Brazil is South America’s biggest and most influential country and takes up almost half the continent. It is one of the world’s economic
giants and is revered for its football prowess, coffee production and distinctive music such as samba and bossa nova.
Two-thirds of Brazil’s population lives near the coast, meaning that life is a beach for locals and tourists alike. People are the essence of the country, and while Brazil is home
to a multitude of ethnic groups of varying economic status, there are some characteristics that everyone shares - energy and passion.
Brazilians enjoy a good party whatever the circumstances. Rio is the hottest of destinations, particularly around Carnival time. Dancers gyrate, the music beats and the summer temperature rises. Almost anything goes. Bodies of all ages, colours
and sizes don the very minimum in beachwear and idle away the days on the sun-kissed Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.
Brazil’s landscape is as diverse as the people who inhabit it. Few tourists venture far from Brazil’s spectacular beaches
but a trip into the interior reveals a different Brazil, one with a great deal to offer the visitor. As well as the world’s biggest rainforest in the Amazon, Brazil boasts many wilderness areas including the wildlife-rich wetlands of the Pantanal, the canyons and caves of the Chapada Diamentina, and the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic forest), which runs for much of the length of Brazil’s coastline.
The population of Brazil is a big melting pot of races, including indigenous people, descendants of slaves from Africa and the offspring of European immigrants. This variety is
reflected in the food, architecture, music and culture of Brazil. It is this massive assortment of places, people and traditions
that makes Brazil such an interesting country to visit.
Author
Sharon Harris
eneral Information
Area
8,547,404 sq km (3,300,171 sq miles).
Population
188 million (official estimate 2006).
Population Density
22 per sq km.
Capital
Brasília. Population: 2.3 million (official estimate 2004).
Government
Federal Republic.
Language
The official language is Portuguese, with different regional accents characterising each state. Spanish, English, Italian,
French and German are also spoken, particularly in tourist areas. Four linguistic roots survive in the indigenous areas: Gê,
Tupi-guarani, Aruak and Karib.
Religion
There is no official religion, but approximately 70% of the population are Roman Catholics. A number of diverse evangelical
cults are also represented, as are animist beliefs (particularly spiritism, umbanda and candomblé).
Time
Social Conventions
Handshaking is customary on meeting and taking one’s leave, and normal European courtesies are observed. Frequent offers of
coffee and tea are customary. Flowers are acceptable as a gift on arrival or following a visit for a meal. A souvenir from
the visitor’s home country will be well received as a gift of appreciation. Casual wear is normal, particularly during hot
weather. For more formal occasions the mode of dress will be indicated on invitations. Smoking is acceptable unless notified
otherwise. The Catholic Church is highly respected in the community, something which should be kept in mind by the visitor.
Electricity
Brasília and Recife, 220 volts AC; Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, 127 volts AC or 220 volts in larger hotels. Plugs are of
the two-pin type. Most hotels provide 110-volt and 220-volt outlets, transformers and adaptors.
Overview 
