  • São Paulo is Brazil’s most populous city and the capital of São Paulo state.
  • The city was founded on 25 January 1554 by Jesuit missionaries.
  • It is widely described as a leading industrial and financial centre in Latin America.
  • The 2022 census population for the city was 12,284,940, with 22,048,504 in the greater metropolitan area.
  • São Paulo is located on a plateau in southeastern Brazil, inland from the Serra do Mar.
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Canadian context

São Paulo is relevant to Canadian readers as one of the largest urban markets in the Americas and a major destination for business, culture, and travel links between Canada and Brazil.

Frequently asked questions

Is São Paulo the capital of Brazil?
No. São Paulo is the capital of São Paulo state in Brazil, not the country’s national capital.
When was São Paulo founded?
São Paulo was founded on 25 January 1554 by Jesuit missionaries.
How many people live in São Paulo?
The city had a population of 12,284,940 in the 2022 census, and the metropolitan area had 22,048,504 people.
Where is São Paulo located?
It is in southeastern Brazil on a plateau of the Brazilian Highlands, inland from the Serra do Mar and Atlantic coast.
Why is the city called São Paulo?
The name refers to Saint Paul and reflects the city’s Jesuit foundation on 25 January, the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Paulo
    Supports: Founding date, city status, coordinates, and general description as a major Brazilian city.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Sao-Paulo-Brazil
    Supports: City status, founding by Jesuit missionaries, industrial importance, location, and population figures.
  3. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/S%C3%A3o-Paulo/276903
    Supports: City population, metropolitan population, location, and historical foundation date.