Overview of Brazil

Quick Overview

Two distinct regions make up this vast country, the fifth-largest in the world by area: in the North, the Amazon Basin (7,000,000 km²) with its forest and low-relief terrain (< 3,000 m) bordering the Guianas, and in the South, a vast inland plateau, mountainous (< 2,800 m) in its southern Atlantic-facing part, ending in a narrow coastal strip.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: on the east coast of South America, along the Atlantic.

• Latitude/longitude: 10°00' S, 55°00' W.

• Local time (Rio): Heure : 13087 UTC-2 to UTC-5, with daylight saving time from mid-October to mid-February.

• Capital: Brasília.

• Government: federal presidential republic.

• Official language: Portuguese.

• Currency: real.

• Population: 208,846,892 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 8,511,965 km².

• Density: 24.5 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Pico da Neblina (2,994 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 7,491 km.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

Rio, Salvador, Iguaçu Falls, the Amazon rainforest, beaches, football, music, Carnival—Brazil is a legendary destination that rarely disappoints travelers. It’s one of the top three most visited countries in Latin America, averaging 6.5 million tourists per year (6.621 million in 2018), mostly from Argentina (and other neighboring countries), as well as the USA and the European trio of Germany, Italy, and France, which are major sources of visitors.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for somewhat experienced travelers.

• By air: France-Rio.

• Entry requirements: passport valid for at least 6 months + return/onward ticket.

• Currency to bring:

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★★; Adventure ★★★★; Culture ★★★/★★★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★★★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 79/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $15,600 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +3.4% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 12.8% (2017)

• Population below poverty line: ()

• Life expectancy: 74.3 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -0.1 (2017)

• Population growth: +0.71% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 92.6% (2015)

• Urban population: 86.6% (2016)

• Press freedom: 102/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: flawed democracy (50/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook