Brazil Facts & Information

Location	Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
Climate	Mostly tropical, but temperate in south
Terrain	Mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north, some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt
Population	186,112,794
Nationality	Brazilian
Ethnic groups	White 53.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 38.5%, black 6.2%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 0.9%, unspecified 0.7% (2000 census)
Religions	Roman Catholic (nominal) 73.6%, Protestant 15.4%, Spriritualist 1.3%, Bantu/voodoo 0.3%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.2%, none 7.4% (2000 census)
Languages	Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French
Government Type	Federative Republic
Capital	Brasilia
Currency	Real (BRL)
Description of Flag	Green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each state and the Federal District) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress)
Brazil Flag

More Information
 www.cia.gov

Rio de Janeiro Culture

politically incorrect. However, they usually mean no harm with their words- humor is just a main way of dealing with things, whether good or bad.

Music and dancing are obviously popular in Brazil, but it’s not all samba and bossa nova. Pagode, a slower form of samba, is very popular in Rio- check out Jorge Aragão or Sorriso Maroto to get a taste. The popularity of Forró, a closely held couples dance, has spread from its northeastern origins to all parts of Brazil; Rastapé is a popular forró group. Hip-hop has also gained a large following in Rio- Club Six in Lapa is a great venue for dancing all night to both American and Brazilian artists.

In addition, no mention of Brazil goes too far without bringing up the famous Churrasco, the all-you-can-eat meat smorgasbord, or the caipirinha, the “national” Brazilian drink. Though both of these are definitely something you want to try, moderation is best for both indulgences. With all the beautiful places to visit, Brazil is an ideal vacation destination. Visit Expedia to get great travel deals for your next vacation

More Information:
 www.state.gov

Rio de Janeiro Culture

politically incorrect. However, they usually mean no harm with their words- humor is just a main way of dealing with things, whether good or bad.

Music and dancing are obviously popular in Brazil, but it’s not all samba and bossa nova. Pagode, a slower form of samba, is very popular in Rio- check out Jorge Aragão or Sorriso Maroto to get a taste. The popularity of Forró, a closely held couples dance, has spread from its northeastern origins to all parts of Brazil; Rastapé is a popular forró group. Hip-hop has also gained a large following in Rio- Club Six in Lapa is a great venue for dancing all night to both American and Brazilian artists.

In addition, no mention of Brazil goes too far without bringing up the famous Churrasco, the all-you-can-eat meat smorgasbord, or the caipirinha, the “national” Brazilian drink. Though both of these are definitely something you want to try, moderation is best for both indulgences. With all the beautiful places to visit, Brazil is an ideal vacation destination. Visit Expedia to get great travel deals for your next vacation

More Information:
 www.state.gov

Rio de Janeiro Shopping

somewhat similar to European, but for American sizes, a good estimate would be Size 6 in jeans is equivalent to 38, size 8 to 40/42, etc. For shoes, add about 30 to your normal size (i.e.- women’s size 8 is equivalent to 38). These are not exact, but you should be able to try everything on if you shop at a mall.

For more handicraft-style shopping, the famous “Hippie Fair” occurs every Sunday in Praça General Osório (Ipanema), or you might want to check out the Babilônia Feira Hype in Gávea. There are also usually vendors on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, or Friday night in Lapa.

Rio de Janeiro Shopping

somewhat similar to European, but for American sizes, a good estimate would be Size 6 in jeans is equivalent to 38, size 8 to 40/42, etc. For shoes, add about 30 to your normal size (i.e.- women’s size 8 is equivalent to 38). These are not exact, but you should be able to try everything on if you shop at a mall.

For more handicraft-style shopping, the famous “Hippie Fair” occurs every Sunday in Praça General Osório (Ipanema), or you might want to check out the Babilônia Feira Hype in Gávea. There are also usually vendors on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, or Friday night in Lapa.

Rio de Janeiro Travel Guides
 Frommer's Rio de Janeiro
 Lonely Planet Rio de Janeiro
 Let's Go Rio de Janeiro
 Fodors Rio de Janeiro