1. Overview of Brazil
If you are planning to travel to South America, check out these fun facts about Brazil to help you plan your trip. Occupying more than half of South America, Brazil is the largest country on the continent (and the fifth most populous nation in the world). Home to the Amazon Rainforest and some of the world’s most celebrated beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, Brazil is renowned for its natural attractions. Moreover, the nation is also incredibly diverse and features cultural and historic sites too.
2. Fun Facts About Brazil
Get ready to enjoy some of Brazil’s most interesting facts to help you get to know this vast nation better. When it comes to traveling, the country offers something for every kind of interest whether it’s the cuisine, the flora and fauna, the rich culture, or yes; the dazzling beaches and world-class resorts.
3. Brazilians Speak Portuguese
One of the most distinctive features of Brazil is its language; while the majority of South America speaks Spanish, Brazilians proudly communicate in Portuguese. This linguistic difference stems from Brazil’s colonial past when it was a part of the Portuguese Empire. Therefore, Portuguese serves as the glue that binds Brazil’s diverse population, acting as a reminder of its unique identity in the Latin American mosaic. Whether you’re dancing samba in Rio de Janeiro or exploring the Amazon rainforest, you’ll hear the melodious sounds of Portuguese around every corner.
4. Brazil is the Largest Country in South America
Brazil is not just the fifth largest country in the world with a landmass of 8.516 million km², but it also showcases the title of the largest country in Latin America and the largest country in the Southern Hemisphere. Consequently, it has the 6th largest population in the world with approximately 213,993,437 people. Remarkably, it borders nearly all the countries in South America except for Chile and Ecuador, making it an all-around very large country.
5. Brazil has 4,655 Miles of Coastline
No other nation on earth can boast as much continuous coastline as Brazil. The nation’s coast is dotted with world-class cities like Rio de Janeiro as well as picturesque towns like Barra da Lagoa. Tourists are particularly fond of Brazil’s Atlantic coast for its world-famous beaches and variety of activities to enjoy there like surfing, snorkeling, and sailing. If you’re looking forward to a beach holiday, you’ll want to consider visiting some of Brazil’s best-loved beaches such as:
- Copacabana (Rio de Janeiro)
- Ipanema (Rio de Janeiro)
- Lagoa de Conceicao (Florianopolis)
- Porto de Galinhas Beach (Porto de Galinhas)
- Praia do Sancho (Fernando de Noronha)
- Lopes Mendes Beach (Ilha Grande)
- Praia do Espelho (Trancoso, Bahia)
6. Brazil Is Well Connected
Brazil is not only the largest country in South America by land area but also the most well-connected in terms of borders. Its vast territory stretches across the heart of the continent, sharing boundaries with a remarkable nine of the eleven South American nations. However, there are two exceptions: Chile and Ecuador.
This geographical aspect underscores the sheer size and centrality of Brazil on the continent, reinforcing its pivotal role in regional politics, economics, and culture.
7. Four Million Plant and Animals Species
Brazil boasts approximately 15-20% of the world’s biodiversity—an ongoing discovery hub as many new plant and animal species are unearthed each year. Regarded as a ‘megadiverse’ country, Brazil features about 4,000 plant species, 9,000 vertebrates, and 120,000 invertebrates. The country showcases several notable animal ambassadors, including:
- Pink dolphin
- Capybara
- Maned wolf
- Piranha
- Capuchin
- Toco Toucan
- Three-toed sloth
- Poison dart frog
- Jaguar
Additionally, some of the country’s most celebrated plants include:
- Rubber tree
- Cocoa tree
- Strangler fig
- Giant water lily
- Lupuna
8. Brazil Hosts the World’s Largest Carnival
With roughly six million participants, Brazil’s Carnival celebration in Rio de Janeiro is one of the country’s most anticipated events of the year. The festival takes place on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and features street-wide celebrations filled with ornate parade floats and people dressed in elaborate costumes. Rio’s first Carnival was held in 1723, and today, this party attracts attendees from all over the world.
9. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Brazil is home to 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that attract tourists from all over the globe. These protected sites vary in accessibility but are all well worth visiting. Some of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites include:
- Iguacu Falls (the largest falls in the world)
- Pantanal Conservation Area
- Brazilian Atlantic Islands
- Central Amazon Conservation Complex
- Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site
- Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis
- Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves
- Serra de Capivara National Park
10. 60% of the Amazon Rainforest Is in Brazil
While the Amazon River and surrounding rainforest flow through northern South America, approximately two-thirds of it resides in Brazil. The Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest on the planet and features an extensive range of biodiversity. However, exploring the rainforest can be challenging due to the rough terrain. Travelers often enlist guides to navigate the region and witness the diverse flora and fauna that thrive there.
11. Feijoada is the National Dish of Brazil
The traditional Brazilian feijoada is a stewed black bean dish cooked with beef and pork. This dish is considered Brazil’s national dish, and it is a staple in every buffet across the nation.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and deliciousness. When cooked with various cuts of meat and mixed with black beans and spices, it becomes a mouthwatering culinary experience when served over rice.
12. Brazil is a National Park Champion
Home to more national parks than any other country in the Western Hemisphere, Brazil is rich in landscapes that are postcard-worthy. The country features a remarkable 72 national parks brimming with incredible biodiversity and dynamic landforms. Some of its celebrated national parks include:
12.1 Amazonia National Park
Located in the state of Para, Amazonia National Park is noted for its incredibly diverse habitat within its 3,300 square-mile area. Easily accessible via the Trans-Amazonian Highway, the park opens up opportunities for exploration.
12.2 Iguazu National Park
Iguazu National Park, situated in the state of Parana, is home to the celebrated waterfalls of the same name, attracting thousands of visitors each year. While the falls are the primary draw, the park also offers a host of hiking trails.
13. Rio de Janeiro: Brazil’s Melting Pot of Culture
The second-largest city in Brazil after São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro is a popular destination known for iconic sites like Copacabana and Ipanema, alongside natural wonders such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue. Visitors can also explore many other attractions, including:
- Copacabana Palace (landmark hotel)
- Tijuca National Park
- Botanical Garden
- Sao Bento (church and monastery)
- Maracana (stadium)
- Municipal theater
- Catedral de Sao Sebastiao
14. Land of Emeralds
Brazil is rich in natural resources, particularly emeralds. Since the 1970s, Brazil has supplied a steady flow of emeralds to the world, mainly from Minas Gerais. While Colombia is renowned for its emeralds, Brazil has produced many high-quality emeralds that rival those from its neighbor.
15. Coffee Goodness: World’s Top Producer of Bliss in a Cup
If you’re a fan of coffee, it’s likely you’ve enjoyed Brazilian coffee. As the world’s top coffee producer, Brazil’s state of Minas Gerais is renowned for its rich Arabica coffee beans. In fact, many plantations offer tours so that visitors can experience this beloved Brazilian export firsthand.
16. Home to Queimada Grande Island: Lair of Snakes
Queimada Grande Island is a fascinating yet dangerous Brazilian attraction due to its high concentration of venomous snakes, particularly the golden lancehead viper. This small island is only about 106 acres but is notorious for being one of the most dangerous destinations globally.
17. Home to Iconic Wonders and Landmarks
Alongside its natural wonders, Brazil is home to notable man-made attractions, including the Christ the Redeemer Statue, recognized as one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Other iconic landmarks include:
- Amazon Theater (located in Manaus)
- Cathedral of Brasilia
- São Paulo Cathedral
- Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum (Rio)
- Historic Center of Salvador, Bahia
- Colonial town of Parati
- Ibirapuera Park (São Paulo)
- Curitiba Botanical Gardens
18. City in the Rainforest: Manaus
Many visitors to the Amazon Rainforest expect to find dense forests filled with wildlife, yet at the heart of the rainforest lies Manaus, a city of two million people. This capital city of the Brazilian state of Amazonas has numerous attractions including its municipal theater, botanical gardens, and an opera house. Manaus has also hosted significant sporting events, making it a noted hub for both tourism and culture.
Brazil beckons travelers from around the globe to explore its enchanting landscapes, waterways, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, dance, sport, culture, or relaxation, you will undoubtedly find everything you seek in Brazil. Use these facts to help you meticulously plan your travel itinerary.
