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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!

Brazil was colonized by Portugal in 15th century. Rapid colonization however was seen after 1534. The Portuguese had to battle the French in order to invade into Brazil and expand thereon. Owing to decline in sugar exports, the country was under threat to collapse imminently, however exploration of gold mines saved the economy. In 1808, the Portuguese royal family succeeded in establishing Rio de Janeiro as their seat of Portuguese empire. The constitution of Brazil was promulgated in year 1824. The nation of Uruguay was formed in 1828 after being separated from Brazil. Monarchy was overruled in 1889. Although the earlier governmental rule was dictatorship, the nation gained democratic status in 1946.

Climatic diversity here is wide. Most of the country witnesses tropical climate. Equatorial rainforests, tropical savannas, coniferous forests, everything can be clubbed under this diversity. The presence of Amazon River basin makes Brazil witness very high levels of rainfall. There is no dry season in this nation. Annual temperatures do not exceed 18 degree C; it is common to have winter snow and dense snowfall in regions of higher altitudes. The temperature variation between seasons is lesser compared to that between the night and day.

2008 population recorded 190 million inhabitants. Sex ratio is 95 males per 100 females. Population density is just over 22 persons per sq.km. The population growth of Brazil witnessed growth in 1940-1970. This was due to a decrease in mortality rate. The decrease of birth rate had no significant impact over population growth in this era. Brazil population witnesses a mix of races, primarily white, brown, black and less significantly Asian and Amerindian. 2008 statistics show that illiteracy rates are 11.5%. Northeast portion has a large population of rural poor and hence greater degree of illiteracy in this region.