São Paulo, Brazil's bustling behemoth, is the largest city outside Asia with over 21 million people. It's a vibrant mix of culture, commerce, and chaos. How did this once humble settlement become the pulsating heart of Brazil?
Video: Natã Romualdo | PexelsMany groups helped write the story of São Paulo’s ascent to megacity status. Including slave labourers taken from Africa, Brazilian 'Coffee Barons', and worldwide immigration.
Image: willbrasil21 | depositphotosSão Paulo quickly grew from a humble settlement, into Brazil's economic engine and cultural melting pot.
Image: Wilfredor | Wikimedia CommonsSoutheastern Brazil. The city of São Paulo is less than 45 miles North from the state’s nearest coastline and the port city of Santos.
Images: dikobraziy & brichuas | GettySão Paulo's population boom began in the late 19th century. The 20th century then saw the population burst through the 1 and 10 million milestones with ease.
Image: Marc Ferrez | Wikimedia CommonsSão Paulo had a variety of industries through the years, attracting settlers from far and wide. The trades in the area transformed from primarily agricultural, to embrace industrial opportunities.
Image: Marc Ferrez | Wikimedia CommonsSão Paulo's growth started with the farming of a special crop, which flourished in the state's rich soil. Coffee plantations put São Paulo on the map and drew people to the city.
Image: Globe UNLTD | Dall-E 3Before São Paulo realised it had the perfect coffee growing conditions, the neighbouring state of Minas Gerais found success mining for gold. But, more people drink coffee than gold, so did São Paulo have the last laugh?
Image: Johann Moritz Rugendas | WikimediaSoutheastern Brazil was enamoured with the gold rush of the 18th century. However, the coffee boom in the 19th century propelled São Paulo into rapid growth, shaping its economic and social structure.
Image: vandelinodias | PixabayBetween 1872 and 1972, more than 5 million people emigrated to Brazil from foreign shores. Amazingly, 57% of them chose to settle in São Paulo!
Image: c/o Sta Laudicéia Schutz | WikimediaBrazil’s coffee industry was built upon forced labour. But, in 1888 became the last country in the Americas to outlaw slavery. So, immigrants from far and wide poured into São Paulo to fill the labour gap.
Image: Guilherme Gaensly | WikimediaSão Paulo's population surpassed 1 million by 1940 and doubled to over 2 million by 1950. Today more than 21 million people call the city home.
Image: joelfotos | PixabayTwo world wars, coupled with a dramatic population increase, spurred diversification of São Paulo’s industries. Strong textile and manufacturing sectors grew, and a post-WWII landscape saw the establishment of Brazil’s first Volkswagen factory in São Paulo.
Image: Marc Ferrez | WikimediaThere are now more people with Italian heritage in São Paulo than any region of Italy itself.
Image: Império do Brasil | WikimediaThe 20th century saw São Paulo become a hugely multicultural city. People from Italy, Portugal, Spain and even Japan made São Paulo their home. This cultural fusion ignited the city’s dynamic growth and unique character.
Image: _staticvoid | UnsplashSwipe up to dive deeper