BRAZIL
LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
Situated in the South American continent, Brazil is a very large country. In South America it is the largest and in the world, the fourth largest. The total area that it covers is 8,511,965 sq. km. On its northern border lie Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, on its south is Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay lie to the southwest of Brazil and Bolivia and Peru on its west. The Atlantic Ocean surrounds its Northeastern, eastern and southeastern borders.
CLIMATE
Being so large in area, there are in all five climatic regions in Brazil- equatorial, tropical, semi-arid, highland tropical and subtropical. Owing to its topography the climate in Brazil is very diverse. In the arid interiors, it is mostly hot and dry, and in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon jungle it is almost always humid. The coastal regions of the country are generally sticky and uncomfortable but the northern and southern parts of the country are cold in the winters. In the north, the rainy season lasts from Jan to April and in the Sao Paulo area, from April to July.
LANGUAGE
Nearly 100 % of Brazil’s population speaks Portuguese and this is the major factor that unites the country. Though there are variations in the Portuguese used in different parts of the country but the differences are not vast and the Portuguese used in Brazil is similar to that used in Portugal. In some parts of the country the inhabitants still use indigenous tongues. Many Brazilians understand Spanish since in other South American countries Spanish is spoken.
As Brazil has seen much immigration, many other languages can be heard around in the country like German, Italian, Ukrainian and Polish. Some Asian languages are also used by Asian immigrants.
CURRENCY
Brazil has seen a lot of changing trends in its economy and as a result its currency saw many changes too. The currency that it uses today is called the Real (plural Reais), was so named only as late as 1994. From the period extending from 1640 to 1942, also this currency had been in vogue. 100 centavos make up one Real.
ECONOMY
After seeing a period of turbulent economy, the economy of Brazil is now not only finally stabilized but also on the increase. Among the South American nations, today, Brazil is the most powerful, in terms of economy. Not only is the country’s economy the highest on the continent but even in global economy it has acquired a strong position. Agriculture, mining, manufacturing and service sectors are the major industries. Brazil’s export-oriented economy has moderate free market. Today its economy is the ninth largest in the world.
CAPITAL
The capital of Brazil, which is conveniently located in the center of the country, is Brasilia. But before Brasilia became the capital of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, was its capital. The population of Brasilia is approximately 2.3 million. Brasilia houses the president of the country as well as the Supreme Court and the Brazilian Parliament. Originally an uninhabited wasteland Brasilia was planned and constructed and was ready by 1960.
Owing to the planning and vastness of the capital city it is not possible to walk through it. It is divided into sectors and large areas span between buildings. The tourist will find all the modern amenities here and can view the beauty of modern architecture.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN BRAZIL
It would perhaps be appropriate to begin your Brazil sight seeing by going to Rio de Janeiro to witness the splendor of the statue of Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado Hill. It stands 125 feet tall and portrays Christ standing with open arms beckoning and embracing everyone. As you are climbing up the hill to reach this gigantic statue, you will be awed by the spectacular view of the city as you keep getting higher.
The Amazon rainforest is undoubtedly Brazil’s greatest tourist puller. It is the one place on the earth where you can witness thousands of varieties of flora and fauna and a large number of indigenous tribes. There is no experience you may have had, to prepare you for the sights here. Manaus is the capital of the Amazonas state. Before venturing into the depths of this wilderness take a good stock of all that you might possibly need because once there you will find no shopping areas.
The Iguaza falls, which are mostly in Argentina and Paraguay, are also present partly in Brazil. They are a total of 275 falls and some of them even reach as high as 75 meters. Once there you have an extra treat in the form of the National Park, which contains over 400 species of wildlife and more than 2000 species of flora.
At Rio de Janeiro is situated the most famous beach of the world, the Copacabana. It is three miles long and behind it lies the densely populated city. Some find it too loud and crowded but some love the craziness that abounds there.
A large swamp lying mid-west of the country, the Pantanal, has a far greater wildlife than even the Amazon basin. Birds, alligators, deer, otters, emus, boa constrictors and monkeys etc. are there in abundance and for nature lovers there is no place holier than this.
ENTERTAINMENT
The greatest entertainment provider in the country is the world famous Rio de Janeiro carnival. It is such a crazy fun filled carnival where there are scores of things to do and see that you are sure to be left overwhelmed. The greatest attraction however, would undoubtedly be the Samba dance.
Every year from 28th to 30th June the Parintins festival is held on the banks of the Amazon, to which a large number of tourists flock. Here you would get to see traditional music, dance and folklore and the mystical ‘Boi Bumba’, which bring to life a battle between two groups who represent the legendary bulls called, Caprichoso and Garantido.
The Bahia carnival that takes place in Salvador is only next to the Rio carnival in popularity. It is held between 23rd and 28th Feb every year and here you will get to hear the best Afro-Brazilian music of the world and get to see all traditional dance forms. The parades here are the most unique out of any held anywhere in the world.
The Brazilian Sao Paulo Grand Prix and football are its greatest sports entertainers and perhaps the most popular ones the world over. These events are sheer adrenaline backed.
GETTING AROUND
Brazil is a very large country, so that would make air travel the most convenient modes of travel within the country. Domestic air travel is getting cheaper in Brazil, so that the tourist does not feel the pinch. VASP, Varig, TAM and Transbrasil, are the four major national carriers.
However, for the budget traveler, the best transport would be the bus. Nearly all parts of the country have excellent bus services. From being punctual, to clean and comfortable, the buses are the most affordable means of travel within Brazil.
Train travel in Brazil is almost negligent. There are very few trains in the country and the railway is a declining sector.
STAYING OPTIONS IN BRAZIL
Hotels
The first class hotels in Brazil are mainly located in the southern cities of the country and can be an expensive affair. All the major cities like Rio, Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Amazon Basin have a happy mix of expensive luxury hotels and pousadas, which are inexpensively run, small guest houses.
Youth Hostels
This is another inexpensive way to stay and over 80 youth hostels lie scattered in the country.
However the most unique way to stay in Brazil would be in eco-hotels. These are mostly present in the Amazon Basin and are provided with all kinds of luxuries.
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