São Paulo, the capital of the state of São Paulo in Brazil, is the largest city in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres and the major economic, cultural, and financial center of the country. It is geographically located in southeastern Brazil, approximately at coordinates 23.5505° S, 46.6333° W, and sits on the Brazilian Highlands with a varying elevation around 760 meters above sea level. The climate of São Paulo is classified as subtropical, with a rainy season in summer and relatively dry winters. The city is known for its unpredictable weather, often said to experience four seasons in one day. The sprawling metropolis is an alpha global city and exerts strong international influence in commerce, finance, arts, and entertainment. It has a highly diverse and dense population, with residents from a multitude of ethnic backgrounds, including one of the largest Japanese communities outside Japan, significant Italian and Lebanese populations, and other immigrant groups from around the world. São Paulo is the economic powerhouse of Brazil, with its economy based on a wide range of industries, commerce, and services. It is home to the São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3) and numerous multinational corporations. The city is also the hub of the Brazilian network of highways and is served by a complex public transport system, including the extensive São Paulo Metro. Culturally, São Paulo is renowned for hosting the São Paulo Art Biennial, the São Paulo Fashion Week, and the São Paulo International Film Festival. It boasts an impressive array of museums, such as the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo, as well as a vibrant music, theater, and culinary scene. The city's ethnic diversity has contributed to a rich culinary culture, with a wide variety of regional and international cuisines available. São Paulo's history stretches back to its founding by Jesuit missionaries in 1554. It remained a small town for many years but underwent rapid growth after the 19th century, spurred on by the coffee boom and subsequent industrialization. By the mid-20th century, São Paulo was attracting waves of migrants from different parts of Brazil and abroad, which contributed to its vastly diverse demographic and its dynamic cultural landscape. São Paulo faces significant challenges such as traffic congestion and pollution, social inequality, poverty in some areas, and issues with public security. However, its resilience and dynamic economy continue to make it a key player on the global stage and an important center for development in Brazil. Its numerous universities, research institutions, and cultural establishments make São Paulo a primary destination for international events, congresses, and exhibitions. São Paulo celebrates tradition while also embracing modernity, creating a melting pot of experiences and making it a city of great interest to travelers, business professionals, and scholars alike.