Country Facts

Brazil map
  • Religion: Christianity (mainly Catholic)
  • Official language: Portuguese
  • Official name: Federative Republic of Brazil
  • Web domain: .br
  • Capital city: Brasília
  • Population: 202 million
  • International dialling code: +55
  • Government: Federal state under a directly-elected president
  • Real: Real = 100 centavos
  • Historical figures: Pedro Alvares Cabral (European discoverer of Brazil). Dom Pedro I (Portuguese founder of the Empire of Brazil). Dom Pedro II (long-reigning 19th Century Emperor of Brazil). Joaquim Nabuco (anti-slavery writer, politician and campaigner). Zumbi dos Palmares (early leader of the anti-slavery resistance). Machado de Assis (19th Century poet and playwrite). Getúlio Vargas (20th Century politician), Portinari (artist), “JK” Juscelino Kubitschek (1950s President of Brazil). Vinícius de Moraes (poet and diplomat). Oscar Niemeyer (architect). Lina Bo Bardi (architect and designer). Tarsila do Amaral (artist). Chiquinha Gonzaga (composer). Anita Garibaldi (revolutionary). Carmem Miranda (star of stage and screen). Clarice Lispector (20th Century writer). Maria da Penha (scientist and campaigner for women’s rights).
  • Biggest holidays and celebrations: Carnival. Valentine's day (June 12th). Children's day and day of Our Lady Aparecida, patron saint of Brazil, Oct 12th. Christmas. New year's eve.
  • Celebrities you should know: Silvio Santos - TV presenter and owner of a TV channel, he is very famous in Brazil and Brazilians usually like him. Xuxa - famous TV presenter. William Bonner - TV journalist. Soap opera stars: Fernanda Montenegro, Lilia Cabral, Antônio Fagundes, Lima Duarte. Top models Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, Isabel Goulart, Alessandra Ambrósio.
  • Food taboos and favourites: Most Brazilian food is not spicy (except in some specific regions like the State of Bahia). Brazilians LOVE a good barbecue and in the country that are many restaurants called "Churrascaria" it is a must-do for any foreigner. "Feijoada" (black beans with pork) is very typical and so is the combination of rice and beans.
  • Key words and national identity: "Saudade" has no exact translation in English. It is the feeling of missing something or someone. Brazilians use many colourful expressions, for example: "put my foot inside a jackfruit" (enfiar o pé na jaca), when you eat or drink too much; "pay for the duck" (pagar o pato) when you pay for something you are not responsible for.
  • Landmarks and places of cultural significance: The Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is the most known symbol of Brazil. In addition, to Pelourinho in Bahia, the building of the National Congress in Brasilia and the Paulista Avenue in São Paulo.
  • Languages and foreigners: In Brazil the language spoken is Portuguese. It is not very easy to find English speakers in the streets, usually they will be among the more educated people that will be in university and business environments.
  • Music genres: Brazilian music is extremely varied, the country has many different rhythms such as: Sertanejo (a type of country music), Axé, Samba, Pagode, Funk (music style born in the Favelas), Bossa Nova (this style was influenced by jazz and samba), Brazilian Popular Music, Brazilian Rock and others.
  • Sports: Football is the most popular sport in the country without any doubt. Volleyball, basketball and futsal (indoor football) are also popular.
  • Symbols of identity: The shirt of the Brazilian National football team is a very important symbol of identity. The colors green and yellow are very representative of Brazil.
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