João Pessoa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
João Pessoa
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Municipality
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| The Municipality of João Pessoa | |||
Ponta do Seixas, the easternmost point of America
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| Nickname(s):
Green City; The City where the sun rises first
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| Founded | August 5, 1585 | ||
João Pessoa is a vibrant city in Brazil and the capital of the state of Paraíba. It was founded a long time ago, in 1585, making it one of the oldest cities in the country. People often call it "the city where the sun rises first" because it's the easternmost city in all of the Americas! This special spot is known as Ponta do Seixas. João Pessoa is also famous for being called "the second greenest city in the world" because it has so many trees and green spaces.
It's the biggest city in Paraíba, with over 800,000 people living there. If you include the towns around it, like Bayeux and Cabedelo, the total population is even larger, over 1.2 million!
Contents
History of João Pessoa
João Pessoa has a rich history, being the third oldest city in Brazil.
How the City Got Its Name
The city has had a few different names over the years. When the Dutch were there, they called it Frederikstadt. Later, the Portuguese named it Parahyba. The city got its current name, João Pessoa, in 1930. It was renamed after a governor of Paraíba state, João Pessoa Cavalcanti de Albuquerque, who was a very important person in the region's history.
A City of Firsts
Because João Pessoa is located so far east, it's the first place in the Americas to see the sunrise each day. This unique geographical feature makes it a special landmark.
Culture and Education
João Pessoa is a hub for culture, art, and learning.
Science, Culture and Art Station
At the very eastern tip of the Americas, at Ponta das Seixas, you'll find the "Estação Ciência, Cultura e Artes" (Science, Culture and Art Station). This amazing place is both a learning center and a cultural spot. It's a national landmark that helps people explore science, art, and local traditions.
UNESCO Creative City
In 2017, João Pessoa received a special title from UNESCO: a "creative city". This means it's recognized as the "Brazilian city of handicrafts". This honor helps put João Pessoa on the map for tourists who want to see beautiful popular art and crafts made by local artists.
Historic Buildings and Art
The city beautifully blends modern buildings with historic ones from colonial times. You can visit important museums and cultural places here. One famous landmark is the Church of San Francisco, located in the historic center. It's a great example of Brazilian baroque architecture, which is a very detailed and fancy style. Inside, its museum has a huge collection of religious art and local folk art.
Universities and Learning
João Pessoa is home to the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB). This big university offers many different study programs, like medicine, engineering, law, arts, and technology. There are also other smaller private universities that attract many students from Paraíba and other states, making the city a lively place for young people to learn and grow.
Economy and Tourism
João Pessoa's economy is boosted by several activities, with tourism being one of the most important.
Tourism and Local Industries
Many people visit João Pessoa to enjoy its beaches and cultural sites. Besides tourism, other important industries include construction, food production, and metalworking. Sugar cane agriculture and related businesses also play a big role in the local economy.
Images for kids
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Jaguaribe River
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Map of Frederikstadt by Johannes Vingboons 1665
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One of the buildings of the State University of Paraíba
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Cabo Branco lighthouse at Ponta do Seixas
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Solon de Lucena Park's lagoon at night
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João Pessoa's evening skyline
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Saint Francis Church and Saint Anthony Convent
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Tambaú beach
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João Pessoa, Brazil. Neighborhood of Tambaú
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Historic Center of João Pessoa
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