Fact 1: The Vibrant Land of Many Rainforests
Brazil is home to the Amazon Rainforest, the largest rainforest on the planet. Covering over 2 million square miles, this rainforest accounts for more than half of the world's remaining rainforests. Interestingly, Brazil has 60% of the Amazon rainforest within its borders.
Fact 2: Brazil Has a Copious Number of Species
Speaking of rainforests, Brazil is the country with the highest number of species on Earth. It boasts a high count of both plant and animal species. From jaguars to macaws and caimans to capybaras, Brazil has it all. This is primarily due to the diversity of ecosystems in the country, including rainforests, marshes, scrublands and savannas.
Fact 3: The World's Grandest Carnival
Brazil may just be the most fun place in the world, thanks to its iconic Rio Carnival. The week-long celebration is known to be the largest carnival globally with close to 2 million people on the streets every day. The extravaganza features colorful costumes, vibrant parades, and outstanding Samba dancing.
Fact 4: A Football-Loving Nation
Brazil is the only country that has won the World Cup five times. Football is akin to a religion in Brazil, with numerous well-renowned footballers like Pele, Zico, Socrates, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo, and Neymar hailing from this country.
Fact 5: Jaw-Dropping Diversity
Brazil is astonishingly diverse. The nation is home to more than 210 million people, with races and ethnicities coming from native people, immigrants from Europe, Africa and Asia, and their descendants. This multicultural mix has influenced the country's music, dance, food, and way of life.
Fact 6: An Array of UNESCO Sites
Brazil has an impressive 22 UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the urban Historic Centre of São LuÃs to the natural Pantanal Conservation Area, Brazil is a treasure trove for history and nature enthusiasts.
Fact 7: Brazil Has its Own Martial Art
Capoeira, a blend of martial arts, dance, and acrobatics, originated in Brazil during the slavery era. It's a symbol of resistance and was created by African slaves as a way to fight against oppression.
Fact 8: The Staggering Amazon River
The Amazon River in Brazil is the second longest river in the world after the Nile. However, when considering the water flow by volume, the Amazon River is unbeaten, taking the number one spot.
Fact 9: The Monumental Christ the Redeemer
Spectacularly overlooking Rio de Janeiro from the top of the Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The iconic statue stands 30 meters tall (98ft), with its arms stretching 28 meters wide (92ft).
Fact 10: The Discovery of Brazilwood
Brazil got its name from the Brazilwood tree. This tree was highly valued in the 16th century as its red tinted wood was sought after for producing high-quality woodwind instruments and for its use in dyeing fabric.
Fact 11: Brazil Has a Laid-back Attitude Towards Time
In Brazil, social events and gatherings often don't start on time. This easy-going attitude towards punctuality is so ingrained in Brazilian culture that it’s even got a name – "the Brazilian time".
Fact 12: The Music is Infectious
Brazil has given the world Bossa Nova and Samba. These styles of music are well-known and loved worldwide. Brazil's music culture also includes a variety of regional styles like Forró and Frevo.
Fact 13: The Love for AçaÃ
Açaà is a flavorful dark-purple berry native to Brazil. It's a staple in the local diet and is used in smoothies, ice cream, and as a topping for tapioca pancakes.
Fact 14: Friendly and Hospitable
Brazilians are notably warm and welcoming, often going out of their way to help others. This culture of hospitality and camaraderie is known as "alegria," one of Brazil's most cherished values.
Fact 15: A Coastline Everyone Would Love
Brazil boasts a staggering 4,655 miles (7,491 kilometers) of beautiful coastline. It has plenty of stunning beaches from Copacabana in Rio to Fernando de Noronha in Pernambuco.
Fact 16: The Birthplace of Flight
Despite popular belief, the Wright Brothers were not the first to take to the skies. Brazilian Alberto Santos-Dumont's flight in 1906 in Paris is considered the first public flight in the world.
Fact 17: Surprising Advanced Voting System
Brazil has an electronic voting system that enables the results of an election to be published within a matter of hours, making it one of the fastest election reporting systems in the world.
Fact 18: The Irresistible Feijoada
The Brazil national dish is Feijoada, a black bean stew with pork. It's traditionally served with rice, collard greens, farofa and slices of orange. Served mainly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it's definitely a must-try when in Brazil.
Fact 19: Inspiring Environmental Initiatives
Since 2005, Brazil has decreased deforestation in the Amazon by nearly 80%. It's one of the few countries that is developing at a fast pace while also significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Fact 20: The Land of Cachaça
Brazil is the largest producer of Cachaça, a spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. It's the key ingredient in Caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail, which is enjoyed around the world.