Naturaleza

Brazil is characterized by the extensive low lying Amazon Rainforest in the north and a more open terrain
of hills and low mountains to the south — home to most of the Brazilian population and its agricultural
base. Along the Atlantic coast are also found several mountain ranges, reaching roughly 2,900 metres
(9,500 ft) high. The highest peak is the 3,014 metre (9,735 ft) Pico da Neblina (Misty Peak) in Guiana's
highlands. Major rivers include the Amazon, the largest river in the world in flowing water volume, and the
second longest in the world; the Paraná and its major tributary, the Iguaçu River, where the Iguaçu Falls
are located; the Negro, São Francisco, Xingu, Madeira and the Tapajós rivers.

Coastline by Rio de Janeiro Iguazu Falls The Amazon close to Manaus with
a hazy sun

Sea by Copacabana beach Beach and mountains in Rio de Sugar Loaf mountain
Janeiro

The Iguazu Falls

Comida
The mixed population of Brazil has created a national cooking style marked by profound differences.
Cuisinewise the country is normally divided into five regions. Some main ingredients in the Brazilian
cuisine are: beans, coconut, dendÍ oil, dried, salted codfish, dried shrimp, lemon, rice and toasted manioc
meal. Coffee is popular as a hot drink, and fresh fruit is available most places.

Fruit and vegetables used for making Melons hanging in a fruit juice bar
juice
 Loads of bananas being
transported by boat

Corn in a corn stall in Rio de Janeiro

Trabajo
A very large part of Brazilians work in agriculture as Brazil has a major export of coffee and cocoa as well
as soybeans and orange juice. Many others are employed in the informal sector as vendors etc. The
unemployment rate in Brazil in 2006 was 9.4 %.

Man selling soft drinks around the

beaches of Rio de Janeiro

Hat seller in Rio de Janeiro Ice cream seller at Ipanema beach

Woman selling bikinis on Ipanema Men selling hammocks in Rio de

beach Janeiro

Man delivering eggs

Clothes vendor in Rio de Janeiro Vendor in Rio de Janeiro

Most of Brazil's population claims to be Roman Catholic, however, there are many other religious
denominations in Brazil. Some of these churches are the Protestant, Pentecostal, Episcopal, Methodist,
Lutheran, and Baptist. There are over a million and a half Spiritists or Kardescists who follow the doctrines
of Allan Kardec. These Spiritists believe in reincarnation. There are followers of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints; small minorities of Jews; Moslems, Buddhists and numerous followers of Candomble
and Umbanda.

The famous statue of Christ the

Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

Detail of a church in Rio

de Janeiro

CLIMA
Seasons in Brazil are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere; winter is June-September and
summer November-March. On average, the temperature during summer ranges from 25 to 40°C
(75~100°F). Warm tropical weather extends north from Rio de Janeiro throughout most of the year. South
of Rio – São Paulo, Santa Catarina, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul states – the climate is generally of warm
summers and cold winters, with occasional snowfall in the far south.

Heavy clouds over Rio de Janeiro People walking in sunny Rio de Rio de Janeiro in the early evening
Janeiro light

Overcast day in Rio de Janeiro Clouded view over Rio de Janeiro

from Sugar Loaf mountain