Locations
Ministry Description
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Location Information
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, the largest city in the Americas and the world's twelfth largest city by population. It exerts strong regional influence in commerce, finance, arts and entertainment and a strong international influence. The name of the city honors Saint Paul of Tarsus. The city, which is also colloquially known as "Sampa" or "Cidade da Garoa" (city of drizzle), is known for its unreliable weather, the size of its helicopter fleet, its architecture, gastronomy, severe traffic congestion and skyscrapers. According to one source, São Paulo is expected to have the third highest economic growth in the world between 2011 and 2025, after London and Mexico City. Brazil is a spiritually open country, for good and for ill, and is probably more Spiritist than Catholic in underlying worldview. Although “non-religion” is actually the fastest-growing faith group, few of that category would be hardcore atheists. Most follow Afro-Brazilian cults (such as Candomblé, Macumba, Umbanda) derived from African animism and witchcraft. The ecstatic experiences, flexible practices and emotional mysticism give it great appeal to the Brazilian mindset.
