Brazil- the largest state in Latin America. In the north it borders with Guyana, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, in the northwest - with Colombia, in the west - with Peru and Bolivia, in the southwest - with Paraguay and Argentina, in the south - with Uruguay. In the east it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The name of the country comes from the Portuguese brasa, which means “heat, hot coals” (this is how the Portuguese called red sandalwood, which for some time was the main export item from Brazil to Europe).
Capital
Brazil.
Square
Population
176,500 thousand people
Administrative division
The state is divided into 23 states, one capital district and 3 federal territories.
Form of government
Republic, with a federal government structure.
Head of State
President, elected for 5 years.
Supreme legislative body
National Congress (bicameral parliament consisting of the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies).
Supreme executive body
Government.
Big cities
Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Recife, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Belem, Manaus, Fortaleza.
Official language. Portuguese.
Religion
89% are Catholics (Roman Catholic Church), a fairly large number of residents who officially profess occult religions.
Ethnic composition
55% are Europeans (Portuguese, Italians, Spaniards), 38% are mestizos, 7% come from Africa.
Currency
Climate
In Brazil, there are 6 main climatic zones: equatorial, tropical, tropical highland, tropical Atlantic, semi-arid, subtropical. In most of the country, the average annual temperature is above + 20 °C, which is due to the proximity of the equator and the low elevation of the terrain. In general, the tropical regions of Brazil are characterized by dry winters and rainy summers. Annual precipitation decreases from 3000 mm in the western Amazon lowland to 500 mm in the northeast.
Flora
The territory of the Amazon basin is covered with selva - evergreen, humid, impenetrable tropical jungle. The rest of the territory is dominated by tropical forests.
Fauna
The fauna of Brazil is characterized by puma, jaguar, ocelot, anteater, fox, monkeys, deer, armadillo, tapir, rare bush dog, sloth, opossum, crocodile, and a large number of birds, insects and reptiles. Caimans and piranhas are dangerous in the rivers.
Rivers and lakes
The largest rivers are the Amazon, Parana, and Sao Francisco. The latter forms a cascade of Paulo Afonso waterfalls with a height of 84 m.
Attractions
The historic quarters of Ore Preto have been carefully restored and are now protected as a national treasure of Brazil and a monument of global importance. In the capital there is the Itama-rati Palace, the Cathedral, the Museum of Modern Art, the Indian Museum, the Ethnographic Museum and many others. The symbol of Rio de Janeiro is Mount Corco Vado with the statue of Christ the Savior. The annual carnival is famous.
Useful information for tourists
Traditional purchases include interesting and entertaining souvenirs: Indian vessels, Negro amulets or pau-Brazil mahogany products. The best place to buy souvenirs is the Hippie Fair, which takes place on Sunday. Rio also has large shopping centers - Rio Sul and Barra Shopping. Serious purchases worth making in Brazil are natural gemstones: diamonds, emeralds, topazes.
Brazil is one of the ten most criminal countries in the world. It is not recommended to wear expensive jewelry, large sums of money, leave clothes, cameras and wallets unattended on the beach, or accept invitations from strangers. Avoid visiting torch (slum) areas even during daytime. Never leave documents, money or jewelry in your hotel room (hotels are not responsible for items missing from your room). It is safe in the resort outskirts of Rio, in Manaus, and at the Iguazu Falls.
Tips in expensive restaurants and bars are 10% of the bill (if it does not include a service charge); in cheap eateries - 1-2 reais; the cafes on the beach are not accepted; the porter at the hotel or airport is given 1 real; The taxi driver's bill is rounded up.
Brazil is the center of tourism in South America. This country is quite original and contrasting. Lush tropical forests coexist with majestic mountains, wild jungles with luxurious beaches, huge rivers with desert plateaus, and roaring waterfalls with quiet and cozy ocean bays. In addition to its main pride - football and the magnificent beaches of the Atlantic coast, Brazil is home to numerous coffee plantations and the virgin Amazon jungle, where numerous Indian tribes live. But above all, it is a country of carnivals, the most exciting show in the world. There are all conditions for a wide variety of recreational activities. The greatest attention of tourists is attracted by the noisy and eternally dancing Rio with its famous Carnival and beaches where celebrities from all over the world relax, the cities of north-eastern Brazil, internationally recognized as one of the best resorts on the planet, the famous jungle of the Amazon and the pampas of the south, Iguazu Falls and mountainous regions of the country.
Geography
BRAZIL, Federative Republic of Brazil (Republica Federativa do Brasil), the largest state in South America. Washed by the Atlantic Ocean. It borders French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. Area 8.5 million km2. Capital of Brazil. The central and southern parts of the country are occupied by the Brazilian Plateau (the highest point is Mount Bandeira), the northern by the Amazon Lowland and the spurs of the Guiana Plateau. The Pantanal lowland is located in southern Brazil. The main rivers of the country are the Amazon, Sao Francisco, and Parana. Major cities: Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Recife, Porto Alegre, Manaus. Large seaports: Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Rio Grande, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Tubaran, San Sebastian.
Time
The country is located in four time zones. Officially, time is calculated according to Brasilia, lags behind Moscow from the last Sunday of October to the last Sunday of February by 5 hours, from the last Sunday of March to the second Sunday of October - by 7 hours, from the last Sunday of February to the last Sunday of March and from the second Sunday of October to the last Sunday October - at 6 o'clock.
Climate
The hottest region of Brazil is the northeast (equatorial climate type). Moderate heat is observed here from January to May, when average night temperatures are +22...+24, daytime +28...+30 degrees. And it is very hot from September to December, when the average night temperatures are about +25, daytime +32...+34 degrees. The driest months: August, September, October. In them, the number of days with precipitation is no more than 3. The rainy period lasts from January to May (up to 17 days per month with rain).
Most of the country's territory is located in a tropical climate. Moreover, the tropical climate on the plains differs from the tropical climate on the coast. The territory located in flat areas, such as Sao Paulo, Brasilia, and Belo Horizonte, is characterized by moderate temperatures. Here from May to September the average night temperatures are +11...+15, the average daytime temperatures are about +30. During the rest of the year, average night temperatures are +16...+18, average daytime temperatures are +27...+29. The least precipitation falls from May to September (no more than 3 days per month); during the rest of the year, the number of days with precipitation ranges from 16 in October to 24 in December. The tropical coast, and these are the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, is characterized by a hotter climate. In the coolest time (from May to September) average night temperatures are +17...+19, average daytime temperatures are +27...+28. It is very hot from January to March, when the average night temperatures are about +23, daytime temperatures are +31...+32 degrees. The driest months are winter. Their monthly precipitation is 40-50 mm. The rainiest period is from December to March (120-130 mm of precipitation per month). Air humidity on the coast is always high. In the elevated areas of the country the climate is alpine. Here the temperature contrasts with altitude become more acute. In the south of the country (in the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande de Sul) the climate is subtropical. The coolest time is from June to August. Average night temperatures are +11...+12, daytime temperatures +17...+19. The hottest time is January, February and March, when the average night temperatures are +20...+21, the average daytime temperatures are about +27...+29 degrees. Precipitation falls more evenly than in the tropical and equatorial areas of the country; the number of days with rain during all months ranges from 10 to 12 days. The water temperature on the southeastern coast of Brazil from January to May is 27 degrees, from June to August 26 degrees, from September to October 27-28 degrees, in November and December it rises to +29.
Language
The official language is Portuguese (Brazilian dialect); Spanish, French, German and Italian are also used. In the interior, "Lingua Geral" is widely used, a common language derived from the languages of the Tupi-Guarani Indian tribes, as well as 180 different languages and dialects of ethnic groups.
Religion
The official religion in Brazil is Catholicism; the country ranks first in South America in terms of the number of Protestants (about 3 million). The majority of the population is Catholic, but many people of African descent still practice syncretic and animist cults. Brazilians also support Indian animism and some African cults. In addition, Brazil developed its own religious movement, Umbanda - a syncretic religion that includes elements of Catholicism, spiritualism and Afro-Brazilian traditions.
Population
The population of Brazil is 184,101,109 (2004), with an average population density of almost 21 people per km2. Most of Brazil's inhabitants live along the Atlantic coast. The largest ethnic group is represented by Europeans (Portuguese, Spaniards, Germans, Italians) - 54.7%, black Africans make up 5.89% of the country's population, mulattoes - 38.45%. In addition to Brazilian citizens, there are more than 3 million immigrants in the country - mainly Indians, Arabs, Japanese, Italians, Germans, and French. The official language is Portuguese; Spanish, English, German, and Italian are also common. The majority of believers profess Catholicism (70%), there are also Protestants and Jews. Birth rate - 21 newborns per 1,000 people (1995). Mortality - 9 deaths per 1000 people (infant mortality rate - 57 deaths per 1000 births). Average life expectancy: men - 57 years, women - 67 years (1995). Of the total working population (57,000,000 people according to 1989 data), 42% are employed in the service sector, 31% in agriculture, and 27% in industry.
Electricity
Electricity - different voltage in different states. Typically 110 or 120 V (in some states - 220 V), 60 Hz, plugs are also different: with two or three flat or round pins. In Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the electrical voltage is almost universal 110 V or 120 V.
Emergency numbers
Country code - 55
Some city codes: Belo Horizonte 31, Brasilia - 61, Manaus - 92, Ouro Preto - 31, Recife - 81, Rio de Janeiro - 21, Salvador - 71, Sao Paulo - 11
Fire protection - 193
Police - 190
Ambulance - 192
Tourist police - 511-51-12; 511-57-67
Connection
You can call anywhere in the country from any red pay phone, which are usually located near large stores, office complexes and near intersections. Payphones operate using tokens or cards, which are sold in tobacco shops, newsagents, some shops and post offices. You can call another country from specialized call centers at post offices, airports and train stations.
Currency exchange
Banks are open from 10.00 to 15.00-16.30 from Monday to Friday. Bank branches at the airport and major train stations are usually open 24 hours a day. Money can be changed at specialized currency exchange offices (Cambios), in banks (the most favorable rate), exchange offices at travel agencies and shopping centers, in hotels (usually only dollars), at airports and train stations.
Visa
Citizens of the Russian Federation require a visa to visit Brazil. A tourist visa is issued to persons traveling on tourist trips, to visit relatives or friends and to attend congresses, conferences and seminars.
Consular fee
The consular fee is 1850 rubles. If documents are submitted not personally or by direct relatives, but by a proxy, an additional fee of 370 rubles is charged.
Visa processing times
The processing time for documents for issuing a visa to holders of a Russian passport is: three working days in the case of submitting documents to the Consular Section in person and up to five working days in the case of submitting documents by third parties (travel agencies, proxies, etc.).
Customs regulations
The import of currency is not limited (amounts over 10 thousand Brazilian reals or the equivalent in foreign currency are subject to declaration). You are allowed to import up to 400 cigarettes or 25 cigars duty free; up to 24 units of alcoholic beverages with a total volume of no more than 2 liters; clothing, books and other personal goods, as well as any other goods and products totaling no more than $500 or its equivalent. Children under 14 years of age traveling accompanied by parents or guardians are entitled to duty-free import of personal goods and effects only. One of the following items is also imported duty-free: tape recorder, radio, typewriter, player, binoculars, photo, film or video camera and business notepad with computer memory. The import and export of drugs, firearms, ammunition, medicines, radioactive materials, meat and meat products, dairy products (including cheese), eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants and their parts (including flowers, roots, bulbs and shoots), feed materials, honey, wax, live birds, insects and snails, as well as biological cultures (including vaccines, microbiological cultures, tissues, sperm, embryos, etc.), as well as biological products or materials used in veterinary medicine (including medicines).
Holidays and non-working days
Holidays and non-working days: January 1 (Commonwealth Day / New Year), January 20 (founding of the city of Rio de Janeiro), in April - Holy Saturday, April 21 (Tiradentes), May 1 (Labor Day), September 7 ( Independence Day), October 12 (Feast of the Apparition of the Virgin Mary), November 2 (All Souls' Day), November 15 (Republic Day), December 25 (Christmas)
And:
February-March: Formula 1 races in Sao Paulo
Second half of February: holidays in Manaus
April, 16th to 21st: Independence Day in Ouro Preto
April 20: Indian Day in Recife
In June from the 28th to the 30th: Carnival in the Amazon
From 10th to 25th June: Folklore Festival in Belém, Manaus and Sao Luis
Late June: Rio de Janeiro Marathon
July: Ouro Preto Artists Festival
July: Film Festival in Gramado, in the south of the country
On the 20th of August: folk festival in San Luis and Belo Horizonte
End of August: folklore festival in Paraty
On the 10th of September: the battle of Guarapes in Recife
Sundays in October: Folklore Festival of San Luis
Transport
Air
Brazil has a dense network of domestic airlines connecting almost all major population centers. The aircraft of the national carrier Varig and private companies are usually in good condition and have a decent level of service. Air travel within Brazil is not cheap, but the sheer size of the country makes it a must. Airline ticket offices, where you can order tickets, are located in all major shopping and business centers. If you plan to book several tickets at once, then use the Brazilian Airpass system, which will save you money. The domestic entry tax on flights is $4.50-$5.00, depending on the airport, and is usually included in the price of your ticket.
Buses
Buses are the main mode of transport for most Brazilians, the level of service is excellent and ticket prices are low. By bus you can get to any major city in Brazil, as buses connect most of the main cities in Brazil. On most city bus routes there is a fixed fare for any distance - about 0.45 BRL. You enter the bus from the rear entrance and exit from the front. The fare is paid to the driver or conductor. The buses are mostly quite old and not very comfortable; they travel at a speed of no more than 60 km/h. Buses serving coastal areas and the area between hotel complexes are more modern, usually charge differentiated fares depending on the distance traveled, stop at the request of the passenger and are mostly air-conditioned.
Railway
There are few train routes in Brazil. Railway services are not in great demand, and there is a tendency to reduce this type of transport to a minimum. However, fans of this mode of transport should not despair, as the main railway routes remain operational, including Curitiba-Paranagua.
Metro
There are subways in Rio de Janeiro, Recife and Sao Paulo. The length of the metro lines is relatively short (only two lines each in Rio and Sao Paulo and one in Recife), but it is modern and clean. Open from 6:00 to 23:00, except Sunday.
Taxi
Taxis are common in all major cities in Brazil. You can order a car from the hotel receptionist, catch it on the street, or order it yourself by phone (radio taxis are somewhat more expensive). The fare is usually about 1 BRL per 10 km, but most taxi drivers prefer to name their price. Therefore, it is worth agreeing on the cost of the trip before getting into the car. There are two types of taxis in Rio de Janeiro: yellow taxis and red-blue radio taxis.
River transport
River and sea transport are well developed in many inland and coastal areas. These are numerous boats, ferries, coasters and motor boats. You can travel along the river from Rio to San Francisco or down the Amazon.
Tips
Restaurants charge 10% for service, while it is customary to tip the waiter 5%. The same rule applies in bars and cafes, although in summer cafes they usually do not leave a tip if they order only light drinks and beer. In expensive hotels they usually give the porter 50 centavos per bag, and the maids 50 centavos per day. The amount of remuneration for doormen and concierges depends on the specific case, it can reach up to $10. In average and cheap hotels, tips may be minimal. The salaries of employees are so small that any amount will be gladly accepted. In a taxi, the bill is rounded up (the newer the car, the wider the mathematical range the driver operates), and a separate fee is charged for turning on the air conditioning.
If a taxi driver helps you carry your luggage, the usual reward is 25 centavos per bag, and it is customary to tip taxi drivers 10% of the payment amount. In hairdressing and beauty salons, it is customary to tip 10-20%. Tips should be left to gas station attendants and shoe shiners.
The shops
Brazil is the birthplace of many precious stones; blue and green emeralds are especially popular. Also very popular are snakeskin products, pottery and other traditional Brazilian goods. Shops are usually open from 9:00 to 18:30 (large ones until 22:00) on weekdays and from 9:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays.
National cuisine
The national dish of Brazil is feijoada. The dish consists of beans, meat, rice, cabbage, cassava flour, and sausages. It is usually eaten in a restaurant at noon on Saturday. Another Brazilian dish, Vatapa is made from fish, shrimp, lobsters, palm oil, coconut oil and various seasonings. In the northeast of the country and in the interior, traditional dishes are based on dried meat, cassava flour, game and caramel. Tutu consists of beans, sausages, pork fat, onions and looks like mashed potatoes. It is served in Belo Horizonte. Xinxim is made from chicken, shrimp, peanuts and tomatoes. Moquica de peixe is made from fish, coconut milk and vegetables. In the Amazon, the cuisine is purely Indian, without any admixture of European or African. The dishes are original and tasty, often prepared by an Indian chef. For example, the emerald green TaZaca soup, which is sold on the street in pumpkin bottles, is unusual. It features shrimp swimming in a sauce made from garlic, tapioca, local plants and cassava. They also serve Caldeirada - a stew made from tomatoes, onions, eggs, peppers, potatoes, and flour. ManiZoba is prepared by Indians from wild pig meat and capivara meat. The meat is buried under banana leaves and watered from time to time. It is then boiled on manionica leaves for 4 days. Add beef, pork, cassava. A magnificent dish of crabs with spices and onions - Casquinho de carangueijo. In Rio Grande do Sul, the main dish is Churrasco, pieces of beef skewered on a metal rod and grilled over coals in the open air. This dish is eaten with a sauce of tomatoes, onions, peppers, vinegar, olive oil and salt. Shepherds in the interior of the country prepare a whole bull in this way.
Attractions
Amazonia
This amazing corner of the planet is truly unique. The tropical forest with more than a million species of plants and animals, the great Amazon River, Indian settlements, and exotic cuisine attract here primarily lovers of extreme recreation, mysterious adventures, and those who want to escape away from civilization. The Amazon makes up one third of Brazil's total territory. The Amazonian lowland is the largest lowland on earth, its area is over 5 million square kilometers. The Amazon River stretches for 6565 km. This is a quarter of the volume of all the water contained in all the rivers of the world. Millions of species have yet to be discovered. Here you can find pink dolphin and bull fish, the length of which reaches 4 meters and weight more than 500 kg. The famous piranha can also be found here. The Amazon basin is one large tropical rainforest, that is, a continuous jungle, and the river itself is a quarter of the volume of all the water contained in all the rivers of the world.
Manus
Manaus is the capital of the Amazon. 1713 km from Belem (mouth of the Amazon), 3400 km from Brasilia. The name of the city comes from the name of the Indian tribe that lived in these places. The city was founded by the Portuguese in 1669 and flourished in the 19th century during the rubber boom, with the construction of a theater and the first tram line in Brazil. In the second half of the 19th century, the population of Manaus increased tenfold to 500,000 people. However, after rubber began to be grown in Malaysia, the Brazilian rubber market collapsed within a few months, and Manaus' homes became empty. Now the city's population is 80% Indian. The people here are very friendly, it seems that people smile here more often than in the rest of the world. There is an international airport with daily flights to major cities in Brazil. Driving time from Rio is approximately 2 hours. A modern city in the heart of the jungle. Manaus became world famous during the rubber boom of the last century. Money flowed like a river, the city was actively being built.
Iguazu Falls(translated from Guarani - “big water”) - a real wonder of the world. The waterfalls are located at the meeting point of the Parana and Iguazu rivers, on the border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, and present an impressive spectacle of water cascades falling from a height of 72 m (1800 cubic meters per second, flow width up to 3 km), Moreover, the noise of the waterfall can be heard for many kilometers, and huge whirlwinds of spray create a rainbow of extraordinary beauty. Nearby is the Iguazu National Park with an area of 17 thousand hectares and the Tourism Center. No less famous is the Guaira waterfall or Seti Quedas on Parana. The country has more than twenty national parks, reserves and reserves, and in the coming years the government plans to create about ten more protected areas in the Amazon.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio sits on Guanabara Bay and is known for its famous beaches, especially Copacabana. For Cariocas, the beach is a second home, where they make appointments, make deals, and get to know each other. A five-kilometer street, Avenida Atlantica, where the most luxurious hotels, restaurants and villas of the richest people in Brazil are located, comes directly to Copacabana Beach. Near Copacabana are the equally famous beaches of Gavea, Leblon and Ipanema. The first thing you see in Guanabara Bay is Sugarloaf Mountain, its height is 395 m. You can climb there on foot, but faster by cable car, and at the top restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops are already waiting for you. A beautiful view of the entire city opens from Mount Corcovado, where at an altitude of 710 m the sculptor Landowski built a statue of Christ - the symbol and calling card of Rio, one might even say the Guardian of the City. Mount Corcovado, in addition to everything, is also part of the Tijuca National Park with an area of 3 thousand hectares. If you are tired of the heat of the beach and the stuffiness of city blocks, the Botanical Garden is your place. It is almost two hundred years old, founded in 1808, more than 7 thousand plants from all over the world are collected there - thanks to the shady oases, fountains and lakes, the Botanical Garden is the second most popular vacation spot for city residents. Rio is a very beautiful city, this is especially felt during a helicopter tour, better at night, because Rio never sleeps. The lights and the sea are a fascinating sight. If you love football, then be sure to go to a match at the Maracana stadium, if, of course, you are lucky with tickets: football is the favorite sport for Brazilians. Rio is not only beaches and restaurants, Rio is the cultural and scientific center of the country, the National Library alone has 2 million items, and among them are the rarest books and manuscripts. The National Museum of Fine Arts has more than 800 paintings and graphics. The exhibitions of the Museum of Modern Art, the National Historical Museum, and the Museum of the Republic are very interesting.
Pantanal
The Pantanal is located in the center of the South American Continent. This is a unique global protected area located in Brazil. Wetlands covered with dense flowering vegetation make up the main landscape of the area. Here lakes and rivers with crystal clear water provide refuge for the rarest specimens of birds and animals. Travelers stay in modern hotel-houses (Lodges), which provide complete comfort and convenience. Pontanal is the most suitable place for nature lovers, scientists, fishermen, photographers, and people tired of the rhythms of modern city life. Here you will find peace, watching the life of birds and huge butterflies, listening to the sounds of nature, dissolving in it. Of course, the Amazon is famous, but the Pantanal is a great place to contemplate wildlife. A huge expanse of marshes, half the size of France, is located in the far west of Brazil and extends into areas bordering Bolivia and Paraguay. The most common wildlife inhabitants are birds, but the Pantanale is also a reserve for giant river otters, anacondas, iguanas, jaguars, pumas, crocodiles, deer, and anteaters. Few people live in the area and there are no settlements. They usually get there by plane to Cuaiba, Campo Grande, Corumba, then by land transport to Caceres, Barao de Malgasi, Pocone, Aquidauana, or by car along the Transpantaneira, which leads to the village of Porto Jofre with the only hotel. You can travel along the Paraguay River from the Bolivian border.
Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo is the largest industrial center of the country, and of all of Latin America. The third largest metropolis in the world leaves an ambivalent impression of itself - on the one hand, the city is quite gray and cannot boast of any special beauties. On the other hand, such a mixture of everything and everyone surrounded by urban landscapes, perhaps, cannot be found anywhere else in America. “Hispanic Chicago,” as it is often called, is built up with steel and glass skyscrapers, factories, offices, fairly old residential neighborhoods and is populated by almost 13 million residents. There is a colossal mixture of races and peoples, cultures and religions, customs and morals from all over the world. Interesting are the Museum of Contemporary Art (one of the largest in the world), the famous Pacaembu stadium, the Museum of Painting, the State Art Gallery, the Impiraña Museum, the Museum of Brazilian History in Independence Park, the Jacques Ardiez Gallery, the Church of Nossa Dama Brasil, the Ibirapuera Park with an area of more than thousands of hectares, the Japanese quarter and the Tea Bridge, a Zoo with a unique collection of tropical birds, a reptile reserve and at the same time the unique Butanta Medical Research Center, the “green areas” of Alameda-Santos and Morumbi, etc. The resort areas of Ubatuba are located not far from the city and Ilya-Bela.
Resorts
Angra Dos Reis
The Green Coast, or Costa Verde, on which Angra dos Reis is located, is famous for the best beaches in the state of Rio de Janeiro, emerald sea and many picturesque islets scattered throughout the bay. Angra Dos Reis is a small town on the Atlantic coast of Brazil, 155 km south of Rio de Janeiro. The Costa Verde resort area includes 8 bays with many beaches and 365 islands. Angra dos Reis is an ideal holiday destination for couples with children, lovers of silence, nature, swimming and sports. From above, Angra dos Reis looks like a huge pool with calm water, which reflects all shades of green. Not far from the coast there are about 200 islands of various shapes and configurations. Just southwest of Angra is the historic town of Paraty, the largest and best-preserved colonial-era monument in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Angra dos Reis is popular for its quality golf courses and excellent tennis courts. Here you can rent a yacht, ride horses, play volleyball, football, etc. At your service are all the water sports you can dream of: windsurfing, water skiing, motorcycles, etc. Hotels at resorts are designed for those who want to really relax - the atmosphere here is always calm, the staff is friendly and attentive to the wishes of tourists. Special animation teams will not let you get bored either during the day or in the evenings; they will take care of organizing your leisure time. You won’t be bored in the evenings - right on the hotel grounds, tourists will find numerous bars, restaurants and cozy lounges with live music, where you can completely relax and forget about all your problems. Small cozy bays, a calm ocean, lush tropical vegetation, and picturesque landscapes make this suburb of Rio a favorite vacation spot for both tourists and city residents.
Buzios
Buzios is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with its unique charm given by its bizarre landscape, exotic vegetation, picturesque beaches and architecture that is in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. The international resort of Buzios is known throughout the world for its unique combination of provincial charm and first-class infrastructure. It is a picturesque peninsula with more than 25 beaches suitable for both swimming and water sports. There is a special atmosphere here, inspired by the unique architecture, the proximity of a fishing village, and local flora and fauna. The peninsula has a pleasant microclimate with rare precipitation and an average annual temperature of +26°C. It is twice as sunny here as in Rio de Janeiro itself. It is believed that there is no wrong season to visit Buzios.
Azeda is a small beach with clear and calm waters. Joao Fernandez beach is suitable for lovers of comfort, good service and scuba diving. There are numerous bars where you can enjoy lobster and other seafood delicacies. Ferradura Beach is located in a picturesque horseshoe-shaped bay, where there are many bars offering typical Brazilian drinks and snacks. Ferradurinha is a small beach that was recently named one of the top ten beaches in Brazil, its calm waters are ideal for snorkeling, and thrill-seekers can try diving from one of the local picturesque cliffs. It was on the beach of Ossus that the first emigrants began to rebuild the fishing huts, marking the beginning of the formation of the new Buzios. Armakau Beach is famous for its Bardo promenade, where you can stroll past mansions and fishermen's huts. Amores, a cozy and calm beach, has acquired a reputation as a “beach for lovers.” The coastal waters of Tartaruga Beach are home to coral colonies, making it particularly suitable for diving - and with a bit of luck, you can even see sea turtles underwater there. At the Manguinhos Beach fish market you can buy seafood at low prices. Jeriba Beach is popular with many famous people and young people, it is ideal for surfing and windsurfing and is crowded during the New Year holidays. Brava Beach is a suitable place for surfers and fishermen who spend days and nights here.
Costa de Sauipe
Costa do Sauipe is located 70 km from Salvador - this is the largest resort area in Brazil, located in the most dazzlingly beautiful area of Brazil - in the north of the province of Bahia, in the area of natural reserves. White sandy beaches with dunes, coconut groves, exotic vegetation, small lakes near the ocean, rivers, lagoons and sunny weather all year round. Costa de Sauipe is located in a state-protected ecological zone with a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna. Costa do Sauipe is considered an ecological zone protected by the state, with a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna. The resort has many hotels of the highest class of well-known hotel chains: starting from Superclubs Breezes Costa do Sauipe - the first hotel in Brazil serving the all inclusive system ", to Sofitel and Marriott hotels. There are also many different restaurants and entertainment centers here.
The average annual air temperature is 28C, the temperature of the purest water is 1 degree lower than the air temperature. The most breathtaking views and impressive white sand beaches.
Salvodor
Salvador (port. Salvador - Savior) is the capital of the state of Bahia. It was founded in 1549. The city is located on two levels. The "lower city" is located at sea level, being the commercial center of Salvador, where saleswomen (mostly older women, Bahyan women) in traditional white clothes sell a variety of coconut sweets.
The “Upper City” is home to colonial-style government offices, museums, churches and modern architecture. Salvador is also one of the historical centers for the development of Capoeira Angola, a traditional Brazilian wrestling dance. The history and cultural heritage of the lyricism and spirituality of capoeira in general and Capoeira Angola in particular are intrinsically linked to this cultural phenomenon. Salvador is one of the largest cities in the country. It has an international airport, world-class hotels and resorts. The architecture of the city is a mixture of "colonial" style with Art Nouveau style; pretty narrow streets with colorful houses lead to wide avenues of business districts with modern buildings. The beaches of Bahia are 1200 km of white sand, covered with coconut palms, developing in the warm wind. A wide range of first class hotels Porto Seguro, Renaissance Costa do Sauipe, Valenca, have ample opportunities to satisfy all the needs of their guests.
Recife
Recife is a city and seaport in the northeastern part of Brazil, on the Atlantic coast. It is a business and financial center. The region's economy is based on the export of refined sugar, cotton, canned tomatoes, paper, and leather goods. Recife is called the "Venice of America" because Recife has many maritime trade routes. Recife is often called the “Brazilian Venice”, because there are also many canals connected by beautiful bridges and narrow one-way streets. But not the whole city is like this - ancient neighborhoods coexist here with modern high-rise areas and shopping areas (after all, this is the fourth largest city in Brazil and one of the largest ports), but, despite everything, the city has managed to preserve its historical flavor. Recife and its surroundings have recently become popular among tourists and the local population treats vacationers with genuine cordiality and undisguised curiosity. Not far from the coast of Recife there is a coral reef, which gave the city its name, because in Portuguese Recife means “reef”.
Fortaleza
Located in the north of the country, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, a 3-hour flight from Rio de Janeiro. Fortaleza is a large, modern city with plenty to do, where beautiful beaches lined with tall coconut trees stand against the backdrop of daring modern buildings. This place is famous for the settlements of fishermen and the pilgrimage of surfers. Fishermen go to sea every day, and on the shore their patient wives weave lace and create beautiful embroideries, and surfers say that such favorable places in the world can be counted on one hand. The center of attraction for tourists from all over the world is the numerous city beaches with many restaurants, bars, entertainment centers that are open seven days a week and on holidays, even on Monday night the nightclubs here are in full force. The climate of Fortaleza is favorable for a beach holiday - there are many sunny days a year on the Atlantic coast and cool sea breezes constantly blow. The local beach flavor is complemented by traditional jangadas boats, which are quite difficult to operate, but the locals are fluent in this art - every morning the boats go to sea so that by lunchtime fresh seafood appears in the city's restaurants.
The largest country in Latin America is Brazil. Having significant natural resources, the state is in a difficult economic situation.
Geographical characteristics
Brazil is located on the continent of South America and is the fifth largest country in the world by area. Its territory is 8.5 million square km.
Brazil borders most countries on the continent. Its neighbors are: French Guiana, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay.
The territory of the state of Brazil includes the islands: Sao Paulo, Trinidadi e Martin Vas, Fernando de Noronha, Rocas.
The population of Brazil exceeds 200 million people. According to racial composition data, the majority of people come from mixed marriages.
Nature
Mountains and waterfalls
The mountains of Brazil occupy a relatively small part of the territory and are represented by the Guiana and Brazilian Highlands. The heights of individual peaks of mountain systems reach an altitude of 2,890 m above sea level, in particular Mount Bandeira, which belongs to the Brazilian Highlands. There are low hills, steep cliffs with cliffs, and plateaus.
The features of the topography and dense river network determined the presence of many waterfalls in Brazil. Many of them are located in national parks, for example, the waterfall on the Iguazu River in the gorge nicknamed the “Devil's Throat”. The height of the falling column of water is 80 m.
Also among the famous and popular waterfalls among tourists are: Caracol, Angel, Salto Floriano, San Martin, etc...
Rivers and lakes
The most famous river flowing through Brazil is the Amazon.
Other major rivers in the country include the Paranaiba, Rio Grande, Uruguay and Paraguay, as well as San Francisco.
The Amazon is suitable for navigation with its tributaries located in the western and eastern parts of the country, as well as small sections of rivers flowing through the plateau.
The rivers have rapids, the water level in them is not constant, the drops are significant, even to the point of floods.
Most lakes in Brazil are located in river basins. The largest in Latin America is Lagoa Mirin.
Another lake, Patus, is the world's largest shallow body of water. It is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a sandbar.
Interesting lakes that form exclusively during the rainy season are fresh water reservoirs in the Lencois Maranhenses National Park. Their lifespan is only 4 months, but during this period fish, crabs, etc. manage to appear here...
The ocean surrounding Brazil
On the eastern side, the country is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The length of the ocean coast of Brazil is almost 7.5 thousand km. Throughout the year, the sea temperature remains approximately in the same range, 20 - 25 degrees Celsius with a plus sign.
Direct access to the ocean influenced history and continues to regulate the economic life of the state.
Today, the coastline, in addition to well-maintained beaches and resort areas, has large ports, whose territories occupy up to ten kilometers. Some of them are city-forming enterprises...
Plants and animals of Brazil
In the Amazon basin, the flora of Brazil is represented by evergreen moist equatorial forests with valuable tree species.
In the central part of the country there are savannas where shrubby plants grow. In the southern part of the country there are evergreen deciduous plants and mixed forests with coniferous araucaria.
Brazil is the country with the largest species diversity of primates, amphibians, reptiles and birds. According to these indicators, it is among the top five world leaders.
There is a problem in the country related to the threat of extinction of certain animal species. This mainly concerns the inhabitants of ecosystems that are being deforested...
Climate of Brazil
The country is located within the equatorial, subequatorial tropical and subtropical climate zones. It is characterized by a hot and humid climate. Temperatures throughout the year range from 16 to 29 degrees Celsius. Frosts are possible only in the eastern part of the state.
The amount of precipitation depends on the zone. There are regions with a drought period of up to 4 months. In general, temperature fluctuations across the country are insignificant. The exception is the central part of the Brazilian plateau, where differences can reach 45 - 50 degrees...
Resources
Natural resources of Brazil
The location of the state provides Brazil with significant reserves of natural resources. Their list includes wood materials, including valuable tree species, as well as iron ore, which not only meets the needs of the state, but is exported.
The presence of an extensive river network, as well as access to the sea, provides the country with fish and fresh seafood...
Industry and Agriculture of Brazil
In terms of GDP, Brazil is the leader among Latin American countries, but in reality it is experiencing serious economic difficulties, aggravated by corruption, social conflicts and the lack of adequate quality of services provided to the public.
The country produces cars, computers and components for them, petroleum products, as well as consumer goods. Aviation equipment, vehicles, as well as light industrial goods, such as textiles, shoes, and ready-made clothing, are exported.
Agriculture is developed in the country. The share of Brazilian products in the world market is 6%. The population is employed in the production of corn, salt, sugar cane, bananas, cocoa, coffee, etc.
Livestock farming is represented by cattle and accounts for 40% of the volume of all agricultural products...
Culture
Peoples of Brazil
The presence of colonialists in the country for a long time influenced the culture of citizens. The official language of Brazil is Portuguese, and other languages spoken here include French, Spanish, Italian and English. Most of the population is literate, 90% have an education.
More than half of the population professes Catholicism and about 20% are Protestants. Also present among religious movements are the beliefs of African cults brought by slaves from Africa...
Brazil is a country located in the southern part of the American continent. The area of the state becomes 8511966 km2. State borders of Brazil: Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia and Paraguay in the south west; Guyana, French Guiana, Venezuela and Suriname in the north.
Geography of the country
The eastern part of the state is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal, whose colonial lands it was for many centuries, had a significant influence on the cultural development of the country. This explains why the only official language in the state is Portuguese.
The political system of Brazil is a federal republic, it includes 26 federal states. The capital of the state is the city of Brasilia, sometimes it is called identically to the country: Brazil.
Brasilia is the federal administrative center of the state, but is significantly inferior to a number of cities in economic and demographic development.
Population of Brazil
According to the national census in 2010, the population is more than 201 million inhabitants (5th place among the world's countries). Population growth is 1.2% per year.
Brazil is a multinational state: half of the population are descendants of European colonialists, about 40% are mulattoes, 6% come from the African continent. Due to the rise in intermarriage rates, the percentage of the white population has been steadily falling. The dominant religion is Catholicism.
In Brazil, the belief of Voodoo is also very widespread, which was brought to the state by slaves from South Africa. The main demographic problem today is the high level of illiteracy among residents (12%) and the rapid spread of HIV infection among the population.
Economy of Brazil
Brazil is a leader in economic development among Latin American countries. Agriculture and industrial production are equally well developed in the state. Brazil is a global exporter of aircraft, vehicles, electrical equipment, iron ore, citrus concentrates, coffee and textile products.
Brazil's industrial sector accounts for 40% of Latin America's GDP. The service sector occupies a significant place in the country's economy. The banking system is actively developing, thanks to the support of the United States, consolidated stock exchanges have been created in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
The main problem of the country for many years has been the high level of unemployment, due to which crime has increased, especially in large cities.
Climate of the country
Brazil has a hot climate. The average monthly temperature, regardless of the time of year, remains within +18- +29°C. The state's koima types and rainfall patterns are quite different.
The Amazon territory has a humid equatorial climate, with annual precipitation of 3000 mm per year. The center of the state has dry subequatorial climatic conditions with regular three-month droughts.
This region is characterized by sharp changes in temperature amplitude, which often reach 30°C during the day. The hot, arid climate in the northeast of the country is gradually replaced by a humid tropical trade wind climate in the east
The largest country in South America is Brazil. The characteristics of the country include a description of nature, population, government structure, economy and main development problems. Read our article and you will learn a lot of new and interesting things about this distant country.
Brazil: characteristics of the state (general information)
The Republic of Brazil is in the top five. It occupies the entire east and center of the South American continent.
The city of Brasilia (surprisingly similar to the name of the country!) is the capital of the state of Brazil. The characteristics of this settlement may be as follows: a capital built from scratch. The city was really founded only in 1960 and was built precisely to meet the capital's needs.
The configuration of Brazil is surprisingly compact: from north to south the country extends 4,320 km, from west to east - 4,330 km. The total length of all borders is simply amazing: almost 16,000 kilometers. Brazil borders ten countries.
Characteristics of the state are impossible without delving into its history. Initially, Brazil was a Portuguese colony (it was the Portuguese Pedro Cabral who was the first European to land on its shores in 1500). In 1822, the country declared its independence, and at the end of the same 19th century it became a full-fledged republic with a bicameral parliament. However, Portugal had a significant influence on the development of the South American state: the population of Brazil speaks Portuguese and professes (mostly) Catholicism.
Brazil: characteristics of natural conditions and resources
The country's topography is very diverse: in the north there is the low-lying valley of the Amazon River, in the south and in the center there is the Brazilian Plateau, which abruptly breaks down to the sea with rocky ledges. Mount Bandeira (2890 meters) is the highest point in the state of Brazil.
Characteristics of the country are impossible without a description of climatic conditions. The climate of Brazil is generally hot. Average temperatures, depending on the region, range from +15 to +29 degrees. Frosts occur only in certain areas. Precipitation varies from 1200 mm in the center of the country to 2500-3000 mm in the Amazon.
The country's hydrographic network is very dense. Most of the territory is occupied by the world's largest river system, the Amazon. Summer floods, rapids and waterfalls are a common occurrence on Brazilian rivers. Many of them also have significant hydropower reserves.
The subsoil of Brazil is very rich in various minerals. Iron, manganese and bauxite, graphite and precious stones (in particular diamonds) are mined here.
Population of Brazil
The republic is home to 202 million people (this is the fifth largest population in the world). Brazil is characterized by a small, but still positive annual natural growth. About 85% of the country's inhabitants live in cities.
The official and most widely spoken language in Brazil is Portuguese. In addition to it, others are used by the population: English, Spanish, French, Italian. The literacy rate of the population is almost 90%.
The majority of Brazilians (65%) consider themselves Catholics, another 22% consider themselves Protestants. Spiritualism, Buddhism, Islam, and various Afro-Brazilian cults are also widespread in the country.
Economic potential of the country
A full description of Brazil is impossible without a description of its national economy. The country has a colossal GDP level and is the first economy in Latin America.
Both the mining and manufacturing sectors are quite developed. The country produces almost the entire range of products - from simple consumer goods to computers and aircraft. Agriculture is also very developed.
Brazil's main export products are cars, coffee, soybeans, steel, shoes and textiles. Recently, the country's government has been making every effort to expand its presence in world markets.
The main problems of the country's development
A comparative description of Brazil and its main statistical indicators with other countries will help you understand the main problems of the country. The republic is among the top ten world economies in terms of nominal GDP (7th place). In the ranking, Brazil is in 79th place. In the ranking of countries by level of corruption, the country occupies 69th position, which also indicates the presence of serious problems in this area.
A comprehensive profile of Brazil shows that the country is characterized by a number of chronic problems. Among them are high inflation rates, large external debt of the state, unemployment, corruption and poverty.
Another serious problem in Brazil is the uneven development of different regions of the country. Almost all industry is concentrated in its southern and southeastern parts (the state of Sao Paulo alone produces up to 65% of the country's total GDP). But the northeastern regions of Brazil are full of poverty, illiteracy and lack of infrastructure.
Finally
This article presents a comprehensive description of Brazil as a state. The country is the largest in Latin America and is also one of the top ten world economies (by nominal GDP). The main sectors of the economy are: electric power, mechanical engineering (including aviation) and agriculture.
Brazil's economy and social sector still have a number of serious problems, but the government is trying to solve them through reforms.