Travel to Brazil: 14 Things to Know before you go

Brazil is the largest country in South America, widely popular for its festivals and carnivals. The country of Brazil is shaped like a triangle and borders every country on the continent except Chile and Ecuador.

The landscape of Brazil is diverse, with densely populated areas in the city and thick Amazonian forests in its northern regions. The population of Brazil consists of descendants from African, Amerindians, and European ethnic groups.

A flux of immigrants in the 19th century from Europe and even Japan created a vivid mixed culture consisting of delectable cuisines and great musical influences.

If you want to learn more amazing information and facts about Brazil, keep on reading this article.

Here are some of the most intriguing Brazil facts you may not have heard before

1. Brazilians are extremely enthusiastic about football

Brazilians are extremely enthusiastic about football. Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup finals five times in the past, which is more than any other nation in the world.

Brazil also has produced top players in football such as Neymar, Pele, Ronaldinho, and so many more. The country of Brazil has also hosted the World Cup in 2014 and has participated in the tournament ever since it began.

2. Brazil has hosted the Olympic Games

Brazilians are also enthusiastic about other sports and hosted the Summer Olympic Games in August of 2016. It was the first Olympic event in the South American continent, and over 10000 athletes and players took part in the competitions.

3. Brazil covers three time zones

Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world. Its expansive size covers almost three time zones.

Brazil is also known as the largest country in the southern hemisphere. It is even bigger than the country of Australia.

The country of Brazil has almost 7500 km of coastline and attracts tourists from all over the globe for its wonderful beaches. It is the only country in the world with the Equator and Tropic of Capricorn running through it.

4. The Amazon River runs through Brazil

The Amazon River is the world’s second-longest river. The great Amazon River is about 6400 km long and runs through Columbia, Peru, and falls into the Atlantic Ocean in Brazil.

Most of northern Brazil is covered by the Amazon River and the Amazon jungle surrounding it. The Amazon River is not a single flowing river, but it is a network of hundreds of waterways. The Amazon River is home to a multitude of marine life, including the boto, friendly pink dolphins, and the piranha.

5. A majority of the Amazon Forest lies in Brazil

Most of Brazil is covered with the great Amazon Forest. It is one of the most popular forests in the world owing to its rich density and is also known as the world’s largest jungle.

It has been prone to exploitation from foreign forces since centuries. Europeans arrived in Brazil five centuries ago and have caused rampant destruction of the Amazonian jungle. Due to human destruction, most of the Atlantic rainforest has been diminished from what it used to be, and large tracts of the Amazon are disappearing annually.

Even though the Brazilian government has taken measures to protect nature, they have only managed to cover around seven percent of Brazil by building national parks and refuges.

6. Brazil is a densely populated country

Brazil is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It is the fifth most populous country, with an estimated population of 210 million people living in it.

Most of the population, almost 87%, in Brazil lives in urban areas and near the Atlantic coast. The largest cities in Brazil are Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Brasilia.

7. Most Brazilians speak Portuguese

The most commonly spoken language in Brazil is Portuguese. This language was passed down to the inhabitants of the Portuguese colonial rulers.

Most of the countries in South America speak Spanish. Aside from Portuguese, Brazilians speak almost 180 different languages and dialects. These languages are spoken by indigenous people and are treated as languages on the verge of extinction since less than 10000 people speak them.

8. Brazil has a lot of biodiversity

The Amazon Jungle is home to various animal species, including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, and more.

Brazil not only has a diverse animal kingdom but also has millions of species of different plants. Brazil is also known to host the greatest number of monkey species in its forests. The rainforest in Brazil is sometimes called the lungs of the earth as most of the trees there pump out oxygen to negate the effect of the harmful gases exhausted in the air.

9. Brazil is a federal republic

Brazil became a federal republic in 1888 when the Portuguese king was dethroned. It is a federal republic with a national congress, judiciary, and a president. Brazil has seen times of political unease as it has struggled with democracy over the years. In 1985, the military government was removed peacefully, and the political and economic situation of the country had improved considerably.

10. Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer

Brazil is one of the world’s largest coffee producers. It has been producing and exporting coffee for more than a century and a half. Brazil used to supply almost 80% of the world’s coffee in the early twentieth century. This number has reduced down to almost 33%. Due to its warm climate and perfect geographical conditions, coffee can be easily grown in Brazil. Cocoa beans and coffee are some of the most profitable exports of Brazil.

11. Brazil is home to the world’s best beach

Brazil has a large coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, this fact about Brazil should be no surprise that it has one of the most popular beaches all over the world.

Baia do Sancho, situated near the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, forms a beautiful marine park with turtles, clownfish, anemones, parrotfish, whales, and lemon and reef sharks. Divers from all over the world visit this place and have supported it, naming it as the world’s best beach.

12. Brazil is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Rio de Janeiro has one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a huge statue of Christ, the Redeemer statue that weighs over 635 tons.

It is an exquisite piece of art and was voted in as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Unfortunately, the Christ the Redeemer statue was damaged by a lightning strike in 2014.

13. Brazil has around 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are almost 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Brazil. One of the most popular sites is called the Iguacu National Park, which has one of the world’s most remarkable and largest waterfalls.

The park is also home to many rare and endangered plant and animal species. More UNESCO World Heritage sites include the Pampulha Modern Ensemble, a garden city by Niemeyer, and the Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site.

14. There are uncontacted tribes in the Amazon

According to a study conducted in 2007, there are around 70 tribes in the Amazon Forest who have never been in contact with the outside world.

These groups have chosen to remain in isolation, and the Brazilian government has prevented outsiders from getting into contact with these tribes.

10 Best Places to Visit in Brazil – Travel Video

Famous for being home to one of the world’s top football teams, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival and the remarkable Iguazu Falls, Brazil is an exciting world travel destination. As South America’s largest country, Brazil covers a majority of the continent’s northeastern region and borders all of its countries except for Chile and Ecuador.

From the Amazon rainforest in the North to the tropical beaches along the Atlantic, to the Pantanal wetlands and the vibrant metropolises of the Southeast there are plenty of interesting places to visit in Brazil.

Summary

Brazil is a wonderful country full of diverse cultures and vibrant city life. Not only are the country’s urban areas attractive to tourists, but the biodiversity of the country is a strong pull for visitors from around the world.

Brazil is home to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals which have been destroyed by human negligence and harm. The Brazilians are friendly people who openly welcome tourists from around the world for carnivals and other festivals in the country.

Moreover, Brazil is the fifth largest country, both in population and size, and has a diverse geographical landscape. If you want to learn more about the beautiful country of Brazil, you should visit the populous Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo on your next vacation.

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