BRAZIL
| Capital City | Brasilia |
| Geographic Location | Brazil is situated along the Atlantic Ocean, in the eastern part of South America. The land it is located on includes not only portions on the ocean shore, but also some in the inner areas. Brazil, a neighbor of all the countries in South America except Equador and Chile, neighbors Uruguay to the south, Argentina and Paraguay to the southwest, Bolivia and Peru to the west, Colombia to the northwest, Venezuela to the farther west, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana to the east. While the Amazon and rainforests cover the north part of the country, mountains stand in its southern part. While the savannah climate is observed in its central western part, a large portion of the population lives in the big cities on the shore to the Atlantic Ocean. Brazil, the fifth largest country in the world, is the most populous country in South America with 190 million people. |
| Geographic Coordinates | 10 00 G, 55 00 B |
| Climate | As Brazil stretches over a vast geographical area, it shows various climatic characteristics. No significant temperature changes are experienced in Brazil, which is located to a large extent within the tropical climate zone. However, microclimates are common in its regions. A very humid climate dominates the Amazon region, located to the north, with rainfall throughout the year. In the central regions of the country, the savannah climate is experienced with rainfall only during certain periods. Cold winter months can be observed in the mountainous regions in the western part of the country. There is snowfall, especially on the high areas. |
| Time Zone | GMT -3 |
| Language | PORTUGUESE |
| Other Languages | |
| Monetary Unit | Real |
Telephone |
International Country Telephone Code (to Brazil): 0055, International Country Telephone Code (from Brazil): 00 + the related country code |
| Mobile Phone | GSM 900/1800/2100, 3G, HSDPA, EDGE |
| Important Phone Nos. | Everywhere in the country: 190 – Police, 192 –Ambulance, 193 – Fire Department |
| Internet | .br |
| Opening Hours | Banks and other government offices 09.00–15.00 (Monday-Friday) and 08.30–11.00 (Saturday). Shopping centers 10.00–22.00 (Monday-Saturday). |
| Public Holidays | New Year’s Day (January 1), Saint Sebastian Day-Founding of Rio de Janeiro (January 20, only in Rio de Janeiro), Founding of Sao Paulo (January 25, only in Sao Paulo), Rio Carnival (In the middle of February, 7 weeks prior to Easter), Easter (March 24), Tiradentes (April 21), Ascension of Jesus/Labour Day(May 1), Corpus Christi (May-June, 60 days after Easter), Independence Day (September 7), Patroness of Brazil (October 12), Finados (All Souls’ Day) (November 2), Republic Day (November 15), Christmas (December 25), Day of Goodwill (December 26) |
| Electric | 120-240V/60HZ |
General Information
Brazil was discovered by the Portuguese sailor Pedro Alvares Cabral in 1500 and then transformed into a Portuguese colony. The country, which declared its independence on 1822, first became an empire and then what is known as the Federative Republic of Brazil since 1889.
The largest city of Brazil, which is also the most populous country in South America, is Sao Paulo with a population of approximately 20 million, making it also the most populous city of the continent. Rio de Janeiro with a population of 11.4 million, Belo Horizonte with that of 4 million, Porto Alegre with that of 4 million, Refice with that of 3.6 million, Fortaleza and Salvador da Bahaia with that of 3.4 million each, and the capital city Brasilia with that of 2.2 million are largest and most populuous residential areas of the country.
Among these cities, Sao Paulo is the economic and industrial center of the country. Bovespa, the only stock market of the country, operates here. The city, the population of which continues to increase as its economy grows, is face-to-face with traffic and environmental issues. A large portion of the city’s population is of Italian heritage. Edificio Italia –the second highest building of Sao Paulo with a 168 meter height— with a restaurant that offers a panoramic city view, Bixiga –the center that keeps the Italian culture alive to an extent that is only second to Italy—famous for the city’s theaters, venues, and night life, and Ibirapuera Park—the “Central Park” of Sao Paulo with natural areas of 1.5 million square meters are among the most popular places to visit. The best places for shopping are Rua Oscar Freire for Houte Couture brands and jewellery, Rue Jose Paulino for reasonably priced textile, and Rua Santa Ifigenia for electronics. Among the important events in the city are the Formula 1 race in Intergalos, the world’s oldest biennial, and Pride Parade which is the largest homosexual parade in the world.
Rio de Janeiro, which remained to be the capital city of the country for nearly 200 years, is also the most popular and well-known one. Today, more than its bureaucratic aspect, it is known for the Rio Carnival –the most colorful festival in the world—,beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema, the Christ the Redeemer statue which is recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Maracana Stadium, football (soccer), music, and samba. Rio, in which you can see people of every color, is one of the most ethnically diverse and therefore peaceful/relaxed places in the country. The major touristic activity in Rio is taking a trip to the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoying the view of the city. Tijuca National Park, which is situated over a 32 square kilometer area in the city, is the home of various endangered plant and animal species from the Atlantic Forest. Rio is also quite famous for its night life. On the one hand there are world-renowned night clubs and an “underground” entertainment world on the other. You may see football (soccer) stars such as Ronaldo or celebrities such as Mick Jagger in places like Baronetti, Nuth, Catwalk, Help, and Skylounge; all of which have high entrance fees. Tourists are advised to exercise caution due to an extremely high level of criminal activity in the city.
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