SANTO ANDR

city, southeastern So Paulo estado (state), Brazil. It lies along the Tamanduatei River at 2,438 feet (743 m) above sea level. Santo Andr is part of the So Paulo (southeastern) metropolitan area. The original colonial settlement became a town in 1553 and a municipal seat in 1889. The city's economic expansion began in the 1930s, and much of the city's labour force is now employed in industry. Santo Andr has textile, metal, chinaware, and furniture industries. Grains, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and other vegetables are cultivated in the surrounding area. Pop. (1991 prelim.) 518,272.