Brazil, located in eastern South America, is a vast and vibrant country that borders 10 nations: Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela… more than any other country on the continent!
With a population of over 208 million (as of July 2018), Brazil holds the title of the largest country in South America by both area and population.
Its people are known as Brazilians, and the national language is Portuguese — the only country in South America where Portuguese is spoken.
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world by total area (including both land and water), surpassed only by Russia, Canada, China, and the United States.
The capital city of Brazil is Brasília, the political heart of the country; while São Paulo reigns as the commercial powerhouse.
In fact, São Paulo is also the most populous city, home to approximately 11.8 million people.
Other major cities include:
- Rio de Janeiro – 6.4 million
- Salvador – 2.9 million
- Brasília – 2.8 million
- Fortaleza – 2.5 million
According to Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism, over 6.5 million international tourists visited Brazil in 2017, with most coming from Argentina, the USA, and Chile.
Discovering Rio de Janeiro
One of Brazil’s most iconic destinations is Rio de Janeiro, a city famous for its natural beauty, rich culture, and warm coastal vibe.
‘Rio de Janeiro’ translates into ‘River of January’ in English.
Among Rio’s top attractions is the world-renowned:
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)
This mesmerizing granite peak towers at 396 meters (1,299 feet) and offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in South America.
Shaped like a loaf of sugar — hence the name — this mountain sits at the mouth of Guanabara Bay.
To reach the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, visitors ride glass-walled cable cars that offer breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains.
A round-trip ticket costs around 20 US dollars — a small price for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Guanabara Bay is the deepest natural bay in the world and opens out into the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Don’t Miss: Christ the Redeemer
Another must-see in Rio is the Christ the Redeemer statue, which stands a majestic 98 feet (30 meters) tall atop Corcovado Mountain.
This globally recognized landmark is a symbol of Brazilian faith and hospitality, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Brazil: A Country That Leaves You Gaping in Wonder
From lush rainforests and world-famous carnivals, to stunning coastlines and monumental landmarks, Brazil is a country that captivates the senses.
What did we leave out? Would you visit Brazil? Let us know in the comments!
