Compelling, Fun, and Interesting Facts About Brazil

Besides its world-class soccer team, Brazil is well-known for many other things, like its coffee production, and being home to one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World.

Basic Facts About Brazil

Official Name : Federative Republic of Brazil

Commonly Known As : Brazil

Capital : Brasilia

Official Language : Portuguese

Largest City : Sao Paulo

When we first think of Brazil, we think soccer. And why not, considering that the national soccer team of Brazil has won the coveted FIFA World Cup a record 5 times. But besides soccer, there is a lot more to this South American country. Officially known as 'Brasil' or 'Republica Federativa do Brasil', it is not only the most populous country in Latin America, but also among the biggest countries in the world. We're gonna surprise you with some interesting facts about Brazil, which many of you might not know.

Brazil is the eastern most country of the Americas, and falls between central South America and the Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered by Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela and the department of French Guiana to the north, and Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to the south. To the west, Brazil shares its border with Peru and Bolivia, while to the northwest it is bordered by Colombia. Ecuador and Chile are the only South American countries which do not share their boundaries with Brazil.

Brazil is the largest country in Latin America. It is the fifth largest country in the world in terms of area as well as population. It has a total territory of about 8,514,876.599 square kilometers. The coastline is around 7,367 km. Many archipelagos (cluster of islands) come under the territory of Brazil. Chief among these are Penedosde Sao Pedro e Sa Paulo, Trindade e Martim Vaz, Atol das Rocas, and Fernando de Noronha.

The motto of Brazil is 'Order and Progress'. Brazil consists of 26 states and one federal district. The government of a state is headed by a Governor who is elected by popular vote. Each state has municipalities with a legislative council and a mayor in place. Brazil has been a colony, an empire, a republic, and under military rule. Today, it is a democratic nation - a presidential representative democratic republic according to the constitution of 1988.

The main land characteristic of Brazil are the extensive Amazon rainforest in the north, and the hilly and low mountainous regions in the south. Brazil contains almost 60% of the Amazon rainforest. The south has most of the agricultural population, as well as the agricultural base.

The highest peak in Brazil is Pico da Neblina, at 9,735 feet, in the Guiana's highlands. The entire Atlantic coast is home to several mountain ranges, some reaching up to 9,500 feet in height. The chief rivers are the Amazon, Parana, Igacu and the Negro, Xingu, Madeira, Tapajos, and Sao Francisco.

Fun Facts

An astounding 4 million species of plants and animals exist in Brazil. Not only that, there are even more species being discovered every day.

As everyone must be knowing, Brazil is famous for its soccer team. In fact, Brazil is the only country to have won the prestigious FIFA World Cup 5 times, their latest victory coming in 2002. Brazil was also host for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Every major city in Brazil has a soccer stadium.

Voting in the elections is compulsory in Brazil. Everyone between the ages of 18 and 65 has to vote.

The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. It is the largest Portuguese speaking country in the world.

Spanning over 2,800 miles from north to south, Brazil earns the honor of being the longest country in the world.

Brazil has many billionaires, and is ranked in the top ten in world for the country with the most number of billionaires.

Brazil is home to one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World - the Christ the Redeemer Statue, which overlooks Rio de Janeiro.

There is no official religion in Brazil, though over 75% of the population are Roman Catholics.

Brazil is a hot spot for tourism, and its second largest city, Rio de Janeiro, is one of its most preferred tourist spots. Rio de Janeiro is full of pristine beaches, and has an amazing night life as well. It also has special parties for ushering in the new year. Today, Brazil is considered to have the fastest growing economy, and is in the top ten of the most powerful nations in the world, economy wise.