Brazil
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- South America
- Capital
- Brasília
- Population
- 212 million (2024)
- Area
- 8,515,767 km²
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Currency
- Brazilian real (BRL)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +55
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Before you go
Overview
Brazil is the largest country in South America, covering nearly half the continent. It holds most of the Amazon rainforest, as well as the Pantanal wetlands and a long Atlantic coastline.
History
Portugal claimed Brazil in 1500. It became independent in 1822 as an empire, then a republic in 1889.
Food & culture
Feijoada (black bean and pork stew), pão de queijo, churrasco and açaí are popular. The caipirinha is the national cocktail.
Wildlife
The Amazon and the Pantanal are home to jaguars, pink river dolphins, giant otters, anacondas and macaws.
Festivals & events
Carnival in Rio, Salvador and Recife is the biggest party on Earth, and Festa Junina is celebrated in June.
Things to see
Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio, Iguaçu Falls, the Amazon, the Pantanal, Salvador and Lençóis Maranhenses.
Interesting facts
Portuguese is the official language, making Brazil the largest Portuguese-speaking country. The Amazon River carries more water than any other river.
Cities & towns I’ve visited
- Belém
- Boa Vista
- Fortim
- Foz do Iguaçu
- Linhares
- Macapá
- Maceió
- Olinda
- Paraty
- Pipa Beach
- Porto Seguro
- Recife
- Rio de Janeiro
- Salvador
- Santarém
