2. Brazil Capital: Brasilia Official Language: Portuguese Government: Presidential Federal Republic Population: 196,342,592Â (5th) Brazil's flag is a deep green banner with a yellow diamond enclosing a night-blue as a sky. The sky has 27 white, five-pointed stars (one for each state and the Federal District); the stars are arranged in the pattern of the night sky over Rio de Janeiro on November 15, 1889 (this is the date when the republic was proclaimed). A banner across the sky reads, "ORDEM E PROGRESSO," which means âOrder and Progressâ.
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7. Brazilian people are always friendly and cheerful. Smiles go a long way. Cities in Brazil are vibrant and exciting with carnivals and music
8. Our entire family goes to grandma's house on Sundays for a big family get together. Even when we see each other everyday.
9. We leave your house spotless when we have people coming over. Because everything means party. And if the party isnât over until 5 a.m. is NOT a party! Also, if someone tells us to be at a certain place (specially party) at 8:00 pm, we don't show up until 10:30 or 11:00 p.m.
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11. Any holiday, being it official or not, is an excuse to stay home from work and take a week vacation.
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13. Cost of living can be as low as 30% of the cost in the US/Europe
19. Rio de Janeiro has many Carnival choices, including the famous Samba school (Escolas de Samba) parades in the sambadrome exhibition centre and the popular groups of carnival, which parade in almost every corner of the city.
20. North Region The north of Brazil offers unique opportunities. There are 7 states in this region. 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. 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. The region has a well developed ecotourism industry with high standard tours that are conducted by well trained guides who have survival training.
21. The differences between the black water of the Rio Negro and the white water Amazon are readily apparent where two rivers meet near Manaus, Brazil. The rivers run side by side, clearly distinct as separate white and black water, before blending together after several miles.
23. Amazon Animals The Amazon rainforest is the biggest forest in the world and is also the last big space covered with tropical plants and animals. Spectacularly there are an estimated 15,000 different kinds of Brazilian Amazon animals. Anaconda Snake Made famous around the world by the film of the same name, the anaconda snake is also known as the water boa. The snake lives in water and swamps surrounding the Amazon and is nocturnal. It is one of the largest and most powerful snakes in the world. It kills its prey by constriction, or squeezing.
25. Moves such as James Bond made in the 1970s and 1980s have made the piranha a worldwide phenomenon. In fact, the only species of piranha that can strip flesh of an animal in double quick time are the red-bellied piranha. One of the oldest Brazilian Amazon animals, the tapir is the world's most primitive large mammal.
26. Amazon Hotels Ariau Towers As an unusual hotel, Ariau lets you sleep in the treetops of the Amazon Rainforest. âTarzanâs house,â for example, is perched on stilts 80 feet above the ground. Situated on the bank of the Negro River, Ariauâs apartments, suites and tree houses are linked by a series of catwalks
28. CearĂĄ The northeast of Brazil is the main âsun and beachâ destination in the country and is also the area that is receiving most investment and attention on an international level.
29. Lençóis Maranhenses It is a sea of sand dunes that occupies 70 km of coastline and advances 50 km inland. This formation provides impressive views comprised of countless lakes with blue and green water that during the rainy season contrast with the white sand of the dunes, which can reach 40m in height.
32. Salvador In tropical Salvador, June, and July are the coolest months with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, abundant rain and pleasant trade winds blowing off the ocean. In June, folklore comes alive with celebration, music, dances, festive food and street decorations. Salvador holds a special place in the development of the Brazilian nation and Afro- Brazilian cultural identity. Salvador was the first capital city in Brazil.
33. Lacerda Elevator This tower with four electric lifts provides access between the High and Low areas of town and fabulous panoramic views of Salvador from it's top. It is 74 meters (242 ft) in height.
35. Fernando de Noronha Fernando de Noronha is a small volcanic island found a few hundred kilometers off the coast of Brazil. It is formed by twenty one islands and has a main island - the biggest one also called "Fernando de Noronha" - which is the only one inhabited. It's considered "the biggest natural world aquarium for animals of this species". The Fernando de Noronha archipelago is divided in two conservation units: the National Marine Reserve and the Environmental Protected Area.Each of these units has its own preservation rules, so as to harmonize use and environmental preservation with the sustainable development.
38. Central West Region This Region is right in the heart of Brazil, where Brazil's national capital, BrasĂlia, is situated. The Central-West is the most important area for agriculture in the country. It's the second largest region of Brazil, but has a low demographic density. With the move of the country's federal capital from Rio de Janeiro to BrasĂlia in the 60s, the construction of roads and railways to the interior of the country made the accesses easier, speeding up the population settling and contributing significantly to its development.
39. Brasilia Brasilia is a world reference for urban planning. The locating of residential buildings around expansive urban areas, of building the city around large avenues and dividing it into sectors, has sparked a debate and reflection on life in big cities in the 20th century. The architecture and layout of the city is truly fascinating, and deserves a place on any architect lover's list. Brazilian National Congress
41. Belo Horizonte Belo Horizonte is surrounded by mountains and built on rolling hills and is the 3rd largest city in Brazil. Belo Horizonte is the capital of Minas Gerais state and is home to almost 2.4 million people.
42. Ouro Preto Ouro Preto (Black Gold) is a famous historic city because it is well conserved and has a lot of attractions such that : museums, night parties and carnival. The city was called Goldâs City because the Portuguese discovered that there was a lot of gold to be explored.
43. Pantanal Pantanal is one of the world's largest freshwater wetlands. Millions of waterfowl breed along its rivers and lagoons. Dense populations of exotic animals in its forests and grasslands. The Pantanal is a vast area, larger than Greece, and very sparsely populated. Most of the inhabitants of the Pantanal are remote native tribes or cattle ranchers, but the regionsâ popularity as a tourist destination has surged in recent years. Pantanalâs Post Card: Arara
44. Southeast Region Brazil begins to show its more urban side in the Southeast. It is the richest region of the country, responsible for approximately 60% of the Brazilian GDP. Southeast region concentrates the majority of the population, urban population, vehicles, industries, universities, airports, ports, highways, hospitals, schools, houses and many others. The largest city in Brazil, Sao Paulo, is located in this region, followed by Rio de Janeiro, well known by Marvelous City.
45. Sao Paulo Paulista Avenue Sao Paulo's main street is one of the favorite spots for Paulistanos.Being a city landmark, Paulista Avenue has all the shopping's and brands from every corner of the world.And you won't get bored at nighttime either, as you have every possible nightclub imaginable, making Sao Paulo a premier destination after Rio's. Also this avenue is the largest financial center in Latin America. There you will find national and international banks.
46. March 25th Street Today March 25th Street is the location of Latin America's largest outdoor market. On March 25th Street you can find just about anything you may be looking for. There are over three thousand shops located in the 2,700 or so buildings in and around March 25th Street. These shops sell various products including electronics, shoes, clothing, jewelry, furniture, toys, sunglasses, CDs, DVDs, and much more!
47. Municipal Market The Municipal Market of SĂŁo Paulo (Mercado Municipal de SĂŁo Paulo) also known as "MercadĂŁo", in Downtown SĂŁo Paulo, is an impressive building in the neoclassical style, measuring over 22 thousand square meters in area, tastefully outfitted and boasting a collection of beautiful stained glass windows. The construction was begin in 1928 and ended in 1932.
48. The Municipal Market is well attended by its delicious typical food, including a bologna sandwich and the famous pastel of cod. Also there are all kinds of fruits, meats, cheeses and wines. Pastel of Cod Bologna Sandwich
50. Ibirapuera Park (Portuguese: Parque do Ibirapuera) is a major urban park in the city of SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil. It has a large area for leisure, jogging and walking, as well as a convention center. Its importance to SĂŁo Paulo is comparable to the Central Park in New York City.
51. Beaches in Sao Paulo Ubatuba Its beaches are beloved for many Brazilians. It has 80 beaches over its 90 kilometers coast, from the exited and dynamic beaches of Itamambuca and Vermelha do Norte, frequented by sportsmen, with strong waves, until the free paradisiacal beaches of La Playa de la Hacienda, with calm waters.
52. Ilha Bela Ilha Bela is the biggest island in Brazil and one of the most visited, maybe because itâs near the two main cities in Brazil. Itâs located 210 miles south of Rio de Janeiro and 138 miles north of SĂŁo Paulo. A paradise for people that like to be outdoors. The island is ideal for who want to practice aquatic sports. There are great 35 km of beaches, and a coastal Atlantic rain forest.
53. Sao Vicente As the most ancient Brazilian municipality, "City Monument of Country's History", "Main Cell of Nationality", and due to the condition of being a touristic city of Santos, having historical and watering place characteristics, Sao Vicente is included among the watering resorts.
54. Santos Port The Port of Santos is located in the city of Santos and is the biggest one in Latin America. The port works 24 hours 7 days in the week and imports and exports several products as well as coffee, orange juice, soybeans, cars, and others.
55. Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro ("River of Januaryâ in English) is the second largest city of Brazil and South America, behind SĂŁo Paulo, and the third largest metropolitan area in South America, behind SĂŁo Paulo and Buenos Aires. It is the state capital of Rio de Janeiro. The city is nicknamed Cidade Maravilhosa, or "Marvelous City". It is also famous for its natural settings, its Carnival celebrations, samba and other music, and hotel-lined tourist beaches, such as Copacabana and Ipanema. Some of the most famous landmarks in addition to the beaches include the giant statue of Christ, known as Christ the Redeemer ('Cristo Redentor') atop Corcovado mountain, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; Sugarloaf mountain (PĂŁo de AçĂșcar) with its cable car.
62. The SambĂłdromo, a giant permanent parade stand used during Carnival (on the right) and MaracanĂŁ stadium, one of the world's largest football stadiums.
66. South Region Blond children with blue eyes and a strong regional accent make you wonder: Am I really in Brazil? This is the south. Since it was colonized mainly by German, Italian, and Polish immigrants, the facial features and cultural preferences of this region's inhabitants create a markedly European atmosphere. It has the highest standard of living in the country. The capital of ParanĂĄ state, Curitiba, has the largest population and also the largest economy, and the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, has the largest metropolitan area. The south is also the coldest region of Brazil.
67. Curitiba Curitiba is a Brazilian urban success story: the city boasts excellent health, education and public transport facilities. Thanks in part to the relative lack of traffic, it is a pleasure just strolling around day or/and night - in safety. With its wide boulevards, parks and gardens it has a reputation throughout Brazil as a pleasant place to live. Also, Curitiba is one of the three cleanest cities in all Latin America.
70. Iguassu Falls Iguassu Falls are waterfalls of the Iguassu River located on the border of the Brazilian state of ParanĂĄ and the Argentine province of Misiones. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguassu. The falls can be visited at any time of the year, however the waterfalls are at their most impressive between the months of December to March, which is the rainy season.
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72. Oktober Fest â Beer festival In October, the city of Blumenau, one of the most important cities in the State of Santa Catarina, attracts enthusiastic tourists from all over the country and even abroad for the Oktoberfest, a beer festival. Oktoberfest in Brazil is a great introduction to the country's German heritage. Inspired in the Oktoberfest in Munich, the Oktoberfest in Brazil is now one of the world's largest outside Germany. And it is held in the spring, one of the best things about it is the fact that you can time
73. City of Blumenau Typical German dances are also part of the celebration.
74. Florianopolis Florianopolis, or Floripa is one of the most safest place in the whole of Brazil. It has became the gateway for some of the greatest beaches in Brazil through Santa Catarina. The northern part of this island can be quite busy and crowded. The whole island boasts some of the best surfing in Brazil and is also known for its great nightlife with crazy clubs and friendly people. There are 42 beaches around the island each diverse and unique in itâs own way and all within a short distance from the downtown center.
75. Jurere International Clean waters, white sands, easy access - about 20 minutes from downtown FlorianĂłpolis - are some of the reasons to visit JurerĂȘ, on the northwest coast of Santa Catarina Island. Highest standard of living
76. Brazilian Food Brazilian cooking history is in every bite of the country's food. Native Indians developed corn porridge, cassava meal, sweet potatoes, many roots, hearts of palm, many species of game and fish, and the preservation of meats by smoking and drying. Caipirinha Caipirinha is the national cocktail made with Cachaça (or vodka), sugar and key lime. Cachaça is Brazil's most common distilled alcoholic beverage. It is a potent, delicious lime and sugar can drink - very refreshing for the tropics! Cafezinho Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer and is becoming a significant player in the specialty coffee industry. The Brazilian Coffee is famous because is strong and and for its special taste.
77. Feijoada Feijoada - the national dish of Brazil, this Brazilian food will be served to you whether you chose to eat in one of the many Brazil restaurants, or if you are more adventurous and chose to eat on the street. Feijoada is a delicious combination of rice, black beans and pork. The best time to eat it is on a Sunday, as this the traditional time to eat this.
78. Brazilian Barbecue Brazilians were the first to raise cattle in South America. Churrasco (pronounced shoo-RAS-koo) or Brazilian barbecue was the traditional staple food of who lives in South Brazil or cowboys of Southern Brazil for centuries before it spread to Rio de Janeiro and SĂŁo Paulo. It has become very fashionable and there are excellent steak houseâs or churrascarias (restaurants specializing in Brazilian barbecue) all over Brazil and around the world.
79. Guarana What is guarana about? As far as we're concerned, it's mostly about Brazilian soda, and its flavor. Although we won't deny that taking guarana has some effects similar to those you can expect after taking caffeine, it is the exotic flavor that makes guarana sodas so interesting. The best brands deliver a fruity taste, aren't overloaded with sugar, and have a pleasant aftertaste.
80. Salgados are a wide group of snack foods that are mainly salty pastries, but can also include things like chips and pretzels. At nearly every cafe, deli, and juice bar in most parts of Brazil, salgados are freshly made and people eat them as snacks at any time of the day. Here are some of the most common ones you will find. Coxinha A tear-drop shaped fried pastry filled with chicken Pastel de carne/queijo: Meat/cheese pastries These look like Chinese food .The outside is like a crunchy crackers you get with Chinese delivery in the US, and the inside is ground meat or cheese.
81. Coconut The water that there is inside of the coconut is a delicious drink and is very good for treatment of dehydration. You can buy it anywhere in Brazil and pay no more than $1.
82. Juices In Brazil you can find all kinds of natural juices you can imagine . Brazil produces the most exotic fruits in the world .
83. Soccer We take soccer too serious! Ronaldo, the âphenomenalâ. He has receive the Player of the Year award 3 times. Ronaldinho has received the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice.
84. Pele is a retired Brazilian soccer player, rated by many as the greatest soccer player of all time. He was given the title of Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee.