Occupying more than half of the continent,  Brazil is the largest country in South America in both area and population. In fact, it ranks fifth in the world for both. The world’s largest tropical rain forest, along with the Amazon river and other rivers cover much of the northern area with its huge trees and jungles.  
     About 80 percent of the people live within 200 miles of the Atlantic coast. Brasilia is the capital of the country. Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are the country’s two largest cities. With a population of over 10 million people, Sao Paulo is one of the world’s largest cities.  Rio de Janeiro is a city that many tourists visit from around the world. It is known for its breathtaking coastline, exciting nightlife, and colorful festival..........
.....Brazil has three main ethnic groups-people of African descent, people of European descent and people of mixed ancestry.   About 40 percent of the peole of of mixed African and European ancestry.  About 75 % of the people are Catholic. Many practice other religions which combine African spiritual beliefs and Catholicism.  
     Soccer, which is called futebol in Brazil, is the country’s favorite sport.  The world’s largest stadium is located in Rio de Janeiro.  Many soccer stars have become national heroes including the most famous player, Pele, who became famous in the 1960’s.   Other popular sports include horse racing, car racing, and basketball.
     People who live in the cities have a better choice of food than those who live in the country areas.  In the poor sections of Brazil, the chief foods are beans, cassava, a starchy root, and rice.  Brazil’s national dish is called Feijoada.  It combines black beans, dried beef, and pork.
     The official language in Brazil is Portuguese.  It’s government is a Federal Republic with a strong national government. It has 26 states and 1 federal district, the capital which is Brasilia.  The government has 3 branches like our government:  an executive branch headed by the president, a legislative branch called the Congress and a judicial branch or court system.  The president is elected by the people for a term of 4 years. He can be reelected one time.  The constitution gives the president great power over the states.
     Tourists from around the world come to Brazil to visit the Christ The Redeemer monument in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro.  It is one of the most visited statues in the world.

.......................... It was named a New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007! 

Click on your tour guide below to learn more about the monument, Christ The Redeemer.