City Profile

With a population of 12.33 million, Sao Paulo is Brazil's largest, and the world's 20th most populous city . The city has the largest economy by GDP in Latin America, representing 10.7% of Brazil's GDP. It has a GDP per capita of US$24,317. The city is known to be incredibly culturally vibrant and a melting pot of various ethnic diasporas. Key industries include financial services, information and communications technology, oil and natural gas, the green economy and automotives.

Sao Paulo has a strong performance in Assets and Liveability.

Over the past few decades, the city has taken a proactive approach to improve air quality by implementing various measures from controlling  sulphur dioxide pollution from industrial sites, to delineating standards for cleaner vehicles and fuels. The city has also reshaped public transport by pioneering eco-mobility in the nation by prioritizing bus fleet electrification, building new bus corridors and implementing bicycle lanes.

The city has the opportunity to increase  Liveability by improving a few key areas. By taking an inclusive city planning approach, Sao Paulo can create much safer neighbourhoods enabling better integration of communities, improved vibrancy, and creating family-friendly environments.

Case study

In a deprived area of São Paulo, many children rarely go out as it is considered too dangerous. The Criança Fala project has transformed public spaces through play and art with the help of children, while encouraging officials to listen to children’s concerns. Leaders of municipal departments have received training in child participation, helping to support deeper understanding of the methodology and promoting reuse in other neighbourhoods.
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