so jos dos campos

So Jos dos Campos is one of the major cities in the state of So Paulo, Brazil, sitting in the Vale do Paraba, between the two most active production and consumption regions in the country, So Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Cut through by Presidente Dutra Highway, which links it to one of the main economical centers of the country, So Jos dos Campos is a city that continuously tries to develop its technology and improves the quality of life of its citizens. High and positive economy indicators show that this municipality has a great share in the state and in the country's economy. It is an important manufacturing center and holds a great diversity of industries, ranging from automobiles and petrochemicals to consumer durables and telecomunication equipment. It is famous also because it is home to one of the biggest regional aviation aircraft manufacturers in the world, Embraer. So Jos dos Campos is an important research center in Brazil. The Brazilian National Institute for Space Research - INPE has its headquarters there. It coordenates intensive research and development in areas such as Earth observation, space sciences and space technologies. Also the Aerospace Technical Center (CTA) has its facilities in the city. Serving a population of approximately two million inhabitants, the city is also the regional hub for shopping and services for the Vale do Paraba, the northern coast of So Paulo and southern Minas Gerais. Many people come to So Jos dos Campos for work and stay in the city, finding the city a good place to live. According to a 1999 UN study, So Jos dos Campos was rated one of the top 25 Brazilian cities for quality of life. With its high per capita income, long life expectancy and high level of infrastructure, So Jos dos Campos is a safe and secure city that offers a wide variety of stores and services. The municipality is comprised by three districts: So Jos dos Campos - the city itself (also the seat), Eugnio de Melo and So Francisco Xavier. The last one is known by its natural sites and ecotourism.