Brazil

Brasillia the capital of Brazil

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The largest and most populous country in Latin America, and fifth largest in the world, Brazil gained independence from the Portuguese in 1822. After a turbulent history of military intervention in the governance for more than 50 years, the country came under the rule of civilians in 1985. Bordering every other country of the South America except Chile and Ecuador, Brazil is bounded by Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana Surinam and French department of French Guiana.

As a former colony of Portugal, Portuguese is its official language.

Travel overview
A leading economic power, Brazil is known for its beach culture, superb music and dancing, football matches, Amazon Rainforest, tropical climate and spirit and hospitality of the people. The annual orgiastic celebrations of Carnaval cast a spell of charm. The most attracting places to visit in Brazil include Fernando de Noronha Island, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the more relaxed city of Salvador in the northeast, or the old colonial towns of Ouro Preto and Olinda. For natural beauty, try a visit to Iguacu Falls. Rio is known for its beaches and carnivals.

Brasilia, the capital city of the country, is known for its splendid architecture.

Capital: Brasilia
Location: Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
Climate: mostly tropical, temperate
Total Area: 8,511,965 sq km
Total Population: 190,010,647
Population Growth Rate: 1.008%
Sex Ratio: 0.976 male(s)/female
Literacy: 88.6%
Ethnic Groups: white, mulatto, black
Irrigated land: 25,450 sq km
Languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English, French
Time Zone: UTC-3
Currency: real (BRL)
Type of govt.: federal republic
Head of Govt.: President Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA
Major Political Parties: Brazilian Democratic Movement Party or PMDB, Brazilian Labor Party or PTB, Brazilian Renewal Labor Party or PRTB, Brazilian Republican Party or PRB, Brazilian Social Democracy Party or PSDB, Brazilian Socialist Party or PSB, Communist Party of Brazil or PCdoB

Participation in International Organizations: AfDB, BIS, CAN (associate), CSN, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMOVIC, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Major Agricultural Products: coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus; beef

Natural Resources & Minerals: bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, platinum, tin, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber
Industry & Transport: textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment
Airports: 4,276
Railways: 29,252 km
Roadways:
1,751,868 km
Waterways: 50,000 km
Major Trade Partners: US, Argentina, China, Netherlands, Germany, Japan
Exports: $137.5 billion
Imports: $91.4 billion