Brazil Information
Brazil is imprinted in the minds of many as the last frontier, an exotic wilderness where primordial jungles filter into the mighty Amazon. To others, Brazil represents sun blessed days and nights of endless parties on the beaches of Rio. Somewhere in between you can discover the real Brazil, a unique, exhilarating and adventurous travel destination. A land of diversity with a mosaic of people and cultures, Brazil enchants the body, mind, and soul with colors, flavors, and sounds of a tropical paradise.
A land of natural wonders - Unspoled by mass-tourism, unparalleled in natural wonders, Brazil entices even the most jaded travelere with a world of unique and exciting adventures opportiunities. Explore the amazing Amazon Rainforest, home to the largest single reserve of biological organisms in the world, or journey to the world’s most extensive wetlands, the Pantanal, to observe the richest concentration of wildlife in South America. Discover one of Brazil’s many protected national parks, while rappelling down abseiling waterfalls, rafting or kayaking in crystal-clear rivers, observing fascinating wildlife, trekking through massive canyons, riding horses, and exploring mysterious caves. Dive into an underwater paradise or just relax on the endless deserted white-sand beaches lined with coconut palms and dunes.
A land of Cultural treasures - Although the Portugues gave Brazil its language and religion, t was the native Indians, centuries of colonization, slavery, and immigration from around the world that transformed the country into a cultura melting pot. Step back in time on cobble-stoned streets of picturesque colonial towns, wandering past colorful cottages and churches. (Ouro Preto, Parati, Olinda, Sao Luis, Salvador). Savor the rich flavors of Brazil’s world-famous cuisine, seasoned by regional spices and tradition. Dance to the Afro-Brazilian rhythm of Samba or sway to the gentle melody of Bossa-nova. Celebrate Brazilians’ love for life during one of the country’s many colorful festivals.
Climate - Ecology - Since 93 % of Brazil’s territory is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the direct opposite of those in Europe or the United States. When it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it is summer in Brazil and vice versa. Brazil’s climate ranges from the typically tropical North where it never gets cold to more temperate climate in the South where it has even been known to snow in winter, with all sorts of subtropical variations in between. The country does not present wide extremes of topographical variation; most of its territory is less than 650 feet above sea level, distributed over elevated plateaus, low plains and extensive basins. The Northern region is almost entirely covered by the Amazon Rain Forest and nature is the dominant force. Here the forest and the river dictate the lifestyles of plants, animals and even man. The Amazon River and its tributaries make up 20% of the world’s supply of fresh water. In effect, of the twenty largest rivers in the world, ten are located in the Amazon basin. The Amazon River itself is 4,087 miles long and the force of the water generates, at the mouth, waves 12 feet high.
Politics - Demographics - Politically, Brazil is divided into 26 states, and the Federal District of Brasilia, site of the nation’s capital. These states are divided into five regions, each with its own distinct characteristics. The marked social, cultural and geographical contrast among these regions sometimes make it seem that each one of them is a country within the country. As nearly 70% of inhabitants are under the age of 30, Brazilians are a young, friendly people, eager to show visitors the beauty and rich heritage of their country, region or town.
