![]() ![]() Due to the high degree of fragmentation in the urban structure, we must apply more comprehensive concepts to describe the city of São Paulo. However, scholars do not necessarily agree, especially with regard to the classification of São Paulo as a global city. By analyzing the position of São Paulo in the worldwide city network with the help of demographic and economic indicators, we can find evidence for its being both a megacity and a global city. Obviously, demographic and economic developments have correlated for a long time. ![]() Although the question of how to classify São Paulo depends on current indicators, a brief look at the (economic) history of the city will help us understand its present state. 1 However, if we look at the city from an international viewpoint, will the classification be the same? In order to answer this question, we will first consider the two terms “global city” and “megacity”, the first of which has strong economic connotations, whereas the latter is mainly defined by population size. Economically speaking, being responsible for 12% of the national Brazilian GDP and double the GDP per capita of Brazil, it is the leading national metropolis. The British museum and the Louvre hold significant volumes of the the world's classic paintings and draw large tourist numbers to London and Paris respectively.1 São Paulo is the biggest city in Brazil and, with its metropolitan region, one of the largest agglomerations worldwide. World Cities will also house museums and galleries of prestige. For example the Major football stadiums (such as O2 arena) and concert halls (such as Maddison Square Garden) attract the largest crowds. World Cities derive cultural authority from playing host to major cultural events and from having the venues to do so. Convention centres, hotels and prestigious restaurants all facilitate the interaction of people. World Cities also need a physical infrastructure that supports this. While this function has been weakened by social media and IT advancement, face to face contact remains important for its power and in many instances is a cultural requirement for the trusting relationships on which business is built. ![]() World cities allow business and cultural leaders to meet and exchange ideas. ![]()
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