São Paulo, Administrative division in São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo is a megacity in Brazil that sprawls across hundreds of square kilometers and forms one of the largest urban areas in the southern hemisphere. Skyscrapers crowd the center while lower buildings spread toward the edges, broken up by parks and squares that give residents breathing room.
The settlement began as a small Jesuit school in the 16th century and grew slowly through coffee trade and industry over the centuries. After 1950 the population exploded as people moved in from all over the country and other continents.
Neighborhoods blend traditions from dozens of immigrant communities, and locals switch easily between languages when chatting on street corners. Residents celebrate festivals from their ancestral homelands throughout the year, making Lebanese markets, Italian feasts and Japanese ceremonies part of everyday life.
The city is huge, so expect long travel times between different neighborhoods, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Metro and buses will get you almost anywhere, but prepare for crowded cars.
The city consumes more bread daily than any other city in Latin America because Italian immigrants brought their baking traditions here. You'll find a bakery on almost every street selling fresh rolls all day long.
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