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Joo PessoaJoo Pessoa is the capital of Paraba, a state in the northeast region of Brazil. It's the state's largest and most important city, with a population of about 640,000 (about one sixth of the state's population - 2004 estimate). Its metropolitan area comprises three other satellite cities and about 270,000 additional people. It is close to Ponta do Seixas, the easternmost point of the Americas at 34 47' 38" west longitude and 7 9' 28" south latitude. Founded in 1585 as Filipia, it is the third oldest city in Brazil. It fell under Dutch occupation from 1634 to 1654, and was called Friederstadt. Portugal then reclaimed it and called it Paraba, and in 1930 it assumed its current name, after a famous politician from the region. Tourism is one of its chief economic activities, together with construction, food, metalworking, and other industries. Sugar cane agriculture and related industries are also important. It is home to the Federal University of Paraba, and other smaller private universities, which attract many students from other states. Joo Pessoa has many green areas scattered among its avenues, parks, and residential neighbourhoods, which make it very pleasant and the second greenest city of the world. It mixes modern buildings with historic ones from colonial times, and hosts important museums and cultural institutions.
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