Campinas

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Campinas

A city located in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, it was founded 14th July 1774 and is the second largest city in the state. Population: approximately 968,000 inhabitants (2000 census).

The dynamic and modern center of a rich metropolitan region of 19 counties with a total of 2.33 million inhabitants, Campinas has an area of 801 km2, with 98.34% of its population living in urban areas. Per capita income is one of the highest in Latin America. The region is responsible for 9% of Brazil's Gross Industrial Product, with just over 3% of the country's population.

Campinas' main economic activities are agriculture, industry, commerce and services. The home of many high tech industries (IBM, Motorola, Lucent, Nortel, etc.), research centers and universities (such as UNICAMP and PUCCAMP), it has been dubbed the Brazilian Silicon Valley. Wired Magazine has elected Campinas as one of the two highest-growth high-tech areas in Latin America (the other being the city of São Paulo itself).

Served by a powerful and extensive highway system and a modern international airport (Viracopos), Campinas is a large transportation hub.

It is also considered a delightful city to live and to work, having all the comforts and facilities of any modern city in developed countries.

Official home page: http://www.campinas.sp.gov.br/ [In Portuguese]

Article contributed by: Renato M.E. Sabbatini, PhD http://www.renato.sabbatini.com