Brazil makes up nearly half of South America with a total land mass of 3,285,632 square miles, more than all the European countries combined or the continental United States. To the North, West and South it borders every South American country except Chile and Ecuador. To the East, it is blessed with 4,600 miles of unspoiled, South Atlantic coastline, including some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Nothing compares to Brazil's coastline: in the Northeast, the sun shines throughout the year, warming the sea, but a gentle breeze blows at times, just to keep you cool. No less than 365 islands dot the sea around them.

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.

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.

Politically, Brazil is divided into 26 states, and the Federal District of Brasilia, site of he 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

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.

In Brazil, the year begins with merrymaking, proceeds with revelry and ends in celebration. In Bahia, the magic land of Orixa deities, drumbeats call everyone to worship or to revel with rhythms that set everybody dancing. In Recife, people dance the Frevo holding colorful umbrellas during Carnival. Piaui and Maranhao are famous for their Bumba-Meu-Boi, a piece of traditional folklore and one of the most beautiful celebrations in the country. Rio Grande do Sul owes its "Chula" dance to the German immigrants. Rio de Janeiro is famous for its magnificent Carnival and Samba Schools. To make everybody happy, the picture is complemented with Lambada, Rock n' Roll and Bossa Nova. 

Brazilian architecture bespeaks of a rich cultural heritage. In Salvador, samples of colonial art are found in churches, some of which are ornamented with gilded wood carvings. Ouro Preto, Sao Joao Del Rey and Congonhas, in Minas Gerais, are vivid examples of the influence of Baroque art, marking monuments and statues, churches and buildings with its characteristic features. In Manaus, the lavishly decorated Amazonas Theater, a truly European building erected in the tropical jungle, is a pure wonder. Brasilia, the country's capital and part of the world's cultural heritage, is a treatise on modern architecture, a concrete monument to modernity erected on the Central Plateau. As for handicrafts, the whole country is a showcase. In Fortaleza and in the rest of the Ceara state, you find delicate "bilro" lacework handmade by old ladies according to a tradition of generations. The Mercado de "Ver-O-Peso" in Belem is the special place for wicker baskets and other wares handcrafted by members of local Indian tribes.
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