Iguape, the largest territorial city in São Paulo, has a low population density, which means it wouldn't fill even half of the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Iguape, located in the Vale do Ribeira region, is notable for its vast land area of 1,979 km², making it the largest city by territory in the state of São Paulo. According to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) from 2022, the city's population is estimated at just 29,800 residents. This results in a very low population density of approximately 15 inhabitants per km², significantly lower than that of São Paulo's capital, which boasts a density of 7,800 inhabitants per km².
As a result of its sparse population, Iguape would not be able to fill even half of the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro, which has a capacity of 78,800 after renovations. To put it into perspective, Campo Grande, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, has an estimated population of 352,300, which is about eleven times that of Iguape. This stark contrast highlights the demographic challenges faced by Iguape despite its expansive land area.
Founded on December 3, 1538, Iguape is predominantly comprised of natural protection areas, including around 70% of its territory dedicated to preserving the Atlantic Forest. This environment not only protects biodiversity but also limits development potential in the region. The article emphasizes the unique characteristics of Iguape as a city with a rich history but low population, drawing attention to the implications of such demographics for urban planning and economic development in the area.
