Sorocaba

Sorocaba, city, east-central São Paulo estado (state), southeastern Brazil. It lies along the Sorocaba River, a tributary of the Tietê River, at 1,804 feet (550 metres) above sea level. Given town status in 1661 and made the seat of a municipality in 1842, Sorocaba is now one of the country’s major industrial centres. Manufactures include cotton and silk textiles, cement, fertilizers, lumber, aluminum products, electrical equipment, shoes, hats, alcohol, and wines. The city is the headquarters of the electric Sorocaba Railway (arrived c. 1875) and of its maintenance shops. Goods from Sorocaba reach São Paulo city, 80 miles (130 km) east, and other markets by rail, road, and air. Sorocaba boasts a professional football (soccer) club and stadium. Pop. (2010) 586,625.