Brazil

South America

Brazil is a country in South America, home to 212 million people, with an area of 8,515,767 km². Its capital is Brasília.

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

Brazil at a glance

Language

Portuguese is the official language, but English and Spanish are also widely spoken

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL)

Religion

Christianity is the predominant religion in Brazil, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination

National dish

Feijoada (a stew made with black beans, pork, and beef)

Climate

Brazil has a diverse climate, with equatorial, tropical, semi-arid, and subtropical regions. The Amazon region is known for its hot and humid climate, while the southern region experiences cooler temperatures

Main industries

Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services

GDP

$2.48 trillion (2020 estimate)

Development

Brazil is considered an upper-middle-income country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 84 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Brazil

Some of the main tourist attractions in Brazil include:

• Christ the Redeemer A statue of Jesus Christ located in Rio de Janeiro and one of the most iconic landmarks in Brazil.
• Iguazu Falls A stunning waterfall system located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, and one of the most popular natural attractions in Brazil.
• Copacabana Beach A famous beach in Rio de Janeiro known for its white sand, lively atmosphere, and numerous bars and restaurants.
• Amazon Rainforest The largest tropical rainforest in the world, which spans across nine countries including Brazil.
• Salvador Historic Center A UNESCO World Heritage site located in Salvador, Bahia and known for its colorful colonial architecture and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture.
• Pelourinho A historic neighborhood in Salvador known for its stunning colonial architecture, lively music scene, and traditional cuisine.
• Fernando de Noronha A group of islands off the coast of Brazil known for their crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life.
• The Pantanal A vast wetland region that is home to an array of wildlife species including jaguars, caimans, and capybaras.
• Rio Carnival A world-famous event held annually in Rio de Janeiro, featuring colorful parades, lively music, and elaborate costumes.
• Sugarloaf Mountain A mountain peak located in Rio de Janeiro, offering panoramic views of the city and the bay.

Of course, there are many more attractions in Brazil beyond this list, including cultural sites, national parks, and urban areas worth exploring.

Brazil in pictures

Brazil on video

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Brazil compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of South America.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Brazil	212 million	8,515,767 km²	Brasília
Colombia	52.9 million	1,141,748 km²	Bogotá
Argentina	45.9 million	2,780,400 km²	Buenos Aires
Peru	34.4 million	1,285,216 km²	Lima

Ranked 7th of 195 countries by population and 5th by area.

Questions about Brazil

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