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Guarujá
Municipality
Municipality of Guarujá
"Pearl of the Atlantic"
Flag of Guarujá
Flag
Coat of arms of Guarujá
Coat of arms
Nickname(s): 
Pérola do Atlântico (Pearl of the Atlantic)
Motto(s): 
Pro mare nostrum (Ours by the sea)
Location in São Paulo
Location in São Paulo
Guarujá is located in Brazil
Guarujá
Guarujá
Location in Brazil
Country  Brazil
Region Southeast
State  São Paulo
Metropolitan Region Baixada Santista
Founded 2 September 1893; 131 years ago (1893-09-02)
Anniversary 30 June 1934; 90 years ago (1934-06-30)
Area
 • Total 143.58 km2 (55.44 sq mi)
Elevation
4 m (13 ft)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 322,750
 • Density 2,247.88/km2 (5,821.97/sq mi)
Time zone UTC−3 (BRT)
Postal Code
11400-000
Area code(s) +55 13
HDI (2010) 0.751 – high

Guarujá (/ɡwɑːrʊˈʒɑː/; Portuguese pronunciation: [ɡwaɾuˈʒa]) is a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It is part of a larger area called the Metropolitan Region of Baixada Santista. About 311,116 people live here (2022 count). The city covers an area of about 143.58 km2 (55.44 sq mi).

Guarujá is mostly a city built on an island called Santo Amaro. It is very close to the coast and has many beaches. The name "Guarujá" comes from the Tupi language, an old language spoken by native Brazilians. It means "narrow path" or refers to a type of crab.

What's in a Name?

The name "Guarujá" comes from the Tupi word agûarausá. This word means a type of crab called the guaruçá. So, the city is named after a crab!

Exploring Guarujá's Location

Guaruja.SP.Asturias.SobreAsOndas.Warchavick
Asturias beach, a popular spot in Guarujá

Guarujá is located on Santo Amaro Island, right on the coast of São Paulo. It's a popular place for families from São Paulo city to visit on weekends. You can drive there in less than an hour.

The city is sometimes called "The Pearl of the Atlantic" because of its beautiful beaches. There are 27 beaches in Guarujá! Some of the most famous ones are Guaiúba, Tombo, Astúrias, Pitangueiras, Enseada, and Pernambuco.

Guarujá also has a special area called Vicente de Carvalho. This area is named after a famous poet.

How Guarujá Makes Money

Guarujá's economy relies a lot on two main things:

  • Tourism: Many people visit Guarujá, especially in the summer. They come to enjoy the beaches and stay in buildings built for visitors. This makes tourism a very important part of the city's economy.
  • Port Activities: Guarujá is close to the Port of Santos, which is a very busy port. Many jobs in the city are related to port activities and transportation.

There is also some industry in the region. For example, Dow Chemical started a large factory here in 1976.

Cities Around the World

Guarujá has special connections with other cities around the world. These are called "twin towns" or "sister cities".

Fun Places to Visit

Guarujá has some cool places for visitors to explore:

  • Andradas Fort: An old fort with a lot of history.
  • Acqua Mundo: A large aquarium where you can see many sea creatures.
  • Teatro Municipal Procópio Ferreira: A local theater for shows and events.

Staying Connected

In Guarujá, you can use cell phones, landlines, and the internet. Companies like Vivo provide these services. You can also watch TV through satellite or cable.

Sports in Guarujá

Guarujá is home to the Estádio Municipal Antônio Fernandes, a football (soccer) stadium. A local team called Associação Desportiva Guarujá plays their games here.

In 2014, the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team even chose Guarujá as their training base for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

A famous person from Guarujá is Charles Oliveira. He is a well-known mixed martial artist and a former champion in the UFC. He often helps his community in Guarujá.

Airports and Air Bases

Guarujá has the Santos Air Force Base – BAST, which is a base for the Brazilian Air Force. There are also plans for a new airport for regular flights, called the Guarujá Civil Metropolitan Aerodrome, near the air force base.

Famous People from Guarujá

Many talented people come from Guarujá:

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Guarujá para niños

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