São José dos Campos is one of the major cities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, sitting in the Vale do Paraíba, between the two most active production and consumption regions in the country, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Cut through by Presidente Dutra Highway , which links it to one of the main economical centers of the country, São José dos Campos is a city that continuously tries to develop its technology and improves the quality of life of its citizens. High and positive economy indicators show that this municipality has a great share in the state and in the country's economy.

It is an important manufacturing center and holds a great diversity of industries, ranging from automobiles and petrochemicals to consumer durables and telecomunication equipment. It is famous also because it is home to one of the biggest regional aviation aircraft manufacturers in the world, Embraer.

São José dos Campos is an important research center in Brazil. The Brazilian National Institute for Space Research - INPE has its headquarters there. It coordenates intensive research and development in areas such as Earth observation, space sciences and space technologies. Also the Aerospace Technical Center (CTA) has its facilities in the city.

Serving a population of approximately two million inhabitants, the city is also the regional hub for shopping and services for the Vale do Paraíba , the northern coast of São Paulo and southern Minas Gerais.

Many people come to São José dos Campos for work and stay in the city, finding the city a good place to live. According to a 1999 UN study, São José dos Campos was rated one of the top 25 Brazilian cities for quality of life. With its high per capita income, long life expectancy and high level of infrastructure, São José dos Campos is a safe and secure city that offers a wide variety of stores and services.

The municipality is comprised by three districts: São José dos Campos - the city itself (also the seat), Eugênio de Melo and São Francisco Xavier . The last one is known by its natural sites and ecotourism.

Geographic Information

• estimated population (2004): 589,050 inhabitants
• total area: 1102,2 km² (about 425 miles²)
• geographical coordinates:
  • 22º10'46" S
  • 45º53'13" W
• altitude: 600 m
• altitude tropical climate; average temperature in the year 20º C

City Structure

Leisure and Services

• Approximately 50 bank branches
• 19 movie theaters
• 5 sports and health clubs
• 6 hotels rated 3 or 4 stars
• 2 theaters including one inside the UNIVAP - Universidade do Vale do Paraiba
• 2 parks and a plant nursery
• 4 malls and 1 under construction
• 2 expo pavilions
• 1 soccer stadium

Education

• 2 universities in addition to the Aeronautics Technological Institute (ITA)
• 53 secondary schools
• 54 primary schools
• 109 preschools

Communications

• 8 radio stations
• 2 television stations

Transportation

• 2 bus stations
• 1 airport
• 1 railway station

External links

• Official website
• Page About São José dos Campos City