Brazil — map and facts

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world, a vast nation of enormous natural richness and cultural vitality. With a population of approximately 215 million, Brazil is home to the Amazon rainforest — the world's largest tropical forest — as well as iconic cities including São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The capital is Brasília. The currency is the Brazilian real (BRL).

About Brazil

Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is a federal democratic republic in eastern South America. It is the largest country in both South America and the Southern Hemisphere. Brazil shares borders with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador. It is the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas. Brazil has 26 states and one federal district (Brasília).

Geography and landscape

Brazil covers approximately 8.52 million km². The dominant feature is the Amazon Basin, which covers more than half the country's area and contains the world's largest tropical rainforest — home to an estimated 10% of all species on Earth. The Amazon River (6,400 km) is the world's largest by water discharge. The Brazilian Highlands plateau stretches across central and eastern Brazil. The north-east is characterised by the semi-arid Caatinga, while the south hosts the Pantanal — the world's largest tropical wetland. The Atlantic coast stretches over 7,400 km.

History

Before European contact, Brazil was inhabited by hundreds of Indigenous peoples. Pedro Álvares Cabral claimed the territory for Portugal in 1500. Brazil became the world's largest sugar and then coffee producer under Portuguese rule. In 1808, the Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil following Napoleon's invasion. Brazil declared independence in 1822 under Emperor Dom Pedro I, becoming an empire before transitioning to a republic in 1889. Slavery, not abolished until 1888, left a profound mark on Brazilian society.

Economy and currency

Brazil has the largest economy in South America and the ninth largest in the world. Key sectors include agriculture (Brazil is the world's leading exporter of soyabeans, beef, chicken, sugar, and orange juice), mining (iron ore, bauxite), petroleum, and manufacturing. Brazil is a member of BRICS and the G20. The Brazilian real (BRL) is the national currency. São Paulo is Latin America's largest financial centre.

Culture and language

Portuguese is the sole official language of Brazil — the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world. Culture is a vibrant blend of Indigenous, African, and European (primarily Portuguese) influences, most visible in music (samba, bossa nova, forró), dance, and cuisine. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's most famous cultural events. Football is a national passion: Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup five times.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Brazil? Brasília, a planned city inaugurated in 1960, built in the interior to shift development away from the coast.

What currency does Brazil use? The Brazilian real (BRL).

What language is spoken in Brazil? Portuguese is the sole official language.

What is the Amazon rainforest? The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest, covering approximately 5.5 million km² across nine countries. The majority lies in Brazil.

How large is Brazil? Brazil covers approximately 8.52 million km², making it the fifth largest country in the world.