Population – 190 million, Area – 3,286,469 sq mi (8,511,965 sq km), Currency – Real (BRL, R$), Flight times – New York is a 10 hour flight away, Los Angeles 14 hours, London 11 hours and Sydney 20 hours, Cities - Brasilía, (capital), São Paulo (largest city), Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Salvador, Time Zone - There are 4 time zones in Brazil. The time in most of Brazil visited by foreign tourists is three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-3). This is true of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasilía, Bahia, Minas Gerais, etc., Weather - Tropical, average temperatures vary between 75ºF to 79ºF throughout the year, Languages – Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French, Religion – Roman Catholic 73.6%, Protestant 15.4%, Spiritualist 1.3%, Bantu/voodoo 0.3%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.2%, none 7.4%, Electricity - 110 volts AC (60 cycles), flat 2 pins or occasionally round 2 pins.

Brazil is the largest and most populous country in South America. It is the fifth largest country by geographical area, the fifth most populous country, and the fourth most populous democracy in the world. Its population comprises the majority of the world's Portuguese speakers. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of over 7,491 kilometers (4,655 mi). It is bordered on the north by Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and the overseas department of French Guiana; on the northwest by Colombia; on the west by Bolivia and Peru; on the southwest by Argentina and Paraguay and on the south by Uruguay.

Brazil was a colony of Portugal until its independence in 1822. Initially independent as the Empire of Brazil, the country has been a republic since 1889. The Constitution defines Brazil as a Federal Republic formed by the union of 26 States, the Federal District and the Municipalities.

Portuguese is the official language, Spanish, English, French are also widely spoken.

Brazil is the world's tenth largest economy at market exchange rates and the ninth largest in purchasing power. Economic reforms have given the country new international projection. It is a founding member of the United Nations, the Union of South American Nations, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. The Brazilian population is predominantly Roman Catholic, almost all Portuguese-speaking and multiethnic. Brazil is also home to a diversity of wildlife, natural environments, and extensive natural resources in a variety of protected habitats.

Brazil can be reached from most US cities within 8 to 12 hours. It’s population is concentrated in the major cities of its coast. The urban sprawls of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo dominate the southern coast. Further north, towns such as Salvador and João Pessoa retain the colonial atmosphere of the early Portuguese settlers. The great interior, much of which is covered by the rainforest basin of the Amazon, remains sparsely settled. The Amazon River Basin alone accounts for about 40% of Brazil's national territory.

More than 800 million people travel to Brazil each year, and since most major cities are on the coast, the country's best beaches are within easy reach. Visitors who want to experience unspoiled wildlife can find it in remote areas of the Amazon and the interior.

The legal system is based on the Federal Constitution, which was promulgated on 5 October 1988, and is the fundamental law of Brazil. All other legislation and court decisions must conform to its rules

It spans three time zones and has a diverse topography, including hills, mountains, plains, highlands, and scrublands. Much of Brazil lies between 200 metres (660 ft) and 800 metres (2,600 ft) in elevation.

The climate of Brazil comprises a wide range of weather conditions across a large geographic scale and varied topography, but the largest part of the country is tropical.

Brazil hosts five major climatic subtypes: equatorial, tropical, semiarid, highland tropical, and temperate; ranging from equatorial rainforests in the north and semiarid deserts in the northeast, to temperate coniferous forests in the south and tropical savannas in central Brazil.

Religion is very diversified in Brazil; the constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the government generally respects this right in practice. The Roman Catholic Church is dominant, making Brazil the largest Catholic nation in the world.

Brazil’s health system is one of the world’s largest, comprising an estimated 16,000 facilities, including clinics, hospitals and local health centers that are staffed by more than 200,000 qualified physicians. The country provides some of the most advanced medical care that you’ll find globally, and treatment is among the cheapest.

In recent years, the devaluation of Brazil’s currency against the US dollar has made the country an excellent choice for low-cost, high-quality medical treatment for foreigners. As a result, Brazil’s international reputation in the medical tourism sphere is growing.

In particular, Brazil has become world-famous for its cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. The well-to-do have been visiting Brazil for procedures for years in order to maintain their youthful appearance and their anonymity while recuperating on Rio’s fabulous beaches. With the devaluation of the currency, these procedures are now within the means of many more people.

More hospitals in Brazil have received accreditation by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals than in any country other than the US, and rates are among the best in Latin America. In addition to the excellent medical facilities, the country boasts many attractions that appeal to medical tourists who are interested in experiencing the culture, recuperating on a beach or taking in the many natural wonders.

Culture

Brazil culture is the colorful culture that attracts many people to know and experience the core of this vibrant culture. Brazil culture has been developed through time and shaped with the influences from a number of sources. Brazil culture is the total of several European, American and Asian culture. In every form of art, be it music, literature, art, dance, or any other form, shows a distinctive character that is very special of Brazil.

Brazil culture has been influenced and shaped mainly the Portuguese cultural influences. The Portuguese were the main colonizers in Brazil. As a result, in every aspect and sphere of life,. There are some Portuguese influence in Brazil. Apart from the Portuguese influences there have been other European influences on the Brazil culture that have been brought in this country through other colonizers and connections. Africa and Asia have also cultural influences on Brazil.

Brazil culture bears the marks of a multicultural influence in every aspect of its life. The religious field is one such aspect. Though the main religion of this South America is Roman Catholic, but there are several other religions that are practiced in several other countries of this world, like Hinduism, Judaism and many more. The Brazil Carnival which is popular annual celebration of this country, is popular through out the world and has a totally regional cultural flavor. Brazil has several distinctive music and dance forms that speak of its culture such as the world popular Samba music and dance.


History

It is the fifth largest country by geographical area, occupying nearly half of South America,the fifth most populous country, and the fourth most populous democracy in the world.Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of over 7,491 kilometers (4,655 mi).It is bordered on the north by Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and the French overseas department of French Guiana; on the northwest by Colombia; on the west by Bolivia and Peru; on the southwest by Argentina and Paraguay and on the south by Uruguay. Numerous archipelagos are part of the Brazilian territory, such as Fernando de Noronha, Rocas Atoll, Saint Peter and Paul Rocks, and Trindade and Martim Vaz.

Brazil was a colony of Portugal from the landing of Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500 until its independence in 1822.Initially independent as the Brazilian Empire, the country has been a republic since 1889, although the bicameral legislature, now called Congress, dates back to 1824, when the first constitution was ratified.Its current Constitution defines Brazil as a Federal Republic.The Federation is formed by the union of the Federal District, the 26 States, and the 5,564 Municipalities.

Brazil is the world's tenth largest economy at market exchange rates and the ninth largest by purchasing power parity.Economic reforms have given the country new international projection.It is a founding member of the United Nations and the Union of South American Nations. A predominantly Roman Catholic, Portuguese-speaking, and multiethnic society, Brazil is also home to a diversity of wildlife, natural environments, and extensive natural resources in a variety of protected habitats.

There are a number of major tourist attractions in Brazil. Chalk out your plan beforehand in order to make your tour to Brazil a really memorable one. You can visit the destinations at your own, or else, you can also go for some package tours. Plenty of Brazil packages are available; you just need to choose one that suits you the most.

Rio de Janeiro

Adorned with the title, cidade maravilhosa, which means a marvelous city, Rio de Janeiro is a city with majestic beauty. It is one of the most densely populated places on earth. The city has got areas snuggled up between a splendid bay and immaculate world famous beaches on one side, and a swiftly risen mountain range, roofed by a lavish tropical forest on the other. This city has got a varied and diverse culture and life.

The inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro are called Carioca, who all time thrive on dancing, drinking, strolling at beaches, and playing under the sun. Rio is full of tourist attractions. There is a good collection of museums that houses the whole lot of ancient objects and Brazilian artifacts. The charming long-standing neighborhoods, striking parks and gardens, and remarkable mountain views cannot be missed either.

Brasilia

Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, is one of the world's most ruthless and planned cities. It officially became the capital in 1960. Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer designed the major official buildings. The city, which was otherwise dry, yellow and barren, was changed into an attractive one in the time span of just three years, from 1957to 1960.

Foz do Iguaçu or the Iguaçu Falls

The Iguacu falls is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Brazil, attracting thousands of travelers from all parts of the world. It has got an unsurpassed beauty, as it widens in a grand fashion and arcs around a wonderful jungle stage. It further plunges and crashes down in the layered falls at the boundary with Paraguay and Argentina. The falls, with a width of over 3km and height of around 262 feet, should be visited best during August through November.

Salvador da Bahia

Salvador da Bahia was once the most important city in Brazil. Founded in 1549, the state of Bahia, which is often used for abbreviation to Salvador, is currently the most Africanized state in Brazil. Salvador is a charming city and one of the most culturally rich places in Brazil. Salvador is known for its churches, gorgeous mansions and the trade of slaves. Its numerous wild festivals and universal aestheticism and profligacy are also quite popular with the tourists.

São Paulo

São Paulo is South America's largest city and an intimidating place. The industrial growth and cultural variety of the city have made this place home to several well-cultured and well-educated people of the country. The liveliness of the local inhabitants would definitely add more color to your travel experience here. The popular tourist attractions here include Niemeyer's Edifício Copan, the baroque Teatro Municipal, the Patío do Colégio and the Museu de Arte de Sáo Paulo (MASP) etc.