city, in the highlands of east-central São Paulo estado (state), Brazil. Americana lies near the Piracicaba River at 1,732 feet (528 m) above sea level. It was settled in 1868 by immigrants from the former Confederate States of America. The settlement was made a seat of a municipality in 1924. Agriculture is a major local source of income, and foodstuffs are processed in the city. Textiles, tires, and clothing are also manufactured. Highways and railroads link Americana to the neighbouring cities of Limeira and Piracicaba, as well as to nearby Campinas and to São Paulo, the state capital, 68 miles (109 km) to the southeast. Americana is also served by an airport. Pop. (2005 est.) 200,100.