Brazil
Known for fanatics of football (that’s soccer, to Americans), beautiful beaches – and beautiful people inhabiting those beaches – and diverse flora and fauna, Brazil is an exciting and exotic destination. It is a country as large as the continental United States, possessing tremendous natural resources and a population of 180 million, densely concentrated in cities on the coast. The interior holds the Amazon Rain Forest and the world’s most extensive river system.
The Portuguese colonized Brazil in the sixteenth century. During the Napoleonic wars, the Portuguese court ran a government in exile, administering the Portuguese empire from the Brazilian city of Rio De Janeiro until 1821. The next year, Brazil declared independence and became the Empire of Brazil until a coup ushered in the republic of Brazil in 1889. The military ruled from 1930 until 1985, which saw a peaceful transition to a federal democracy.
Today the two largest cities in Brazil are Rio De Janeiro (River of January), the tourism capital, and Sao Paulo (Saint Paul), the financial capital. Brazil is a nation with great economic potential. Currently, Brazil is the tenth largest economy in the world, closely trailing western European countries such as France and Italy. Brazil has plenty of potential for tourists – whether they’re seeking relaxation in tropical paradise or adventure in the unexplored and untouched areas of the rainforest, Brazil will certainly fulfill their fantasies.
Climate
Brazil has a tropical climate. Precipitation is high, especially in the Amazon Basin.
Health and Safety
As with most tropical countries, malaria is a risk near many undeveloped regions.
Visit the CDC’s Brazil page for updated information on health conditions in Brazil.
Religion and Festivals
Celebrated forty days before Easter and preceding the forty-day period of Lent, Carnival signifies the last chance to overindulge before the religious holidays. The spectacular event showcases elaborate floats and thousands of singers and dancers wearing outrageous costumes (or perhaps nothing at all).
Catholicism is the predominant religion, and Protestant denominations account for the other major religions.
Transportation
Major international airports are located at Sao Paulo and Rio De Janeiro. Within the country, long distances often call for domestic flights. Several of the largest urban areas, including Sao Paulo, Rio, and Recife, offer inter city rails. Additionally, travel by bus is popular within and between cities.
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