Below is the list of cities and towns in 🇧🇷 Brazil whose name begins with the letter S. You will also find some general information about each of them.
| Name | State | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Salvador | Bahia | 2,887,000 |
| Santa Maria | Rio Grande do Sul | 283,000 |
| Santo André | São Paulo | 723,000 |
| Santos | São Paulo | 433,000 |
| São Bernardo do Campo | São Paulo | 844,000 |
| São Gonçalo | Rio de Janeiro | 1,098,000 |
| São João de Meriti | Rio de Janeiro | 472,000 |
| São José | Santa Catarina | 246,000 |
| São José do Rio Preto | São Paulo | 464,000 |
| São José dos Campos | São Paulo | 729,000 |
| São LuÃs | Maranhão | 1,115,000 |
| São Paulo | São Paulo | 12,326,000 |
| Sorocaba | São Paulo | 687,000 |
Salvador
Brazil’s first capital (1549-1763), Salvador is known as the country’s “Capital of Happiness” due to its vibrant culture and festivities. The city has one of the largest Carnival celebrations in the world. Located in Bahia state, it’s famous for its historic Pelourinho district (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Afro-Brazilian culture, colonial architecture, and distinctive cuisine. The name honors Jesus Christ as the “Salvador” (Savior).
Santa Maria
Located in central Rio Grande do Sul state, Santa Maria is known as the “Heart of Rio Grande” due to its central location. The city is an important educational center, home to one of Brazil’s largest federal universities. It’s also an important military center with several army and air force facilities.
Santo André
Part of Greater São Paulo’s ABC region, Santo André is one of Brazil’s major industrial centers. Named after a 16th-century colonial settlement, the city played a crucial role in Brazil’s labor movement and industrialization. It remains an important manufacturing hub and is home to many multinational companies.
Santos
Home to Latin America’s largest port, Santos is known for its beautiful beaches and garden streets. The city is famous as the birthplace of Pelé’s former team, Santos FC. Founded in the 16th century, it played a crucial role in Brazil’s coffee exports during the coffee boom era. The city features the world’s longest beachfront garden.
São Bernardo do Campo
Another city in the ABC region, São Bernardo do Campo is known as the “Detroit of Brazil” due to its automotive industry. The city was at the center of Brazil’s labor movement in the 1970s and 1980s, where former President Lula emerged as a union leader. It remains one of Brazil’s most important industrial centers.
São Gonçalo
Located across Guanabara Bay from Rio de Janeiro, São Gonçalo is the second most populous municipality in Rio de Janeiro state. Named after Saint Gonçalo of Amarante, the city has transformed from a rural area into a major suburban center, though it still maintains some historic buildings from its colonial period.
São João de Meriti
Located in Rio de Janeiro’s metropolitan area, São João de Meriti has one of the highest population densities in Brazil, earning it the nickname “Formigueiro das Américas” (Anthill of the Americas). The city’s name combines its patron saint with “meriti,” a local palm tree.
São José
Part of Florianópolis’s metropolitan area, São José was founded by Azorean immigrants in the 18th century. The city has experienced rapid growth due to its proximity to the state capital and maintains important historic buildings from its colonial period.
São José do Rio Preto
Located in northwestern São Paulo state, the city is named after its patron saint and the Black River that runs through it. It’s an important regional center for healthcare and commerce, known for its medical facilities and shopping centers.
São José dos Campos
Located in the ParaÃba Valley, São José dos Campos is Brazil’s aerospace capital. Home to Embraer and the National Institute for Space Research, the city is a major technological and research center. It was originally developed as a sanatorium city for tuberculosis patients due to its climate.
São LuÃs
The capital of Maranhão state, São LuÃs is the only Brazilian state capital founded by the French (1612). Named after French king Louis XIII, the city is known for its historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage site), unique regional culture, and reggae music scene, earning it the nickname “Brazilian Jamaica.”
São Paulo
Brazil’s largest city and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest metropolitan area, São Paulo is South America’s major financial and cultural center. Named after Saint Paul, the city grew from a small Jesuit mission into a global megacity. It’s known for its diverse population, vibrant cultural scene, impressive skyline, and role as Brazil’s economic powerhouse.
Sorocaba
Located in São Paulo state, Sorocaba’s name comes from the Tupi language meaning “torn land.” The city was historically important in the tropeiro movement (cattle and goods traders) and later became an industrial center. Today, it’s known for its industrial diversity and annual technology fair.
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