Brazil Profile

Geographic location

• Largest country in South America, 5th largest country in the World and 3rd largest in America (after Canada and the USA);
• Brazil is divided into 26 States and one Federal District;
• It extends 4,772 km north-south, 4,331 km east-west, and borders every nation on the continent except Chile and Ecuador;
• The North constitutes 45.27% of the surface of Brazil and it is the region with the lowest number of inhabitants, once it accommodates most of the largest rain-forest of the world, the Amazon;
• The Southeast is the richest and most densely populated region and hosts one of the largest megalopolis of the world: São Paulo - Rio de Janeiro;
• Time Zone UTC 3 (from 1 up to 3 hours difference to New York City and from 3 up to 5 to Zurich);
• Fifth most populous country in the world;
• Diversified topography;

Major cities 

•  Brasília

The city and its District are located in the Central-West region of the country. The city was planned and developed in 1956 with Lúcio Costa as the principal urban planner and Oscar Niemeyer as the principal architect. In 1960, it officially became Brazil's national capital. It is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

 

• São Paulo

São Paulo is the is the largest city in Brazil, and the largest and richest city in the southern hemisphere. São Paulo is considered a Global City and exerts strong regional influence in commerce and finance as well as arts and entertainment.

 

For further information, check "The Economist" Doing Business audio guide:

 

• Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city of Brazil. The city was the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries, from 1763 to 1960. Rio de Janeiro is known for its natural settings, carnival celebrations, samba, Bossa Nova and beaches. One of the most famous landmarks, in addition to the beaches, include the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

 

• Salvador

The first colonial capital of Brazil, the city of Salvador is one of the oldest in the country. It is also known as Brazil's capital of happiness due to its easygoing population and countless popular outdoor parties, including its street carnival.

Curiosities about Brazil

• Brazil has the greatest biodiversity in the world;
• Largest economy in Latin America;
• Brazil is the world's 8th largest economy by nominal GDP and the 9th largest in PPP (Purchasing Power Parity);
• Brazil has an expanding export market (major exports: aircrafts, electrical equipment, automobiles, ethanol, textiles, footwear, iron ore, steel, coffee, orange juice etc.);
• Brazil's agricultural, mining, manufacturing and service sectors are large and developed;
• Member of the UN, G20, Mercosur, UNASUR and is one of the BRIC countries.

Brazilian currency: Real

•  Bills 

•  Coins