Brazil is a country in South America located along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the fifth-largest country in the world and the largest country in South America by area. The following are 18 interesting facts about Brazil. Let’s read.
18 interesting facts about Brazil
Overview
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world by area. It has an area of around 8.5 million square kilometers (3.3 million square miles). Brazil is also the seventh most populous country in the world. The country has a population of 216.4 million (2023 estimate).
About 60% of the Amazon rainforest is in Brazil
About 60% of the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon rainforest, is located in Brazil. The Amazon rainforest makes Brazil one of the most biologically diverse nations on Earth.
Brazil touches all countries in South America except Chile and Ecuador
It is interesting to note that Brazil shares a border with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador.
The majority of the population resides near the Atlantic coast
The majority of the population of Brazil resides close to the Atlantic coast. Most major cities in Brazil, like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador, are located near the coast.
23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Brazil
There are a total of 23 UNESCO world heritage sites in Brazil – 15 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed. The most visited ones are – City of Brasilia, Iguaçu National Park, the Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia, etc.
The Christ the Redeemer (statue), a wonder of the world is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue is 30 meters high.
Languages in Brazil
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Spanish, Hunsrik, and English are the three other significantly spoken languages in the country.
Sports in Brazil
Association football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Brazil. Brazil is the most successful country in the FIFA world cup. The country has won the title a record five-time (till the 2022 FIFA World Cup). Volleyball and basketball are also quite popular in Brazil.
Amazon River
The majority of the length of the Amazon River is in Brazil. The Amazon River is the second-longest river in the world after the Nile River. It is, however, the largest river in the world by volume of water.
The flag of Brazil has 27 stars
There are 27 stars in the flag of Brazil. The stars represent the 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District.
The biggest carnival in the world
The Rio de Janeiro Carnival is widely considered the biggest carnival in the world. The carnival is held every year before Lent and is attended by millions of people. The Rio Carnival is often called “the Greatest Show on Earth.”.
Highest mountain peak in Brazil
Pico da Neblina is the highest mountain peak in Brazil. It has an elevation of 2,995 meters (9826 ft) and is located in the Amazonas state.
The second-largest producer of Sugarcane
Brazil is the second largest producer of sugarcane in the world after India (as per 2021-22 season records). Sugarcane in Brazil is not only used for sugar production but also for making ethanol. Brazil is also the largest exporter of sugarcane in the world.
Largest producer and exporter of Coffee
Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of coffee in the world.
The third most visited country in South America
Brazil is the third most visited country in South America after Colombia and Argentina. Around 3.6 million tourists visited Brazil in 2022.
The largest city in Brazil
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. The city has a population of over 12 million, making it the most populous city in all of South America. Sao Paulo has double the population of the second-largest city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro.
Capital of Brazil
Brasilia is the capital of Brazil. It is the third most populous city in Brazil. Brasilia became the capital of Brazil in 1960. The previous capital was Rio de Janeiro.
Economy of Brazil
Brazil has the highest GDP among all South American countries. The largest sector is the service sector followed by the industrial sector.
Last country to abolish slavery in the Americas
Brazil was the last country in the Americas to abolish slavery. Slavery was abolished in Brazil on May 13, 1888.
- Brazil is the only country in the world through which both the Equator and Tropic of Capricorn pass.
- Brazil has the largest army in South America by active military personnel.
Basic facts about Brazil
| Capital | Brasilia |
| Area | 8.5 million square kilometers (3.3 million square miles) |
| Population | about 216.4 million (2023 estimate) |
| Currency | Brazilian real (R$) |
| Largest city | São Paulo by population |
| Area rank | 5th |
| Population rank | 6th |
| Number of Time Zones | 4 |