BRAZIL
awesome jesse
background
Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889. Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil underwent more than a half century of populist and military government until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader, one of the first in the area to begin an economic recovery. Highly unequal income distribution and crime remain pressing problems.
type of gonvernment
the redeemer
Christ the Redeemer, or Cristo Redentor in Portuguese, is a larger-than-life statue of Jesus Christ with his arms outstretched, a symbol of peace that stands almost 40 meters high. Perched above Rio de Janeiro, on the the 700-metre high Corcovado mountain, the panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and the Atlantic Ocean, from the base of the statue are breathtaking.
The Statue is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is one of the world’s best known and most visited monuments. It represents Jesus standing over the city of Rio, with arms outstretched, welcoming people from near and far.
The span of his arms from fingertip to fingertip is 28 meters. A small chapel is housed in the base of the monument, which can fit about 150 people. As a vantage point, the Christ the Redeemer statue offers superb views of downtown Rio de Janeiro, the bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana beach and Ipanema Beach.
The Christ the Redeemer statue was inaugurated on the day of Our Lady of Aparecida, October 12, 1931, by then President of Brazil, Getulio Vargas and Cardinal Dom Sebastiao Leme.
The original design of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, Brazil, was created by a Brazilian, named Heitor da Silva Costa. He was also the engineer in charge of the construction. He shared the project with French sculptor Paul Landowski. Made of concrete and soapstone, the statue has required major maintenance after being struck by lightning and being defaced in recent history. As part of renovations to the site, elevators have been built so visitors can access the statue without climbing up the 220 steps.
Read more: http://www.mapsofworld.com/travel/destinations/brazil/christ-the-redeemer-statue#ixzz2jy95dLSp
bay of pigs
rio de janeiro
capital
name: Brasilia
geographic coordinates: 15 47 S, 47 55 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins third Sunday in October; ends third Sunday in February
note: Brazil is divided into three time zones, including one for the Fernando de Noronha Islands
Population:
201,009,622 (July 2013 est.) (July 2013 est.)