Sapporo is Japan's fifth largest city and also one of the nation's youngest cities. In 1857, the population stood at under ten people. When the development of Hokkaido began on a large scale, Sapporo was chosen as the island's administrative center and developed from then on. Sapporo was built based on an American-style grid system and became famous in 1972 when the winter Olympics were held there. Today, the city is well known for its beer, art parks, spaciousness and well-planned urban design.