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.
A land of natural wonders - Unspoiled by mass-tourism, unparalleled in natural wonders, Brazil entices even the most jaded travelere with a world of unique and exciting adventures opportunities. 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.
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When to go
Most of Brazil can be visited comfortably throughout the year, it's only the south - which can be unbearably sticky in summer (December-February) and non-stop rainy in winter (June-August) - that has large seasonal changes. The rest of the country experiences brief tropical rains throughout the year, which rarely affect travel plans.
During summer (December-February) many Brazilians are on vacation, making travel difficult and expensive, and from Rio to the south the humidity can be oppressive. Summer is also the most festive time of year, as Brazilians escape their apartments and take to the beaches and streets. School holidays begin in mid-December and go through to Carnaval, usually held in late February.
| FACTS FOR THE TRAVELLER |
| Full country name: |
República Federativa do Brazil |
| Area: |
8,547,403 sq km (3,300,155 sq mi) |
| Population: |
172 million |
| Capital city: |
Brasília |
| People: |
: 55% European descent, 38% mulatto, 6% African descent (according to the 1980 census). In reality, these figures are skewed by whiteness being equated with social stature in Brazil. |
| Language: |
Portuguese |
| Religion: |
70% Roman Catholic; also a significant proportion who either belong to various cults or practice Indian animism |
| Government: |
Federal republic |
| Visas |
Passports must be valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are required for tourists of many nationalities, including Australia, Canada and the USA; visas are generally for 90 days, with one extension of up to 90 days possible. |
| Health: |
For information on health requirements, please call the appropriate health authorities. |
| Electricity: |
Unstandardized; mostly 110 or 120V, though some hotels have 220V; 60 Hz in Rio and São Paulo |
| Weights & measures: |
Metric |
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