Brazil Snapshot

Located in Eastern South America and bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil has total land area about 8,456,510 square kilometers, slightly smaller than the United States.

Brazil is a fascinating nation and world's famous travel and vacation destination with beautiful Rio de Janeiro and the world's largest Carnival Festival, and the spectacular Iguazu Falls and friendly people.

Based on July 2004 estimate, Brazil has 184,101,109 population, including white (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%, mixed white and black 38%, black 6%, other 1%. Portuguese is the official language in Brazil. But some Brazil's people also speak Spanish, English, or French.

Following three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazil became an independent nation in 1822. By far it is the largest and most populous country in South America. Possessing large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy outweighs that of all other South American countries and is expanding its presence in world markets. Brazil has a good working telephone system. Based on 2002 estimate, Brazil has about 13 million Internet users. It uses "real" as its currency. Based on 2003 exchange rate, US$1 equal to 3.0771 real (BRL).

Brazil is well-known for its dense Amazon rainforest and fascinating nature. The magnificent and breathtaking Iguazu Falls, one of the Brazil's natural attractions, stand at the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

Brasilia is the capital of the Federative Republic of Brazil but Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's greatest tourist attraction.

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean's Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro is an exciting and famous city with one of the world's most beautiful settings. A huge status of Christ standing at the 2,400-foot mountain peak is visible from all over the city. Sandy beaches line the blue Atlantic coast. And the beauty of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay can be viewed from the observation deck on the Corcovado Mountain.

During the week of Ash Wednesday, Carnival, the Brazilian Mardi Gras, turns Rio de Janeiro into the world's largest and most exciting festival.