Santos

Industrial city and principal seaport in São Paulo federal unit (state), southeast Brazil, 72 km/45 mi southeast of the city of São Paulo on the Atlantic coast; population (2000) 415,700. It is the largest and most important port in Brazil, and the world's leading coffee-exporting port. There are oil refineries and chemical and steel industries. The port lies 5 km/3 mi along the Santos Channel and is surrounded by sandy beaches. The Brazilian soccer player Pelé played here for many years. Santos was founded in 1534.

Features Few historical buildings remain because of the industrial growth of the port. The Igreja do Carmo, dating back to 1589, still stands, a grey facade next to a derelict train station. More than 40% of imports and over 50% of exports pass through the port.