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Salvador, Brazil, is
a fascinating city. Located at a sub-tropical latitude in the
Southern Hemisphere, seasons are opposite those in the U.S. The
climate is typical of sub-tropical regions with pleasant winter
temperatures and moist and hot summers. Salvador is one of Brazil's
five most prominent cities. Because of its size (with over 4 million
residents in the metropolitan area it is the third or fourth largest
city in Brazil), its political clout, its cultural influence and its
historical and economic importance, Salvador is a strategic city for
those who would engage in church planting in Brazilian urban
centers.
Throughout Brazilian
history Salvador has played an important role. In 1549 it became the
first capital of Brazil. Throughout the colonial era Salvador was
the colony's largest and most important city. Because of its
strategic location on Brazil's northeastern coast, the city served
as an important link in the Portuguese empire, maintaining close
commercial ties with Portugal and Portuguese colonies in Africa and
Asia. Salvador remained the preeminent city in Brazil until 1763
when it was replaced as the national capital by Rio de Janeiro.
Salvador today is a product of the political, cultural, economic,
and religious forces of the past.
The city is filled
with colonial-era buildings, many of which housed important
government offices and ministries. Although the city no longer
serves as the national capital, it continues to function as the
capital city for the state of Bahia, one of the largest and most
populous states in Brazil. Politicians from Salvador and the state
of Bahia play prominent roles on the national political scene.
Salvador is a city that blends its rich historical past with a
vibrant presence. Recently constructed high-rise office and
apartment buildings share the same block with colonial-era housing
or commercial buildings. Modern hospitals are staffed by competent
doctors and nursing staff, trained in the latest medical techniques.
With its beautiful beaches, exuberant tropical foliage, numerous
up-to-date shopping malls and pleasant middle-class residential
areas, the city has much to offer its residents. Economically
Salvador is one of Brazil's more important cities. Since its
founding the city has been one of Brazil's most prominent ports and
international trading centers. Boasting a large oil refinery, a
petrochemical plant and other important industries, the city has
made great strides in reducing its historical dependence on
agriculture for its prosperity. Despite these changes, agricultural
products such as tobacco, sugar and cacao continue to play an
important role in the city's commerce. In recent years tourism has
also become an important source of local revenue. |
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