Brazil
By: Stephanie Samsel
Background and History
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, in population and land. In the past, it was controlled by Portugal, but it gained independence in 1822. This resulted in their most-spoken language; Portuguese. Four major cities include: Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Fortaleza, but not BrasÃlia; it's capital.
Flag
The Brazilian flag has a green background with a yellow rhombus, featuring a blue globe with 27 white stars.
Geographics
Brazil is located east of Bolivia, south of Venezuela, and west of the Atlantic Ocean. Physical features include the Amazon River, Brazilian Highlands, and Pantanal wetlands.
Government and Economics
Brazil has a federal republic government, with leader President Dilma Rousseff. Their economic system is capitalism, and the Brazilian Real is their currency.
Tourism
People should visit Brazil because the scenery is beautiful, with a variety of physical features. These include rain forests, jungles, beaches, bays, and of course, the Amazon River. There is also fascinating plant and animal species. Tourists should visit Fernando de Noronha, a stunning archipelago with beaches and wildlife.
Fun Facts
- Brazil is the largest Japanese community outside of Japan
- The name, "Brazil", is associated with the brazilwood tree that was used to produce red dye
- Brazilians eat breakfast (cafe da mania) between 6 and 8am
Citations
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html
http://online.culturegrams.com/world/world_country.php?cid=25
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/samerica/brazil/brfacts.htm
http://world-leaders.findthedata.com/q/7/1703/Who-are-the-leaders-of-Brazil
http://www.xe.com/currency/brl-brazilian-real
http://www.economywatch.com/market/world-markets/brazil-market.html
http://www.brazil.org.za/tourism.html
http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-brazil/
http://us-cash.info/Brazil-Reais-images-of-Brazilian-paper-money-banknotes.htm