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São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro facts for kids

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São Gonçalo
Municipality
Município do São Gonçalo
Municipality of São Gonçalo
Flag of São Gonçalo
Flag
Official seal of São Gonçalo
Seal
Nickname(s): 
Manchester Fluminense
Localization in Rio de Janeiro
Localization in Rio de Janeiro
Country  Brazil
Region Southeast
State Bandeira Estado RiodeJaneiro Brasil2.svg Rio de Janeiro
City Established September 22, 1890
Government
 • Type Mayor-council
 • Body Prefeitura da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro
Area
 • Total 249.142 km2 (96.194 sq mi)
Elevation
19 m (62 ft)
Population
 (2012)
 • Total 1,016,128
 • Density 4,078.51/km2 (10,563.3/sq mi)
Demonym(s) goncalense
Time zone UTC−3 (BRT)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−2 (BRST)
Area code(s) +55 21

São Gonçalo is a city in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Its population (as of 2009) is 1,010,212 inhabitants, and it is the second most populous city in the state after the capital, Rio de Janeiro.

Statistics

Its population was 1,010,212 in 2009. The total area of the city is 249 square kilometres (96 square miles). It is the second most populous city in the state after Rio de Janeiro, the capital of the state.

Geography

Climate

São Gonçalo has a tropical Atlantic climate, with rainy summers and relatively dry winters. The city has different temperatures at different times of the year. They can be up to 40 °C (104 °F) in summer and 10 °C (50 °F) during winter. Generally, the temperature is between the maximum of 25 to 35 °C (77 to 95 °F) and minimum 14 to 24 °C (57 to 75 °F). But for most part of the year, i.e. from May to October, the temperature is milder because the climate is drier and less hot.

Demographics

Pop. growth
Year Population
1991 779,832
1996 831,467
2000 891,119
2007 960,631
2012 1,016,128

São Gonçalo has a high population growth rate. 1,016,128 people live in the city, up from 960,631 in 2007. According to the 2012 census, the racial makeup of São Gonçalo includes: Whites (22.7%), Brown (54.1%), Black or African (20.2%), two or more races (3%) and Asian (0.02%). The non-Brazilian population was 3.5% (Paraguayan 2%, Bolivian 1%, Chinese 0.5%), which is a high number compared to other cities in Brazil. The same census said that São Gonçalo has a large amount of poverty. 31.5% of the population was officially living in poverty in 2012, down from 81% in 1990. People considered "Class A" were only 4.7% of the population.

Education

The Rio de Janeiro State Teachers' Training College (FFP-UERJ) stands out in the city. It is the largest teachers' college in Rio de Janeiro state. Its students are mostly residents from Sao Goncalo, but many come from Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Itaboraí, and cities of the Baixada Fluminense region, among others. For many years, students from this campus have asked for a bus route to the Saint Mary UERJ Maracanã.

Health

São Gonçalo has the following hospitals: Hospital Estadual Alberto Torres; Eye Hospital Niteroi; Hospital Luiz Palmier; Hospital Adam Pereira Nunes; Barone Hospital de Medeiros; Silveira Hospital Infantil Darcy Vargas, Hospital Pads, Hospital Santa Maria.

Garbage collection crisis

São Gonçalo has poor garbage collection services. Garbage sometimes collects on the streets for this reason. In December 2008, waste collectors went on strike, which made the problem even worse. In January 2011, garbage collection stopped for more than a week in some parts of the city.

Notable residents

Zélio Fernandino de Moraes, founder of the Umbanda Branca religious sect, was born in São Gonçalo.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: São Gonçalo (Río de Janeiro) para niños

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