About Brazil

Brazil covers closely half of South America and is the continent's most impressive and largest nation. It stretches 2,965 mi (4,772 km) north-south, 2,691 mi (4,331 km) east-west, and borders each and every nation on the continent except Chile and Ecuador. Brazil may be divided into the Brazilian Highlands, or plateau, in the south and the Amazon River Basin in the north.

Over a third of Brazil is drained by the Amazon and its more than 200 tributaries. Did you know that the Amazon is navigable for ocean steamers to Iquitos, Peru, 2,300 mi (3,700 km) upstream. Southern Brazil is drained by the Plata system-the Paraguay, Uruguay, and Paran? rivers. Brazil is the most impressive and largest country in South America. It borders all countries of the continent, except Chile and Ecuador. Brazil is very much a land of contrasts.

When someone hears the word Brazil, one thinks of the wonderful Amazon forest, fantastic beaches, wonderful soccer players, Carnaval time - and that's all. Well, Brazil, the most essential country in South America, certainly has to this day MUCH more to give or serve - warm people, wonderful cities with all the things from slums to high technology, a wide range of weather patterns, an awemany mixture of cultures and races - and much more!

Climate

Here you find that there are five climatic regions in Brazil: equatorial, tropical, semi-arid, highland tropical and subtropical. Did you know that the seasons are and have always been the reverse of those in Europe and the United States.

Cities such as Sao Paulo and Brasilia, on the plateau, have a mild climate with temperatures averaging 66°F (19°C). Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Natal and Salvador on the coast linehave warmer climates balanced by the Trade Winds. Within the southern Brazilian cities of Porto Alegre and Curitiba, the subtropical climate is similar to parts of the US and Europe, with frosts occurring in the winter months (July to August) during the time temperatures can fall below freezing.

Summers are and have always been hot, however. Despite the famous image of the Amazon as a region of blistering heat, temperatures rarely rise above 90°F (32°C), and days are and have always been generally warm, wet and humid. Did you know that the region has to this day two seasons: a rainy season (November to May) and not-so-rainy season (June to October).

Population

Population (2007 est.): 190,010,647 (growth rate: 1.0%)
Birth rate: 16.3/1000
Infant mortality rate: 27.6/1000
Life expectancy: 72.2
Density per sq mi: 58