Brazil is located in South America, bordered by ten countries: Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. To the east, Brazil is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, boasting over 7,000 kilometers (4,300 miles) of coastline.
Geography
Climate
Brazil’s climate varies widely across its vast territory, ranging from equatorial in the north to temperate in the south. The country experiences four distinct seasons, with the Amazon rainforest region characterized by hot and humid conditions year-round, while the southern regions have more pronounced seasonal variations.
Fauna
Brazil is home to an incredibly diverse array of wildlife, with the Amazon rainforest alone hosting an estimated 10% of the world’s known species. Iconic animals such as jaguars, capybaras, and macaws roam the forests, while the Pantanal wetlands are a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Longest Rivers
The Amazon River, the longest river in the world by discharge volume, flows through Brazil for over 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles). Other major rivers include the Paraná, which forms part of Brazil’s border with Paraguay and Argentina, and the São Francisco, known as the “river of national integration.”
Highest Mountains
The highest peak in Brazil is Pico da Neblina, standing at 2,995 meters (9,826 feet) above sea level. Located in the Serra da Neblina mountain range near the border with Venezuela, Pico da Neblina is part of Brazil’s rich natural heritage.
History
Prehistory
Brazil has a long and rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back tens of thousands of years. The indigenous peoples of Brazil, such as the Tupi and Guarani, developed sophisticated cultures and societies long before the arrival of European explorers.
Colonial Era
Portuguese explorers first reached the shores of Brazil in 1500, led by Pedro Álvares Cabral. The Portuguese quickly established colonies along the coast, exploiting the region’s vast resources, including timber, sugarcane, and precious metals. Brazil became a major hub of the Atlantic slave trade, with millions of Africans forcibly brought to the country to work on plantations.
Independence and Empire
Brazil declared its independence from Portugal in 1822, establishing the Empire of Brazil with Dom Pedro I as its first emperor. The empire lasted until 1889 when a military coup led to the establishment of the Republic of Brazil.
Modern Age
Brazil experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization in the 20th century, transforming into one of the world’s largest economies. However, the country also grappled with social and economic challenges, including inequality, poverty, and political instability. In recent years, Brazil has emerged as a global leader in areas such as renewable energy and environmental conservation.
Demographics
Brazil is the most populous country in South America, with over 210 million inhabitants. The population is ethnically diverse, reflecting centuries of immigration from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Portuguese is the official language, and the majority of Brazilians identify as Christian, predominantly Catholic.
Administrative Divisions
Brazil is divided into 26 states and one federal district, each with its own governor or mayor and legislative assembly. The states are further subdivided into municipalities, totaling over 5,500 across the country.
Administrative Divisions and Population (2022 estimate)
- São Paulo – Population: 46,289,333
- Minas Gerais – Population: 21,292,666
- Rio de Janeiro – Population: 17,366,189
- Bahia – Population: 15,876,038
- Paraná – Population: 11,516,840
- Rio Grande do Sul – Population: 11,422,973
- Pernambuco – Population: 9,868,526
- Ceará – Population: 9,344,437
- Pará – Population: 8,851,679
- Santa Catarina – Population: 7,328,011
10 Largest Cities by Population
- São Paulo
- Rio de Janeiro
- Brasília
- Salvador
- Fortaleza
- Belo Horizonte
- Manaus
- Curitiba
- Recife
- Porto Alegre
Education Systems
Education in Brazil is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14. The country has a robust public education system, supplemented by private schools and universities. Brazil is home to several prestigious universities, including the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Transportation
Airports
Brazil has numerous airports, with major international hubs located in cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília. Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo is one of the busiest airports in Latin America.
Railways
Brazil has an extensive railway network, although passenger services are limited compared to other forms of transportation. The total length of railways in Brazil is approximately 28,000 kilometers (17,398 miles), with major lines connecting key cities and industrial centers.
Highways
Brazil has a vast network of highways and roads, with the BR-101 and BR-116 being among the longest highways in the country. The Trans-Amazonian Highway, spanning over 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles), is one of the most iconic routes, traversing the length of the Amazon region.
Ports
Brazil has numerous ports along its extensive coastline, including Santos, Itajaí, and Rio de Janeiro. The Port of Santos is the largest port in Latin America and a crucial hub for international trade.
Country Facts
- Population: Over 210 million
- Capital: Brasília
- Language: Portuguese
- Religion: Christianity (predominantly Catholic)
- Race: Ethnically diverse, including European, African, Indigenous, and Asian heritage
- Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)
- ISO Country Code: BR
- International Calling Code: +55
- Top-level Domain: .br