Brazil is the largest country in South America, covering nearly half of the continent's land area. It is the fifth-largest country in the world, both in terms of land area and population, with over 213 million people. The official language is Portuguese, and the capital city is Brasília.

Brazil's economy is the ninth largest in the world, with a diverse mix of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The country is a major producer and exporter of coffee, soybeans, beef, and other agricultural products. Brazil is also a leader in the production of ethanol, a renewable fuel made from sugarcane.

Brazil is a federal presidential republic, with a President serving as both the head of state and head of government. The country is divided into 26 states and one federal district, each with its own governor and legislature. Brazil is a member of the United Nations, the G20, and the BRICS group of emerging economies.

Brazil has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history as a colony of Portugal and its diverse population. The country has a vibrant music scene, including traditional genres such as samba and forró, as well as modern styles such as funk and hip-hop. Brazil is also home to many iconic landmarks, such as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon rainforest, which is the largest tropical rainforest in the world.

Despite its many strengths, Brazil faces challenges such as income inequality, political corruption, and deforestation. The country has taken steps to address these issues, including implementing social programs to reduce poverty and inequality, cracking down on corruption, and increasing efforts to protect the environment. Brazil has also been working to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment, with a focus on innovation and technology.

National holiday
Independence Day, 7 September (1822)

Telephone Code
55

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 192 or 193 ; Fire: 193; Police: 190

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Mostly tropical, but temperate in south

Currency (Code)
Reals (BRL)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): C, N (No standard voltage)

Major Languages
Portuguese

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 64.6%, other Catholic 0.4%, Protestant 22.2%, other Christian 0.7%, Spiritis 2.2%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested; if you plan to drive in Brazil, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Rio Carnival; Iguazu Falls; Lencois Maranhenses National Park; Christ the Redeemer Statue; Fernando De Noronha archipelago; Amazon Theatre; Canoa Quebrada; Botanical Garden of Curitiba; Amazon Rain Forest

Major Sports
Soccer, volleyball, basketball, capoeria (Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music)

Cultural Practices
Street markets (feira) are a popular feature in all areas of Brazil. They offer a wide selection of unique foods. Coxinha (ko-sheen-ya), a type of minced chicken [croquettes], is especially popular.

Tipping Guidelines
A standard service fee of 10% is included at most restaurants and bars; if not, you may leave a 10-15% tip. Round up the fare for a taxi driver's tip. Leave loose change for housekeeping each night.

Souvenirs
Woven hammocks, carved wooden figurines and musical instruments, gold and silver gemstone jewelry, handmade lace, feather headdresses

Traditional Cuisine
Feijoada — kidney or black beans stewed with beef and pork and sometimes vegetables

Geography
Area
total: 8,515,770 sq km
land: 8,358,140 sq km
water: 157,630 sq km

Climate
mostly tropical, but temperate in south

Natural resources
alumina, bauxite, beryllium, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, niobium, phosphates, platinum, tantalum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber

People and Society
Population
218,689,757 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
White 47.7%, mixed 43.1%, Black 7.6%, Asian 1.1%, Indigenous 0.4% (2010 est.)

Languages
Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); note - less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages

Religions
Roman Catholic 64.6%, other Catholic 0.4%, Protestant 22.2% (includes Adventist 6.5%, Assembly of God 2.0%, Christian Congregation of Brazil 1.2%, Universal Kingdom of God 1.0%, other Protestant 11.5%), other Christian 0.7%, Spiritist 2.2%, other 1.4%, none 8%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.)

Population growth rate
0.64% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
federal presidential republic

Capital
name: Brasília

Economy
Economic overview
industrial-led economic growth model; recovering from 2014-2016 recession when COVID-19 hit; industry limited by Amazon rainforest but increasing deforestation; new macroeconomic structural reforms; high income inequality; left UNASUR to join PROSUR

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$3.128 trillion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$14,600 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
sugar cane, soybeans, maize, milk, cassava, oranges, poultry, rice, beef, cotton

Industries
textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment

Exports
$317.175 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
China 28%, United States 13% (2019)

Exports - commodities
soybeans, crude petroleum, iron, corn, wood pulp products (2019)

Imports
$297.924 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 21%, United States 18%, Germany 6%, Argentina 6% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, vehicle parts, crude petroleum, integrated circuits, pesticides (2019)