Fun Facts About Brazil!

· The country motto is “order and progress.”

· It is the fifth largest country in the world, and the largest country in both South and Latin America.

· The land was colonized by the Portuguese, although many tribes lived there prior to this.

· Brazil gained independence in 1822.

· There are over 201 million citizens.

· Their currency is the Brazilian Real.

· The name of the country came from the Brazilwood found in the area and in Portugal.

· It takes up approximately 47% of South America.

· It is the only country in the world that has the equator and land outside tropic regions as well.

· It has the second largest river in the world, the Amazon.

· The Amazon has the world’s largest biodiversity in the world!

· Brazil has 26 states.

· Brazil’s focuses mainly on ecotourism, especially revolving around the beautiful beaches, Iguassu Falls, and the Amazon.

· There is an almost equal distribution between white and multiracial people.

· 67% of people are Catholic.

· Feijoada is the national dish.

· Rice, beans, beef, and salad are very commonly used in meals.

· Futbol (soccer) is the most popular sport in the country. Brazil has one of the best teams in the world.

· Brazil is hosting the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

· The Copacabana beach area is very famous for paddle boarding.

· ATMs close at 10pm for security reasons.

· Brazil is the world’s second most ATM frauded country .

· It is legal to go through a red light, which is very common at night time. If you are a pedestrian, be very careful! Cars and motorcycles do whip out very fast.

· 89% of the population of Salvador, Brazil is of African descent. This city has the largest African population outside of the continent of Africa.

· Brazil is home to the Amazon rainforest, which houses more than 1/3 of all species known on planet Earth!