Brazil
Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world and the largest country in South America. It is larger in area than Australia. Because of its enormous size, Brazil shares a border with every country in South America, except Chile and Ecuador.
Geographically, Brazil is divided into five different regions which provide it with a unique diverse range of climates as well as one of the largest number of species of flora and fauna found anywhere in the world.
The population of Brazil is derived mainly from Portuguese, German, French, Italian and Dutch immigrants and the descendants of freed African slaves and indigenous Indians. This diverse group of people have joined together to create a uniquely, homogenous culture. Portuguese is the national language and the vast majority of the population is Catholic, often mixed with the exotic traditions and beliefs brought from Africa.
One of the most colourful and vibrant countries on earth, it contains not only some of the most diverse flora and fauna, the largest rainforest and the longest river on Earth, but also the world's biggest, most exciting carnival. Its lush Amazon region can be explored by boat along the Amazon River. One of the most impressive sights is Iguassu Falls, on the border of Argentina, surpassing in grandeur the other falls of the world.
The Pantanal in the Mato Gross Region is the best place to see wildlife as well as the workings of the local ranches. Nearby Bonito is also a paradise for diving and snorkelling.
Although the official capital is the modern city of Brasilia, most people visit the ‘party capital’ of Rio de Janeiro, where its white sandy beaches and non-stop rhythm. Most famous for its wild Carnival, held usually in February (finishing at the start of Lent), the city is fun at any time of year.
Brazil also has some charming colonial towns. Olinda and Salvador are two of the most attractive, their cobbled streets drenched in old-world atmosphere, both home to their own riotous carnivals and some delicious local cuisine. For history lovers, why not travel the ‘Gold Route’ from Ouro Preto through Congonhas and Tiradentes through to the little colonial coastal town of Paraty, which was the port in the days of the gold rush.
Idyllic beaches run along the 7,000km of coastline. A truly unique place to soak up the wonders of nature is Lençois Marenhenses – dunes of clear fine sand, which appear like sheets around lagoons of blue and crystalline waters. One could imagine it to be a desert, if it were not for the fact that it rains 300 times more than it does in the Sahara. It is home to species near extinction, such as the manatee and giant marine turtles.
From the mad passion of Carnival to the immensity of the dark Amazon, Brazil is a country of mythic proportions.