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With average temperatures above 65 Fahrenheit all year long, Brazil is best known for its tropical beaches - more than 4,600 miles of Atlantic coastline. The richness and diversity of the country's fauna and flora is astounding offering an amazing array of ecological vacations including the Amazon forest, Pantanal wildlife, and Iguassu Falls. This country and its people will delight you with its landscapes, sports, music, food, and love of life. |
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| GEOGRAPHY |
Brazil is the largest country in Latin America. It spreads across almost half (47.3%) of South America, and occupies a total area of 8,547,403.5 km2. It is the fifth largest country in the world after Canada, the Russian Federation, China and the United States. Except for a small number of islands, Brazil is a single and continuous land mass. The Equator passes through the northern region, near Macapá, and the Tropic of Capricorn cuts through the south of the country, near Sao Paulo. Brazil's east to west extension (4,319.4 km) is almost equivalent to its north to south distance (4,394.7 km). The country borders French Guiana, Suriname, Guiana, Venezuela and Colombia, to the north; Uruguay and Argentina, to the south; and Paraguay, Bolivia and Peru, to the west. Ecuador and Chile are the only two countries on the South American continent that do not border Brazil. The Atlantic Ocean extends along the country's entire eastern coast, providing 7,367 km of coastline. |
| MONEY EXCHANGE |
| The currency used in Brazil is called the Real (R$) and the foreign exchange rate is published daily in the newspapers and other specialized sites. Foreign exchange can be handled in banks, travel agencies and authorized hotels. Travelers' checks as well as currencies are easily exchanged at these locations. International credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, stores, car rental companies and other companies that render services to tourists. A floating exchange rate is used. The Brazilian currency has remained reasonably stable. From November 2003 to April 2004, the American dollar maintained an average exchange rate of R$ 2,90, according to data from the Brazilian Central Bank. |
| PEOPLE |
| Current population is over 169 million. The Brazilian population is predominately young. The population is concentrated along the Atlantic coastal areas of the southeastern and northeastern states. There are three basic racial sources for the Brazilian people. To the original inhabitants (Indians) were added successive waves of Europeans (mainly Portuguese) and Africans (mostly from the sub-Saharan west coast). In the 16th century, the area which is now Brazil was inhabited by several hundred Indigenous tribes who, while racially similar, spoke different languages and had different cultures. Groups speaking the Tupi and Guarani languages lived along the coast and in the adjoining hinterland and they established intermarriages with the Portuguese settlers. Many tribes speaking other languages (Gê, Arwak, and Karib), on the other hand, lived in the interior and they took longer to establish contact with the outsiders. Today Brazil's native Indians number about 250,000. They are divided into roughly 200 groups and they speak some 180 different languages. The Indians live in vast areas (328,185 sq. miles [850,000 sq. km]), equal to ten percent of Brazil's total territory, which has been set aside from them by the Federal Government. In these areas, which total more than twice the size of the state of California, the Indians are free to preserve their life-style. Starting in the middle of the 16th century, Africans belonging to the Bantu and to the Sudanic ethnic groups (a large proportion of the Sudanic group came from the Yoruba nation from what is today Nigeria and Benin) were brought to Brazil to work as slaves in the sugarcane, and later, in the gold and diamond mines and the coffee plantations. The integration process that had begun between the Europeans and the Indians rapidly spread to include the black slaves.
This racial mixing went on as Brazil began, at the end of the 19th century, to receive increasing numbers of immigrants from all over the world. Portugal remained the single most important source of migrants to Brazil, with Italy second, followed by Lebanon. In the first half of the 20th Century, as a consequence of war or economic pressures, sizable contingents of immigrants came to Brazil from parts of western, central, and eastern Europe. In 1908, 640 immigrants came to Brazil from Japan. Because of the welcoming social environment, a Japanese migration trend was established. By 1969, 247,312 Japanese had emigrated to Brazil. Today Brazilians of Japanese descent are the largest such group outside Japan. |
| SHOPPING |
Smart souvenir hunters can do well in Brazil, provided they know a little about Brazilian culture. Most people find the best souvenirs to be music, local crafts and artwork.
Most of the Indian crafts sold in FUNAI stores are expensive but the quality generally matches the price.
Outside the big cities, your best bet for craftwork are artisan fairs. The Northeast has a rich assortment of artistic items.
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| TAX |
International flights:
$20. Pay in cash.
Domestic flights:
$12 to $15. You'll have to pay it at each airport in cash.
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| HOLIDAYS & FESTIVITIES |
Brazilian popular festivities permeate the entire calendar, which makes Brazil a country of constant celebrations. Below are some of the most important festivities:
CARNAVAL:
One of the greatest popular manifestations in the world, Carnaval is an accurate register of Brazilian cultural miscegenation. The festivity has its own characteristics in each part of the country. This festivity starts on Saturday, finishing the following Tuesday, almost always in the month of February. According to the Catholic-Apostolic-Roman calendar, Carnaval is held 40 days before Easter. In some places, the festivities start before and continue for more than a week after the official date. In the city of Rio de Janeiro, Escolas de Samba (Samba Schools) parade at the Sambódromo, presenting their stories and parading enormous floats down the samba avenue, together with approximately 5,000 members wearing a variety of costumes, always in tune with that year's theme, parading in front of the audience as if telling a story.
In Recife and Olinda, in the State of Pernambuco, frevo (a typical dance)-typical dance from the State-is the dominating dance setting the pace for the party.
On the Saturday before Carnaval a crowd of almost one million people take the streets of Recife to go dancing with the Galo da Madrugada (Midnight Rooster), the greatest symbol of Pernambuco frolics. During Carnaval time, old Recife becomes crowded.
In Olinda, the merrymakers parade their costumes on the city's streets. In Salvador, in the State of Bahia, people occupy the streets to follow the Trio Elétricos, which are big trucks transformed into moving platforms where bands play axé-music, a typical rhythm from Bahia. Starting from the Pelourinho and the Low City, African groups play their drums all the way to Castro Alves Square, the heart of the carnaval from Bahia, where there is a celebration.
June Parties (Festa Junina):
In Campina Grande, State of Paraíba, this festivity is enlivened by the forro-pé-de-serra and the square dance-the typical rhythm from the Northeast and one of the several types of dance in the country. The Party gathers thousands of people and has won the title of the 'Greatest Sao Joao in the World'. Its name is in honor of Saint John's Day, June 24th, one of the most important festivities of the June circuit. The People's Park becomes an enormous outdoor ball room, where one can also find typical food and arts and crafts. Another destination that has become famous for its June celebrations is the city of Caruaru. There, northeastern rhythms like forro, xote, and baião attract approximately one million people to the Caruaru Party. There is also presentation of square dancers, floats and folklore groups, while fireworks illuminate the sky. There are kiosks of typical food and arts and crafts spread around the city, and there is also a meter-high bonfire marking the last day of festivity. The June parties are celebrated all over the country, but in Caruaru they start earlier, in the end of May.
Parintins Folklore Festival-State of Amazonas:
In the heart of Amazônia, in Parintins, there a dispute between Caprichoso and Garantido, the city's most famous bois-bumbás. The oxen are characters of a dramatic dance from the Christmas cycle, in which one of them dies and resuscitates later. The city is painted blue (Caprichoso) and red (Garantido), dividing the crowd of 100 thousand people that goes to the Bumbódromo every year. Floats, costumes and fireworks complement the party, which is held in the second half of June, and lasts three days.
Nazareth Candle-Belém, State of Pará:
The city's largest party, Círio de Nazaré is in homage of Our Lady of Nazareth, patron of the State of Pará. It gathers approximately 1.5 million believers in a procession through the city to the Nazareth Basilica. In the procession, the Saint's image is conducted on a platform, with a long cord attached to it. Thousands of people dispute the privilege of holding the cord as a way to show gratitude for the blessings. The event is held annually, always on the second Sunday of October.
New Year in Copacabana-City of Rio de Janeiro:
The most famous Reveillon (New Year's Eve) in the world gathers millions of people along Copacabana Beach. Coming from all parts of Brazil and from other countries, people usually dress themselves in white to celebrate the beginning of the New Year, to watch the fireworks and to perform their private ritual of passing from one year to the next. Some people offer flowers to Iemanjá, believed to be the queen of the sea; some jump seven waves in order to have a good year; among other things. The celebrations start in the evening of December 31st, with many musical shows, and only end with the sunrise.
São Paulo International Cinema Show:
This showing, which is about to complete its 30th edition, promotes a selection that contemplates diversity and the revelation of new talents in the national and international cinematographic universe. The event starts in the second half of October and continues for two weeks.
Brazilian Grand Prix of Formula 1:
The only GP in South America attracts racing fans from all over the country and the world to the racing circuit at Interlagos, in the city of São Paulo. It is traditionally held during the months of March or April.
Gramado Cinema Festival:
At the top of the Gaúcha Mountain Range, Gramado is itself cinematographic scenery, with its beautiful landscape. In Gramado, national and Latin-American movies are proudly exhibited. The winners take the Kikito, a city symbol trophy, that represents the God of Good Humor. The event always happens in August and lasts 6 days.
Oktoberfest:
The country's largest German party, the Oktoberfest receives hundreds of thousands of people that consume and celebrate. Blumenau, a city of German colonization, becomes the main destination in Santa Catarina during the two weeks of October when the festivity is held.
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| COUNTRY ORIENTATION |
Tourist visa required for U.S. citizens visiting Brazil. Visas must be obtained in advanced from the Brazilian Consulate.
Yellow Fever Vaccination recommended for all Travelers to Peru?s Amazon Rainforest
NORTH REGION:
There are 7 states in this region: Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins. The Amazon is the largest biological reserve in the world and has unparalleled natural resources, as well as one third of the planet's living species. The rivers of the Amazon Basin, through which one-fifth of the world's fresh water flows, are 'roads' that lead to the heart of the jungle. Ten of the twenty largest rivers on earth are located in the Amazon River Basin. One of them is the Amazon River, which is 4,087 miles long. In Manaus, the free-trade zone is a haven for buying duty free electronics. In this state capital, you can visit the exquisite 19th century renaissance style Amazon Theatre.
NORTHEAST REGION:
This region includes nine states: Alagoas, Bahia, Ceara, Maranhão, Paraiba, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio Grande do Norte and Sergipe, and one territory, the Fernando de Noronha island. There, you will encounter summer weather year-round, as well as the most beautiful beaches on the continent. The beaches range from the fascinating Canoa Quebrada beach, in Ceara, to Genipabu and its sand dunes in Rio Grande do Norte, Porto de Galinhas in Pernambuco and the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, among many others, where every imaginable type of water sport is practiced. You will find in this region two sites that have been proclaimed by Unesco as World Heritage sites: Olinda, Pernambuco, the birthplace of Portuguese civilization in Brazil, and Pelourinho in Salvador, Bahia.
WEST CENTRAL REGION:
This regions contains three states: Goias, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. Also in the Central West is the Federal District, Brasilia, the nation's capital. With its bold architectural style, the capital city is so avant garde that is stands out as the only 20th century architectural complex to be proclaimed a World Heritage Site by Unesco. On the other hand, the Mato Grosso Pantanal (Wetlands), a veritable ecological sanctuary, preserves the pristine nature in this unique ecosystem. The visitor may stay in lodges and venture out with trained guides to safely observe crocodiles, anacondas, rheas, anteaters, parrots, deer, capybaras, and countless birds, who choose the Pantanal as one of the world's most important stops on their migratory routes.
SOUTHEAST REGION:
Brazil begins to show its more urban side in the Southeast. The states of Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, comprise this region. In Rio de Janeiro, known as the 'cidade maravilhosa' (marvelous city), the lush greenery is starkly contrasted against the thousands of modern buildings within this bustling metropolis. The city offers a night life and cultural activities famous for their year round intensity. Don't miss the most renowned Carnival parade in the world with its luxurious samba schools and a high quality hotel system. The state of Rio de Janeiro also has stunning beaches in Angra dos Reis, Búzios, and historic buildings in Parati, and the mountainous region of Petrópolis (the famous Imperial City), Teresópolis and Friburgo.
In the state of Minas Gerais, you can discover the architecture of the past, visiting the famous masterpieces of the baroque sculptor Aleijadinho, and the historic towns of Ouro Preto, Mariana, São João Del Rey, Tiradentes, Sabará, Diamantina, and Congonhas do Campo. The inhabitants of São Paulo are mainly of European, Japanese, and Arab ancestry. Together, they built veritable industrial and commercial empires, bringing with them their native culture and cuisine. Thus, they turned this city into a land of wonders with its myriad of restaurants and shopping centers, and with some of the country's best music, theatre, and business enterprises. The northern coast of the state of São Paulo boasts splendid beaches at Ilha bela, Ubatuba, and São Sebastião.
SOUTH REGION:
The facial features and cultural preferences of this region's inhabitants create a markedly European atmosphere becasue it was colonized mainly by German, Italian, and Polish immigrants. In the state of Paraná, besides the city of Curitiba, a model in urban planning and lifestyle, you will be enamored by the Iguassu Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. In Florianopolis, on Santa Catarina Island and along the entire coastline, the beaches are themselves a feast for the eyes, with waters and sands to suit all tastes. The northern coast of the island, in Joaquina, hosts international surfing competitions.
, the Rio Grande do Sul state capital, is the centre of Brazil's third largest communications network. In October, the city of Blumenau attracts enthusiastic tourists from all over the country and even abroad for the Oktoberfest, a beer festival. Pomerode in Santa Catarina, as well as Gramado and Canela, in Rio Grande do Sul, bear a striking resemblance to Bavaria, with their colonial cafés serving delicious German delicacies. The strong regional spirit in this state makes for a rich folklore of music and dance coupled with the traditional 'churrasco', (barbecue) and the 'chimarrao' (mate tea). |
| WEATHER |
Average Annual Temperatures
Although 90 percent of the country is within the tropical zone, more than 60 percent of the population live in areas where altitude, sea winds, or cold polar fronts moderate the temperature. There are five climatic regions in Brazil: equatorial, tropical, semi arid, highland tropical, and subtropical. Plateau cities such as Sao Paulo, Brasilia, and Belo Horizonte have very mild climates averaging 66°F (19°C). Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and Salvador on the coast have warm climates balanced by the constancy of the Trade Winds. In the southern Brazilian cities of Porto Alegre and Curitiba, the subtropical climate is similar to parts of the U.S. and Europe with frosts occurring with some frequency. In this region temperatures in winter can fall below freezing. Despite the popular image of the Amazon as a region of blistering heat, temperatures of more than 90°F (32°C) are rarely experienced there. In fact, the annual average temperature in the Amazon region is in the range of 72 79°F (22-26°C), with only a very small seasonal variation between the warmest and the coldest months. The hottest part of Brazil is the northeast where, during the dry season, between May and November, temperatures of more than 100°F (38°C) are recorded frequently. The northeast has greater seasonal variation in temperatures than does the Amazon region. Along the Atlantic coast from Recife to Rio de Janeiro, mean temperatures range from 73°F to 81°F (23 27°C). Inland, on higher ground; temperatures are lower, ranging from 64°F to 70°F (18 21°C). South of Rio, the seasons are more noticeable and the annual range of temperature greater. The average temperature for this part of the country is in the range between 63°F to 66°F (17 19°C).
Average Annual Rainfall
Brazil's most intense rainfall is found around the mouth of the Amazon River near the city of Belém, and also in the vast upper regions of Amazonia where more than 78 inches (2,000 millimeters) of rain falls every year. Another important region of heavy rainfall is along the edge of the great escarpment in the state of Sao Paulo. Most of Brazil, however, has moderate rainfall of between 39 to 59 inches (1,000 to 1,500 millimeters) a year, with most of the rain falling in the summer, between December and April. The winters tend to be dry. The driest part of the country is the northeast, the so called 'polygon of drought', encompassing 10 percent of the country's territory. In this region rainfall is undependable and the evaporation rate is very high, making it difficult to raise crops. Along the coastline, south from Recife, the mountains trigger rainfall from the Trade Winds. In some places behind the mountains, such as the region south of Salvador, the hinterland is dry because the rain is dumped on the mountains leaving very little for the area behind. |
| DISTANCE & TIME |
| Because of its continental dimensions Brazil has 4 time zones. The official time is Brasilia time and it corresponds to 3 hours less than GMT. From September to February the clocks are put forward one hour in most Brazilian States. |
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