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Image via Wikipedia
Brazil (pronounced /brezil/; Portuguese: Brasil [braziw]), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: República Federativa do Brasil), is the largest country in South America and the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population.
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 form part of 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.
The Brazilian economy is the world's eighth largest economy by nominal GDP and the ninth largest by purchasing power parity. Brazil is one of the world's fastest growing major economies. Economic reforms have given the country new international recognition. Brazil is a founding member of the United Nations, the G20, Mercosul and the Union of South American Nations, and is one of the BRIC Countries. Brazil is also home to a diversity of wildlife, natural environments, and extensive natural resources in a variety of protected habitats.
TRAVEL TO BRAZIL, GO FOR THE THRILL
by Frank Johnson
Brazil is the largest and most dynamic South American country, bordering all but two of the continent's other nations. In Brazil, wild Amazon adventures can be coupled with stimulating city sights and leisurely beach escapades. Brazil's Portuguese colonization along with its participation in the Atlantic triangle slave trade with Africa produced a fusion of cultures that is celebrated today in the form of fantastic food, unmatched festivals, eclectic music beats and a diverse national identity that is finally being embraced.
When Portuguese settlers arrived in 1531, the native population that existed was relatively small and decentralized compared with other indigenous empires on the continent. They were quickly enslaved on sugar plantations but soon replaced by Africans. Today, their small surviving populations live mainly hidden in the interior of Brazil's thick jungles; however, their influence in art and abundance of intricate handmade crafts are unavoidable, especially inland. The history of Brazil's entangled interior is also touched by African slaves who escaped the coastal plantations and built secret settlements. Quilombo dos Palmares was the most impressive of these settlements; with a peak population of 30,000 inhabitants and over 200 buildings, the town functioned independently for nearly a century until a bloody battle with the Portuguese erupted in 1694.
Eco-Sensations
Brazil's expansive terrain is endless with natural wonders. Nearly forty percent of the world's remaining tropical rainforests is part of Brazil's Amazon and Atlantic forests, which are home to over 2.5 million species of insect and one-fifth of the world's bird species! The notorious carnivorous piranha lingers in numerous quantities in the Amazon River's waters, along with the fascinating Boto, the largest species of river dolphin. The mysterious Anaconda snake also lurks in the river's basin; but have no fear, they are generally harmless to humans. At the Argentinean border, Iguaçu Falls embodies the extent of Brazil's beauty with over 275 different waterfalls merging together into one harmonious rush of thunder with a vast number of scenic trails winding around the cascading cliffs and lush estuaries. Another aquatic phenomenon occurs 10 kilometers upstream from the city of Manaus where the dark waters of the Negro River join the yellowish Solimoes River without blending for a few kilometers. This dual colored waterway is the beginning of the Amazon River.
Carnival, and That's Not All
Though some claim that the festival of Carnival is the best time to visit Brazil's liveliest city, Rio de Janeiro, this pulsing metropolis is booming with life all year long. The dense population provides unrelenting entertainment while the beautiful beaches tend to be the ultimate draw. The urban centers of Sao Paulo and Brasilia, the official capital, are also teeming with nightlife, activities and history. Remember when you travel to Brazil that the southern urban regions experience a (very) mild winter during the months of June to August and the peak of summer is in January. The northern tropical regions are steadily warm year-round.
BRAZIL´S FAMOUS PLACES
by Kashmira Lad
Brazil’s Famous Places: Rio de Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro is amongst the most famous places in Brazil. A tourist has loads of things to look forward to in Rio de Janeiro. From the natural beautiful surroundings to the glorious music and celebrations, one can discover a whole lot of things. Out here, you can find the two largest forests of the world. One can also revel in the carnival celebrations, which includes parades and loads of music and dance. Copacabana, which lies in the Southern zone of Rio de Janeiro is most famous for its beach. This place is the hot spot especially during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
São Paulo: São Paulo is located in South Eastern area of Brazil and is also known as the richest city. This is also the most populated place. The São Paulo fashion week is one of the most celebrated weeks, which marks Brazil’s first entry into the world of international fashion. Apart from this there are many events that draw in huge crowds from various fields.
Santa Catarina: This state that lies in the Southern region of Brazil particularly attracts crowds for its beautiful beaches. Florianópolis is the city that probably remains to be the biggest attraction. One can find more than 500 gorgeous beaches out here. Besides, at Santa Catarina, there are plenty of events and themes being planned regularly throughout the year as a means of tourist attractions. Santa Catarina has varied climates to offer and this itself proves to be one of the reasons why people flock out here in large numbers.
Fortaleza: Fortaleza is located in the Northeastern area of Brazil. Fortaleza remains to be a popular tourist destination that enjoys a warm climate throughout the year. The warm waters in particular are one of Fortaleza’s major attractions. Every beach over here has its own uniqueness. For example, Iracema is where people meet together to party till the next morning where as Praia do Futuro is one that is most recommended for surfing!
Salvador, Bahia: Salvador is located on the northeastern coast of Brazil. The prime attractions of the city of Salvador are the sumptuous cuisine, the beautiful music and the grand architecture. This city also has the longest of coastlines amongst all cities in Brazil. The beautiful beaches are an ideal hotspot for people who want to explore the underwater life or even surf the large waves. Apart from the beaches, Salvador also has some of the best shopping malls for the shopaholics!
Armação dos Búzios: This place remains to be one of the major meeting points for all the rich and famous people. The famous statue of Brigitte Bardot stands testimony to this fact. This peninsula is also known as Búzios. This area is actually a very sophisticated beach resort that has some of the finest facilities. From extravagant luxurious things to delectable cuisine, one can enjoy a very rocking nightlife out here.
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Major Cities of Brazil
By Manali Oak
Brazil, the fifth-largest country, occupying almost half of South America is also the fifth most populous country in the world. The Atlantic ocean on the east of Brazil has given it a 7,491 km-long coastline. Originally, a colony of Portugal and an empire since 1822, Brazil established itself as a republic in 1889. Currently defined as a Federal Republic, Brazil consists of 26 states and 5,564 municipalities. Most of the state capitals are the largest cities in their respective states. Brazil is characterized by a high level of urbanization, with nearly 8 out of every 10 Brazilians inhabiting cities. Here is a tour to some of the major cities of Brazil. Come along!
Major Cities of Brazil
Brasilia: Located in the central-west region of Brazil, Brasilia is the country's capital, since 1960. The architecture and town planning of this city has influenced many urban areas that developed in the 20th century. Interestingly, when seen from above, the shape of the planned part of this city resembles that of a butterfly. Brasilia is home for about 2,557,000 people. Many of the Brazilian companies are headquartered in Brasilia. This major city of Brazil finds a place in the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
Rio de Janeiro: Literally meaning, 'River of January', Rio de Janeiro is the second-largest city of Brazil and South America. The city is the capital of Rio de Janeiro state. It was the national capital for two centuries and an independent nation for over 130 years. Rio houses Christ the Redeemer, a giant statue of Jesus, which is one of the new seven wonders of the world. Marcana stadium, the largest football stadium in the world and Sambodromo, a gigantic parade stand are some of the other important landmarks of Rio de Janeiro. The year-round carnivals and hotel-lined beaches are some of the tourist attractions of Rio. Ironically, it is also among the most violent cities in the world.
Manaus: Founded in 1669, as the Fort of Sao Jose do Rio Negro, Manaus developed into a town in 1832 and was named 'Manaus', meaning 'Mother of the gods' in honor of the nation of Manaus. Since 1848, Manaus has been formally recognized as a city. It is the second-largest metropolitan area in the Northern Brazil with a population of 1.71 million. Today, Manaus is the most influential city of Brazil.
Salvador: Salvador is the capital of Bahia state located on the northeastern coast of Brazil. Due to the happy-go-lucky nature of the inhabitants of Salvador and their active participation in celebrations and carnivals, Salvador is often referred to as the Brazil's capital of happiness. It is the third most populous city in Brazil, and its metropolitan area is considered as the wealthiest in the north-eastern region of the country. A major portion of Salvador's population has a Black African ancestry. Perhaps, this is the reason behind the influence of Africans on many aspects of Salvador's culture. Apart from being an important city in Brazil, Salvador is also the oldest city in Brazil.
Recife: It is the fourth largest metropolitan area in Brazil. It is located at the confluence of Rivers Beberibe and Capibaribe and is a major port in the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the presence of many rivers and bridges, the city has been nicknamed 'Brazilian Venice'. Recife is the second largest medical center of Brazil, a well-known educational center and an upcoming tourist attraction. The growth of electronics, foods and other industries in Recife, has made it the most important commercial center of Brazil.
