Rio Claro, São Paulo

Rio Claro is a city in the state of São Paulo in Brazil. The population in 2005 was 195,131 and the area is 521 km². The elevation is 613 m. It was incorporated as the village of "São João Batista do Ribeirão Claro" in 1827, and this incorporation is celebrated every year on June 24 as a municipal holiday.

The name was changed later to "Rio Claro". Starting in the 19th century, Rio Claro has attracted large numbers of immigrants from European countries, especially from Germany, Switzerland and Italy, but also from Spain, Portugal, some Eastern European countries, and a substantial community of Christian Arabs from the then Ottoman Empire (mostly Syrian and Lebanese).

Japanese immigrants arrived later. There is also a large population of Afro-Brazilians.

Rio Claro had a very important function in the railway system of São Paulo state.

Facts

*Budget: R$178,542,000.00 (2005)
*Infant mortality rate: 11,76 deaths/1,000 live births
*Literacy: 94,9% (2000)
*Life expectancy at birth: 71,34 years

Sports

Rio Claro Futebol Clube, founded in 1909, and Associação Esportiva Velo Clube, founded in 1910, are the two football (soccer) clubs of the city.

Anthem of Rio Claro

"Lyrics: Profª Celeste Calil"
"Music: Profª Lígia do C. Polastri"

I
Salve, Salve Rio Claro Querida
Linda terra de céu sempre azul
Quem te vê uma vez, não te olvida
Pois te embala o Cruzeiro do Sul!

II
O nascer no teu seio de ouro,
É trazer no feliz coração,
O teu nome, sublime tesouro,
Protegido por meigo São João!

Estribilho
Rioclarenses, bem alto cantemos
Este hino, com todo fervor,
Pois a terra maior pertencemos
Em carinho, energia e valor!

III
O teu solo tão fértil, encerra
Mil riquezas, fartura sem par,
Teu comércio engrandece esta terra,
Tua indústria operosa é exemplar!

IV
E a instrução que é estrela potente
A brilhar no teu céu cor de anil
Faz do jovem, valor consciente
Na defesa do nosso Brasil!

Estribilho
Rioclarenses, bem alto cantemos...

External links

* [http://www.rioclaro.sp.gov.br Rio Claro City Hall]
* [http://www.canalrioclaro.com.br Canal Rio Claro - Rio Claro City Portal]
* [http://www.guiarioclaro.com.br Guia Rio Claro - Rio Claro City Guide Portal]
* [http://www.visiterioclaro.com.br Visite Rio Claro - Rio Claro Travel Tour]