The state of Sao Paulo is in many respects the nerve centre of Brazil, with the country’s largest population and economic output. The capital, Sao Paulo, is also the largest city in South America with 20 million inhabitants.
Everything is big here and second to none in many things Brazilian: the biggest industrial complexes, the most cosmopolitan and skilled workforce, the best infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce. "Paulistas", as the people of São Paulo are called, have transformed agriculture and animal husbandry in a real locomotive pulling the country.
But besides the capital there is a treasure trove of beautiful coastal areas topped by Ilha Bela, the "beautiful island" in the Northeast. Also the interior of São Paulo has some undiscovered towns worth a visit.