About Brazil

The People

Brazilians are composed of a variety of people and races, whose characteristics, including resilience, natural warmth and profound artistic sensibility, contribute to the unique Brazilian identity. Brazilians are internationally recognized by their happiness, love for festivals and celebrations such as the world famous Carnival with its street parades, costumes, music, dancing, and parties. Patriotism and pride in the nation are strong. Despite class distinctions and the diversity of the population, people are proud to be Brazilian. Families are large and close in Brazil. Young adults normally live with their parents until they get married. The current population is over 170 million, predominately young and concentrated along the Atlantic coastal areas of the southeastern and northeastern states.

There are three basic racial sources for the Brazilian people. To the original inhabitants (Indians) were added successive waves of Europeans (mainly Portuguese) and Africans. In the 16th century, the area, which is now Brazil, was inhabited by several hundred Indigenous tribes who, while racially similar, spoke different languages and had different cultures. Groups speaking the Tupi and Guarani languages lived along the coast and in the adjoining hinterland and they established intermarriages with the Portuguese settlers.

Today Brazil's native Indians sum up about 250,000. They are divided into roughly 200 groups and they speak some 180 different languages. The Indians live in vast areas, equal to ten percent of Brazil's total territory, which has been set aside from them by the Federal Government.

Starting in the middle of the 16th century, African ethnic groups were brought to Brazil to work as slaves in the sugarcane and, later, in gold and diamond mines and in coffee plantations. The integration process that had begun between the Europeans and the Indians rapidly spread to include the black slaves.

This racial mixing went on as Brazil began, at the end of the 19th century, to receive increasing numbers of immigrants from all over the world. Portugal remained the single most important source of migrants to Brazil, with Italy second, followed by Lebanon.

In the first half of the 20th Century, as a consequence of war or economic pressures, sizable contingents of immigrants came to Brazil from parts of western, central, and Eastern Europe. In 1908, 640 immigrants came to Brazil from Japan. Because of the welcoming social environment, a Japanese migration trend was established. By 1969, 247.312 Japanese had come to Brazil. Today Brazilians of Japanese decent are the largest such group outside Japan.

History

Recent archeological discoveries suggest that Brazil may have been inhabited as long ago as 40,000 years. In addition, there is continuing speculation that Brazil may have been visited by the 15th century Portuguese explorers who sailed widely in the South Atlantic, trading with Africa and settling the Azores and Madeira Islands. However, Brazil was formally claimed in 1500 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral . It was ruled from Lisbon as a colony until 1808 when the Portuguese royal family, having fled from Napoleon's army, established the seat of government first in Salvador and later in Rio de Janeiro .

Brazil became a kingdom in 1821. Dom Pedro I successfully declared Brazil's independence in 1822 and became emperor. Dom Pedro II ruled from 1831 to 1889, when a federal republic was established. From 1889 to 1930, the government was a constitutional democracy with limited voting rights. The presidency alternated between the dominant states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais. This period ended with a military coup by Getúlio Vargas , who remained as dictator until 1945; and from 1945 onward, there were elected presidents with one military coup interrupting in 1964.

In 1988, a new constitution was ratified and direct elections (without the electoral college) took place in 1989. The challenges remaining are to end corruption and bring economic stability.

Geography

Brazil is the sixth most populated country in the world and the most populous country in Latin America with 180 million people. It is the fifth largest in size. The country is ethnically diverse and has a vibrant culture of music, dance, art, food, media, and fashion. Brazil is a Federal Republic with 26 states and a federal district, where Brasilia, the capital is located. The executive branch consists of the president (chief of state and head of government) popularly elected to a single 4-year term.

The Climate varies a great deal according to latitude and altitude. The annual average temperature is approximately 28 degrees centigrade in the north and 20 in the south. The national sport is futebol (soccer) with a very passionate following. Basketball, volleyball, swimming, fishing, boating, and car racing are also popular.

Language

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Except for the languages spoken by Indian tribes living in remote reservations, Portuguese is the only language of daily life. There are no regional dialects. Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America. However, Spanish is more or less understood by many Brazilians.

Outstanding Cities

São Paulo

The capital city, São Paulo, is the 3 rd largest city in the world with over 16 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area. A variety of nationalities such as Italian, Japanese and Spanish amongst others establish its rich cultural diversity. São Paulo is also known for its international cuisine, being named the gastronomic capital of the world. Here the paulista (São Paulo resident) and the tourists have available a range of activities and past times: 70 museums, 527 movies theaters, 152 theaters, 54 Shopping center, parks, 70.000 annual events, from horse race to Formula 1 grand prix, night clubs etc.

Rio de Janeiro

Known for its Carnival, the second capital of Brazil hides the most beautiful landscapes and a happy people. This is the second largest city in Brazil (after São Paulo) and certainly the most touristic. Its beaches and the large urban forest astonish Brazilians and foreigners that confirm its slogan: Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous city). Visitors always discover what the residents know and are proud of: there's always something new happening in Rio exhibitions, dance and music shows, sporting events.

Salvador

Salvador, the current capital of Bahia State, in the northeastern region of Brazil, was founded 448 years ago and became the first capital of Brazil , due to its strategic location in the Brazilian coast (just between the north and the south of the country), which favored the route Portugal-Brazil-Africa-Asia. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Due to its beauty and to a series of unique features, it has become a primary destination for international tourism. Famous for its history, for the legacy left by people from other continents, for the religious syncretism and for its hospitable people, the capital of the state of Bahia has staged and has been the object of several studies, conducted by professionals from different fields. It also draws visitors from everywhere, who arrive in the city seduced by its landscapes, beaches and Carnival.

Florianópolis

Located in the southern region, this is the capital of the state of Santa Catarina ; in fact, it is located in a large, mountainous island (Santa Catarina Island), which offers natural landscapes that feature lagoons, waterfalls and pristine beaches. Connected to the continent by a 2,687-feet long suspended bridge, one of the largest in the world, the island is also rich in historical landmarks, such as fortresses built by the Portuguese colonizers centuries ago. The centre of Florianópolis, with its alleys, rows of typical houses, churches and museums, contains many examples of colonial architecture. Amongst these are the former government palaces, nowadays the Cruz e Souza Museum (which took its name from the famous poet from Santa Catarina who formed the symbolist movement) and the Public Market built in 1898, which sells food and local handicrafts under the shade of a one hundred year old fig tree.

Natal

The origin of Natal‘s name is due to the construction of the Forte dos Reis Magos which was built on Christ's birthday (on Christmas), that in Portuguese means Natal. Today the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, with more than 750,000 inhabitants, Natal, is also called the city of the sun, because everyday is sunny and it scarcely rains. You breathe the freshest air in the Americas, because the city is at the north-east corner of the continent and has the largest natural urban forest in Brazil. The city is visited by many tourists who are mesmerized by its natural beauty and wonderful beaches.