| The Federative Republic of Brazil is the | | | | Brazil covers just under 3.3 million square |
| largest country in South America. Following | | | | miles of South America. The climate in Brazil |
| is an overview of fun loving Brazil for | | | | is mostly tropical, particularly in light of |
| travelers. | | | | the Amazon River basin. |
| | | | |
| Overview of Brazil for Travelers | | | | With a population exceeding 186 million, |
| | | | Brazil is the fifth most populous country in |
| Indigenous peoples have populated for a long, | | | | the world and largest in South America. |
| but undetermined, period. European influence | | | | Despite covering a vast area, most of the |
| began with Pedro Alvares Cabral when he | | | | population lives in urban cities such as Sao |
| claimed Brazil as a Portuguese colony in | | | | Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte. If |
| 1500. In a little known development, Brazil | | | | you think traffic is bad in your location, |
| actually became the location of the | | | | keep in mind over 18 million people live in |
| Portuguese government in 1808 when Napoleon | | | | greater Sao Paulo! |
| chased the royal family out of Portugal. | | | | |
| While in Brazil, the family ruled from Rio de | | | | The people of Brazil are called "Brazilians." |
| Janeiro until 1821 when it returned to | | | | The population is 186 million people and |
| Europe. This move was motivated by a | | | | growing at a rate of .1 percent a year. 74 |
| declaration of independence by Brazil, led by | | | | percent of Brazilians consider themselves |
| Dom Pedro. | | | | Roman Catholics. The official language is |
| | | | Portuguese and the literacy rate is 86 |
| As with many South American countries, Brazil | | | | percent. Average life expectancy is 71.3 |
| has seen its ups and downs from a political | | | | years. |
| perspective. In 1989, it finally completed a | | | | |
| transition to a popularly elected government | | | | Brazil is one of the world's leading |
| when Collor de Mello won the popular vote. | | | | producers of hydroelectric power. Over 75 |
| Less than three years later, he was forced to | | | | percent of its electrical power is generated |
| resign under the cloud of corruption charges. | | | | via dam projects. |
| | | | |
| In 2002, Luiz Inacio da Silva rose to the | | | | If you are considering visiting Brazil, you |
| position of president. Lula, as he is known, | | | | should keep in mind that crime can be a |
| represents a major change in Brazilian | | | | problem in certain areas. Use common sense |
| politics. He is the first leader from the | | | | and you will have no problem. Brazil is a |
| working class. | | | | blast, very cheap and gets a big thumbs up as |
| | | | a travel destination. |