Brazil Facts

Largest country in South America, Brazil is also the fifth largest country in the world. One of the specialties of Brazil is that it is the largest lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) nation in the world. Total area of Brazil is 8,514,877 sq. km and it has an estimated population of 191,796,000. Brasilia is the capital city while 'Real' is the currency.

Brazil Facts and Information

The countries that share their boundaries with Brazil are Suriname, Guyana and Venezuela on the north, Bolivia & Peru on the West, Colombia on the northwest, Uruguay on south and Paraguay & Argentina on southwest. Brazil was conquered by the Portuguese in the 1500s and this huge land mass was their colony till 1815.

Geography and Climate
Brazil shares its border with every country in South America except for Ecuador and Chile. Atlantic ocean lies at the east of this Latin American country. The long coastline of Brazil has many beaches which attract tourists from across the world. Diverse climatic zones and topography is one of the specialties of this country. Different topographical features of Brazil include the mountains, plains, highlands and scrublands. One of the most complex and extensive network of rivers is found in Brazil; there are eight drainage basins in this country and their water flows into the Atlantic ocean. Important rivers of Brazil are the Amazon, Parana, Iguacu, Sao Francisco, Negro, Madeira, Xingu and Tapajos.

The varied topography of Brazil has led to the development of diverse climatic conditions. However, major portion of this country hosts a tropical climate. As per the Koppen Climate Classification system, climatic subtypes of Brazil are the tropical, equatorial, subtropical, semiarid, temperate and highland tropical. More about Brazil can be known through following paragraphs.

Environmental Issues
The natural resources of Brazil make it one of the richest countries in the world. However, deforestation is the cause of concern for today's Brazil. The problem of air and water pollution in cities like Sao Paulo and Rio De Janeiro also need to be addressed. Mining activities conducted in an improper manner have led to the degradation of land; water pollution too has increased because of mining activities. Now let us find some interesting facts about Brazil.

Interesting Facts about Brazil
Let us have a look at some interesting information related to this country.

• Earlier, the southeastern region of Brazil had a dense forest cover. Today, this region is the most populous in the country and hosts major cities.
• The variety of animals found in Brazil is greater than in any other country. Different climatic zones of Brazil are home to 600 species of mammals, 1,600 bird species, 1,500 species of fish and 100,000 insect types.
• The largest wetland in the world known as Pantanal also can be found in Brazil. This area is marked by the presence of small islands and flooded lagoons.
• The historical landmarks of Brazil provide great scope for development of tourism in this country.
• It was earlier believed that Asians settled the huge nation of Brazil. However, as per new evidences, traces of even older settlements have been found (around 32,000 years old).
• The first attempt to overthrow the Portuguese regime by Brazilians was made in 1789. Although, the rebellion was crushed, it started off a movement towards freedom. Finally, in 1822, Brazil attained a sovereign state. Expulsion of the king was however, carried out in 1888.

The vast area, natural resources and human resource of Brazil offer great scope for development. The facts presented above, also point to the grave problems like deforestation. It is necessary for the government and people in general to strive for a green and prosperous Brazil.