Capital: Brasília

Language: Portuguese

Currency: Real

Brazil is the giant of the South America region. It is the fifth-largest nation in the world in terms of area and population.

Geography

The only countries in South America with which Brazil does not share borders are Chile and Ecuador. Brazil is divided into five regions (North, Northeast, South, Southeast and Midwest). In the Midwest are the capital, Brasília and the Pantanal, known for its wildlife, especially water birds and alligators. In the North, the main biome is the tropical rainforest, also known as the Amazon Rainforest, home to some of the richest biological diversity on the planet.

The Northeast is blessed with incredible natural beauty and the most exuberant coastline, being one of the Brazilian regions with the greatest tourist potential. The South has only three states and is the smallest region in Brazil, with a lot of European influence, mainly German and Italian.

Finally, in the Southeast are the best-known cities: the largest industrial and commercial centre in Latin America, and often the gateway to Brazil through its international airport, São Paulo; and Rio de Janeiro, the centre of world-famous attractions such as the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain, the Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, and the Maracanã, a stadium built for the 1950 World Cup.

Climate

The country has 9 ecosystems: Amazon Forest, Caatinga, Pantanal, Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, Pampas, Mangue and Araucaria Forest. Its climate is tropical, but the southern states experience a more rigorous winter. Its climate is tropical, but the southern states experience a more rigorous and occasionally snows in winter.

Culture

Like much of Latin America, it is enthusiastically influenced by the West, particularly derived from Portuguese culture. A large cultural mixing happened in the colonial period, involving the indigenous people, Portuguese conquerors, and African slaves, but, over time, with more waves of immigration, the blend increased!

Gastronomy

Due to its dimensions and cultural variety, the gastronomy presents infinity of dishes appreciated by the most demanding palates, but the rotating barbecue and the Feijoada (typical Brazilian dish made with black beans and several kinds of meat, mainly from pork) accompanied by a lemon caipirinha are the ones that stand out the most internationally.

Because Brazil is such a melting pot of colours, languages and customs, its cuisine is similarly varied. In addition, the various types of dishes and ingredients used depending on the geographical location within Brazil.

We have dedicated online training courses for Brazil and for Brazilian regions, please visit Brazil Online Training after you complete the Introduction to South America course.