The world's most biodiverse country — home to the Amazon rainforest, Carnival in Rio, Iguazu Falls, and a football and music culture that has produced samba, bossa nova, and Pelé.
- Capital
- Brasília
- Population
- 213,421,037
- Area
- 8,511,965 km²
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Currency
- Brazilian Real (R$)
- GDP
- $2,125,958M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Feijoada
Annual visitors
6,353,000 (2019)
Safety
Elevated (19.28/100k)
Big Mac
$4.45
Avg temp
25.4°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Ambulance 192 · Fire 193
Travel guide
Brazil (Portuguese: Brasil) is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world. Brazil is an incredibly diverse country, in people, culture, and landscapes—from the famous summer carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Olinda, and Recife to the wild power of nature in the Amazon and Iguaçu Falls. You'll find bustling cities, laid-back beaches, and traditional lifestyles, often right next to each other. Brazilian culture, which varies substantially across the country, comes from an international mix of European colonizers, African and Asian communities (notably in Salvador and São Paulo, respectively), and indigenous influence throughout the country.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Brazil
Best time to visit
Rio de Janeiro: May–September is mild and ideal. Carnival is in February–March. Amazon: June–November for lower water and better wildlife spotting. Iguazu Falls: August–November for full flow. Northeast beaches: September–March.
Visa
US, UK, Canada, Australia and EU nationals can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Brazil signed visa-free agreements with most Western nations. Check current status as policies change periodically.
Highlights
Christ the Redeemer, located in Rio de Janeiro, this iconic statue of Jesus Christ stands atop the Corcovado mountain and offers panoramic views of the city.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (44)
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Major cities
Rio de Janeiro
The Marvelous City — Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, samba rhythms, and one of the world's greatest carnivals.
Sao Paulo
South America's largest city — a relentless urban energy of world-class art museums, restaurants from every cuisine, and nightlife.
Salvador
Brazil's African soul — the Pelourinho colonial district, Candomblé religion, and the most exuberant Carnival outside Rio.
Florianopolis
Brazil's island city with 42 beaches, popular with both surfers and families seeking southern Brazil's cleanest coast.
Iguazu Falls
Where 275 waterfalls thunder into the Iguacu River — South America's most spectacular natural wonder, shared with Argentina.
Recife
The Venice of Brazil, with canals and bridges, frevo music, and the gateway to Fernando de Noronha island.
Fortaleza
Brazil's beach city of the northeast, with the famous Jericoacoara dune lagoon nearby and Brazil's best lobster.