17 million people call Sao Paulo home. The attraction to the city is the vitality of the immigrants who have been arriving since the late 19th century, when Sao Paulo became a chief producer of coffee. Immigrants arrived from Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Japan in search of the work potential available in Sao Paulo. Unfortunately, the extraordinary growth of the city was not anticipated with proper planning, making it the most chaotic city in Brazil.
Natives no doubt would see things differently.
Paulistas have a strong work ethic and pride themselves in their “un-Brazilian” efficiency. The inhabitants of Rio see the Paulistas as having little time to have fun. This may be due to the fact that those who reside in Sao Paulo do not have the option of beaches and mountains. Hence, they engage wholeheartedly in urban pursuits. The theater in Sao Paulo is the best in Brazil, and Paulistas are known for their devotion to dining out. Shopping, music, and the nightlife in Sao Paulo are continuous.