Santos, city and port in southeastern Brazil, in São Paulo State, on the island of São Vicente, near São Paulo. The leading port of Brazil and outlet to the sea for São Paulo, the largest city of the country, Santos is a great center of the coffee trade. Other exports include fruits, cotton, and meat. Machinery is among the chief imports. A prominent building in the city is the Coffee Exchange. Popular seaside resorts are in the area. Founded in 1543, Santos became a major port when the railway from the interior was completed in 1867. Population (1996 estimate) 412,243.
