Facts and Information about Brazil

The country of Brazil is the fifth largest in the world and the biggest in South America. Brazil is also the largest Portuguese-speaking country. Geographically, the Atlantic ocean lies to the east of Brazil, while its neighbors include Guyana, Venezuela, Suriname, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Brazil is also one of the fastest growing economies in today's world. In terms of GDP, the Brazilian economy is ranked eighth in the world, while the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) criterion, places it at ninth position in the world. Brazil is home to diverse wildlife and is a country rich in terms of natural resources.

The República Federativa do Brasil was formed on 7th September, 1889 and Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca was the first president. The total area of Brazil is 8,515,767 sq. km, and the currency of this nation is known as Real.

It is quite an interesting activity to study the history of Brazil. The bloodshed and story of independence from external powers is however, much similar to that of USA.

• Facts regarding origin of the word, Brazil are clouded by ambiguity. However, according to common beliefs, name of a timber called 'brazilwood' is said to be the origin of this word.
• The Portuguese claimed what is today's Brazil in 1500 A.D. Pedro Álvares Cabral was the one who led Portuguese forces that first arrived in Brazil.

• In the year 1534 A.D. a full-fledged colonization of Brazil by the Portuguese took place. The main reason behind intruders from Portugal taking over this huge land mass was the disputes among native tribes; this rendered them weak before the power of intruders.
• Brazil gained independence on 7th September, 1822. The first emperor of Brazil was Pedro I.

Today's Brazil is marked with contrasts. The country though, boasts of rapid economic growth, concerns like rapid deforestation and economic disparity cannot be ignored. Here are some of the important facts about present day Brazil.

• Brazil is one of the fastest growing economies and a BRIC nation (BRIC is an abbreviated form used to address the group of developing nations, Brazil, Russia, India and China). Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Salvado, and Manaus are amongst the major cities of Brazil.

• The coastline of this country is 7,491 km long, and Brazilian beaches are considered amongst most scenic places to visit. The country therefore, holds great potential for development of tourism.
• The abundant natural resources and a free economy are major assets of this country.

• Brazil is a leading sporting country as far as soccer is concerned.
• Although Brazil possesses natural resources aplenty, the rate of deforestation also is quite high. It should definitely be a cause of concern for this rising economic power.

Apart from the Portuguese, settlers/migrants came from different parts of the world, which includes the Italians, Arabs, Japanese, Spanish, and Germans. Brazil therefore incorporates a multi-ethnic society. The variety in climatic conditions, topographic features, customs, and traditions is reflected in the food of Brazil as well.

• All countries in the South America share their border with Brazil except for Chile and Ecuador.
• The population of Brazil is highly concentrated in the Southeastern and Northeastern parts of the country.
• The varied wildlife of Brazil has around 680 mammal species, 1,800 bird species, 3,000 fish species, and around 70,000 different species of insects.

The different Brazil facts and information covered here present before us the diversity and rich heritage of this lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) nation. There is a lot to be said and written about this Latin American country. The summarized form of information pertaining to Brazil, should however be of some help to readers.