São Paulo is a state in Brazil. It is the major industrial and economic powerhouse of the Brazilian economy.

General Aspects

• Geography: São Paulo State has an area of approximately 248,800 sq. km.
• Population: approximately 38 million.
• Economy: São Paulo state is responsible for approximately one-third of Brazilian GNP. Its economy is based in machinery, the automobile and aviation industries, textiles, orange, soil, sugar cane and coffee production.
• Cities: List of cities

Government and Politics

The governor is Geraldo Alckmin (PSDB), elected for the period 2003-2006.

Like other parts of Brazil, São Paulo politics is controlled by the Workers' Party (PT) and the Party of the Brazilian Social Democracy (PSDB). Both parties have their origins in this state.

Local politicians of note (with party affiliations) include: José Serra (PSDB), Geraldo Alckmin (PSDB), José Genoino (PT), José Anibal (PSDB), Antônio Palocci (PT), Eduardo Suplicy (PT), Aloísio Mercadante (PT), Marta Suplicy (PT), Romeu Tuma (Party of the Liberal Front), and Paulo Maluf (Progressive Party). Maluf is a controversial figure in São Paulo city politics, and is frequently accused of corruption. However, many voters still support him.

The two last Brazilian presidents, Fernando Henrique Cardoso (PSDB) and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), live in São Paulo state. The first lives in São Paulo city, the second one in the nearby city of São Bernardo do Campo.

Governor

• Geraldo Alckmin (PSDB)

Federal Senators

• Aloizio Mercadante (PT)
• Eduardo Suplicy (PT)
• Romeu Tuma (PFL)

Main cities

São Paulo, Guarulhos, Campinas, Santos, Osasco, São José dos Campos and Ribeirão Preto. Other cities include: Guararapes, Araraquara, Araçatuba, Barretos, Bauru, Franca, Jacareí, Jundiaí, Marília, Piracicaba, Presidente Prudente, São Carlos, São José do Rio Preto and Sorocaba.

Flag

External links

• Official homepage (Portuguese)