Piracicaba
Piracicaba | |
|---|---|
| Municipality of Piracicaba | |
| Motto(s): Audax in intellectu et in labore (Latin) Audacious in intelligence and at work | |
Location in São Paulo | |
| Coordinates: 22°43′31″S 47°38′57″W / 22.72528°S 47.64917°W | |
| Country | Brazil |
| Region | Southeast |
| State | São Paulo |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Helinho Zanatta (PSD) |
| Area | |
| 1,378.07 km2 (532.08 sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 168.824 km2 (65.183 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 554 m (1,818 ft) |
| Population (2024 ) | |
| 438,827 | |
| • Density | 318.4/km2 (825/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Piracicabano |
| Time zone | UTC-03:00 (BRT) |
| Postal code | 13400-001 to 13439-999 |
| HDI rank | SP: 50th |
| HDI year | UNDP/2010 |
| GDP | R$34,555,723.85 thousand |
| GDP year | IBGE/2021 |
| GDP per capita | R$84,225.76 |
| GDP per capita year | IBGE/2021 |
| Patron saint | Saint Anthony |
| Website | piracicaba |
Piracicaba (Brazilian Portuguese: [piɾɐsiˈkabɐ] or [piˌɾasiˈkabɐ]) is a Brazilian municipality located in the interior of São Paulo state, in the Southeast Region of Brazil. It serves as the main city of the Metropolitan Region of Piracicaba (RMP) and is situated approximately 150 km (93 mi) northwest of the state capital, São Paulo. Covering an area of just over 1,378 km2 (532 sq mi), with around 169 km2 (65 sq mi) classified as urban area, Piracicaba has a population of 438,827 inhabitants, making it the 13th most populous municipality in São Paulo state.
Established in 1767 along the banks of the Piracicaba River, a vital water source for the region, Piracicaba saw significant agricultural development during the 19th century, particularly in sugarcane and coffee cultivation. However, the early 20th century brought economic decline due to the collapse of the coffee cycle and falling sugar prices, a situation that persisted until the onset of industrialization.
Piracicaba was among the first Brazilian cities to industrialize, with the establishment of factories in the metalworking and sugar production equipment sectors. This industrial activity expanded significantly in the 1970s with the Pró-Álcool program, which promoted the production of ethanol for automotive use in response to the 1973 global oil crisis. This initiative spurred substantial industrial growth in Piracicaba over subsequent decades, positioning it as the 34th largest GDP in Brazil in 2021. Today, it is a key industrial hub in the region and home to several universities.
Beyond its economic significance, Piracicaba is a prominent cultural center in its region. The Tupi Forest Reserve and Ártemis Spa are major environmental preservation areas, while Professor Phillipe Westin Park and parks along the Piracicaba River are notable urban attractions. The International Humor Exhibition of Piracicaba, held annually at the Central Mill, is one of the world's most significant cartoon events. The Central Mill, a former sugarcane mill, is now a protected historical and cultural site, serving as a venue for cultural, artistic, and recreational activities.