 Brazil
is the largest country in South America covering almost
half of the continent, its dominant features being the
Amazon rain forest expanse, breathtaking beaches,
tropical islands and charming colonial towns.
The capital, Brazilia, Rio de Janiero as well as Sao
Paolo are modern bustling cities with a flourishing
economy, inhabited by a melting pot of ethnic groups and
cultures, the dominant traditions being the rich and
melodious Brazilian music and football. Portuguese is
the official language, although Spanish, English,
Italian, French and German are widespread.
The coastline is the most visited area, with its
dramatic views and beautiful ocean surf, though the
world's biggest forest of the Amazon is by far the jewel
of this country. Few tourists venture into the
wilderness areas of Pantanal, or the canyons and caves
of the Chapada Diamantina or the gold mining towns of
Minas Gerais.
The sites one must not miss are the Corcovado, in Rio de
Janeiro with the Cristo Redentor at its summit, as well
as Rio's famous beaches, Ipanema and Copa Cabana.
The Falls of Iguaçu are also a must, situated in a
protected national park populated by abundant wildlife,
these high waterfalls boast 275 cataracts which include
the spectacular Garganta del Diableo (Devil's throat).
The colorful city of Salvador da Bahia, part of UNESCO
World Heritage is also a must with its characteristic
cobblestone streets and colonial houses. While the ultra
modern city of Brasilia will strike you with its
futuristic architecture or its majestic cathedral, which
is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
The climate in Brazil varies greatly as do the time
zones due to its vast surface area. There are very hot
regions in the interior part of the country and other
tropical ones with heavy rainfalls. The mountain areas
can also get quite cold during the winter season.
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