Brazil's name comes from brazilwood, a tree traded by early Portuguese sailors. The dominant language is Portuguese, though indigenous languages are still spoken in remote areas. Brazilian literature dates back to the 16th century writings of Portuguese explorers. Cuisine varies regionally but is largely based on rice, beans, beef, and local fruits, with coffee and cachaça as popular drinks. Brazil's culture derives from its Portuguese, African, and indigenous roots, seen in architecture, music, dance, religion, and arts like Baroque to modern styles. Music genres include samba, bossa nova, and regional styles with African, European, and indigenous influences.

1. BRAZIL Nations of the Americas: A Country Report HIST 141 Summer 2011 By: Le Thi My Ho

2. Literature " Brazil " comes from brazilwood, a timber tree that many sailors traded from Brazilian regions to Europe in the 16th century; " red like an ember “ Brazil is called " Pindorama “ - " land of the palm trees “ Official dominating language is Portuguese, the only language used in newspapers, radio, television, and for business and administrative purposes 180 Amerindian languages are spoken in remote areas and a number of other languages are spoken by immigrants and their descendants Brazilian literature dates back to the 16th century, to the writings of the first Portuguese explorers in Brazil

3. Food Brazilian cuisine varies greatly by region, reflecting the country's mix of native and immigrant populations Local common fruits like açaí, cupuaçu, mango, papaya, cocoa, cashew, guava, orange, passionfruit, pineapple , and hog plum are turned in juices and used to make chocolates, popsicles and ice cream But the everyday meal consist mosty of rice and beans with beef and salad Fried potatoes, fried cassava, fried banana, fried meat and fried cheese are very often eaten in lunch and served in most typical restaurants The national beverage is coffee and cachaça is Brazil's native liquor

4. Culture , Art , and Music The core culture of Brazil is derived from Portuguese culture, language, Roman Catholicism and colonial architectural styles. Strongly influenced by African , indigenous and non-Portuguese European cultures and traditions. The indigenous Amerindians influenced Brazil's language and cuisine; and the Africans influenced language, cuisine, music, dance and religion Brazilian art has developed since the 16th century into different styles that range from Baroque (the dominant style in Brazil until the early 19th century) to Romanticism , Modernism , Expressionism , Cubism , Surrealism and Abstractionism Brazilian music encompasses various regional styles influenced by African, European and Amerindian forms. It developed distinctive styles, among them samba, MPB, choro, Sertanejo, brega, forró, frevo, maracatu, bossa nova, and axé

5. Sources http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil