Brazil
Ordem e Progresso
A GORGEOUS NIRVANA
Located in the Eastern part of South America, Brazil borders the Atlantic Ocean and has been a tropical paradise of rolling hills, beautiful mountains, and 7,491 miles of glorious coastline. This is truly a wonderful place to travel to.
The People
Brazilians have a slowly growing population. Many of the younger generation are taking their time to have children and the elderly populace is growing. The literacy rate is over 91%, while the ranking for childhood obesity is 121st. The indigenous tribes are mostly nomadic.
The Language
Many Brazilians speak Portuguese, but there are other mixed languages. These languages include Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, English, and some minor Amerindian languages. The indigenous tribes still use their original languages, but many are slowly learning new ones.
The Religion
Religion in Brazil is mostly Roman Catholic, with some Protestant, Jewish, Islam, and Buddhists. Aparecida do Norte, Sao Paulo is home to the worlds second largest church, named Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida. You could also go visit Rio de Janeiro, Teresina, or Fortaleza.
SO, WHY TRAVEL?
In recent years, the population of Brazil has been rapidly urbanizing the landscape. Nearly 85% of the total area has been urbanized. You can go and visit the beautiful cityscape, without leaving any of your normal amenities behind.
The Climate
Most of the country is tropical with some semi-arid and temperate. The country has occasional snow in its northern-most regions. Brazil is recognized for having the most biologically diversified area in their Amazon Rainforest. The rich landscape permits new species to grow and develop.
The Culture
Their most famous cultural expedition is the Rio Carnival. It takes place at the cultural core of Brazil. Their are visible Portugese, African, and Indigenous influences in the music, art, and architecture of the country. The most popular sport is football (soccer) and the cuisine is different all through the country.
The Landscape
The total land mass is a little bit smaller than the U.S.A., but that doesn't mean it isn't just as beautiful. The country encompasses many beautiful archipelagos and gorgeous coastline. Brazil is a country that sits right on the equator, and as such has wonderful warm temperatures all year round, with lovely rainforests and mountains that can always be visited.
BEFORE YOU GO,
As of every place you could travel, Brazil has some things that are quite different from our home here. Take the time to learn about where you are travelling to make your journey alot more enjoyable.
The Subcultures
Tropicalia is a Brazilian art movement that has been occuring since the 1960's. It encompasses the ideas of pushing the boundaries of what is accepted as the norms. The Queer subculture has also been growing vastly in the past years.
The Government
Since gaining their independence from Portugal, in 1822, they have had a federal presidential constitutional republic, based on a representative democracy, that has been run very smoothly. They have been lead by President DIlma Rousseff since 2011.
The Culture Change
In recent years, the need for lumber has been growing and it is causing a decrease in the rainforest's land space. Indigenous tribes that have never seen a car are now forced to live right next to roadways. Their cultures have been adapting and changing with the landscape.
The Folkways
It is not uncommon to be interrupted, speaking is very lax and direct. Brazilians tend to say what is on their mind, when it is on their mind. It is not considered flirtation when a man and a woman stand close or touch during conversation, this is also considered normal behavior. Friends and peers tend to maintain eye contact, while the working class and poor will not make eye contact with those perceived to be higher in status.
The Taboos
In a work related environment you are not allowed to wear jeans. Dressing well and keeping nails manicured are things that are required for daily life. Possession of drugs is not only illegal, but is frowned upon by the people.
The Countercultures
Countercultures in Brazil aren't very prevalent.
Citations
Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.
"Brazil." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.
Subcultures and Countercultures in Brazil - Brazil. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2015.
"BRAZIL." Brazil Traditional Customs. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2015.