Exploring Brazil: Land of Wonders and Culture

Brazil

Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America. It is the world’s fifth-largest country by area and the seventh-largest by population, with over 212 million people. The country is a federation composed of 26 states and a Federal District, which hosts the capital, Brasília. Its most populous city is São Paulo, followed by Rio de Janeiro. Brazil has the most Portuguese speakers in the world. It is the only country in the Americas where Portuguese is an official language.

Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of 7,491 kilometres (4,655 mi). Brazil covers roughly half of South America’s land area. It borders all other countries and territories on the continent except Ecuador and Chile. Brazil encompasses a wide range of tropical and subtropical landscapes, as well as wetlands, savannas, plateaus, and low mountains. It includes most of the Amazon basin, including the world’s largest river system and most extensive virgin tropical forest. Brazil has diverse wildlife, a variety of ecological systems, and extensive natural resources spanning many protected habitats.

Capital: Brasília

Area: 8,515,767 km²

Population: ~214 million

Languages: Portuguese

Top 10 Tourist Attractions:

• Christ the Redeemer Statue
• Sugarloaf Mountain
• Iguazu Falls
• Amazon Rainforest
• Copacabana Beach
• Salvador’s Pelourinho
• Pantanal Wetlands
• São Paulo Museum of Art
• Chapada Diamantina National Park
• Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Timeline of History:
1500: Discovery by Portuguese explorers.
1822: Independence from Portugal.
1985: End of military dictatorship and restoration of democracy.

Culture: Famous for samba music, vibrant Carnival festivals, football passion, and feijoada, Brazil’s national dish.

Politics: A federal presidential republic.