The city of Sao Paulo, Brazil has the largest population of Japanese people living outside Japan. By 1969, over 240 thousand Japanese had immigrated to Brazil. Many settled in a neighborhood that would be later be called Liberdade (freedom).
Here are a few more little-known facts about Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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Sao Paulo was first inhabited by outsiders when the Portuguese arrived in the 16th Century. |
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In 1554, a group of clerks who accompanied the Portuguese colonists, in their attempts to spread the Catholic religion, established a settlement near the Tamanduatei River and called it "Sao Paulo de Piratininga" |
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In 1711, the area was officially established as the city of Sao Paulo (Portuguese for Saint Paul). Due to its strategic location within the country of Brazil, near the Port of Santos, and its well-known coffee plantations, the city thrived. |
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From 1763, Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil. In 1960, Brasilia, was officially named as the capital, due its geographically central location, making for a more regionally neutral federal capital. Brasilia remains the capital today. |
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In 1822, Brazil gained independence from Portugal. Following periods of military dictatorship, today Brazil is a republic with elected leaders. In fact, people between the ages 18-70 are required by law to vote. |
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The cultural and language development of Sao Paulo was influenced by Portugal and its European history, American Indian natives, Africa and Asia. Today, there are still three Indian Villages inside Sao Paulo: a total of 1034 Indians named Krubutu, Tenonde Pora and Jaragua. Liberdade, a neighborhood previously inhabited by thousands of Italians, is still in existence today and it is home to many Japanese people. There are approximately 395,000 Japanese people living in Sao Paulo today. |
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Because of this wide mix of culture, the city hosts over 12 million restaurants serving 52 types of cuisine from all over the world. Sao Paulo is home to 320 cinemas, 120 theaters, 71 museums, 39 cultural centers, 70 shopping malls and one of the most modern metro systems in the world. The Gardens District is the main dining scene, and the center of Sao Paulo’s social area. Sao Paulo is a city that doesn't sleep—it is common for restaurants to serve from 9pm until 3am, or until the last customer has finished their meal. Many health clubs and book stores are open 24 hours a day. |
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Nicknames and first names are used commonly throughout Brazil. Ronaldo Assis de Moreira is a footballer more commonly known as Ronaldinho. His name Ronaldinho, Portuguese for "little Ronaldo," was given to him to distinguish him from fellow Brazilian football star, Ronaldo. Ronaldinho was the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005, earned the European Footballer of the Year Award and the FIFPro World Player of the Year. Futbol (soccer) is #1 leisure sport in Brazil. |
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With about 180 million people, Brazil is the fastest growing country in South America and one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Growth in the 1900's has made Brazil the leading manufacturing nation in South America. Greater Sao Paulo, with 16 million people, is the business and finance center of Brazil. |
