Basic facts about Brazil

Brazil is larger than the USA (excluding Alaska) and is the 5th largest country in the world
The country was named after brazil-wood (pau-brasil), a tree highly valued by early colonists
Population is approximately 182 million ( half of all of South America ), around 55% of which are of Portuguese descent. The population is a true melting pot with people of African, indigenous Indians, Oriental, Arabic and many European countries all being represented.
It covers a range of climates, from equatorial in the north through tropical to temperate in the south
High summer is December to February and this is also peak tourist season
Major Cities are Sao Paulo (18m), Rio de Janeiro (11m) and Brasilia (1m) which is the Capital
Language of Brazil is Portuguese, Not a great deal of English spoken (except in hotels & tour agencies). Spanish will help you a bit.
Do not visit the slums ( commonly known as Favelas), there is a great deal of crime in these areas. Do not display great wealth. See the Security page.
Most European countries do not require a visa to visit Brazil and can stay up to 3 months. People from the USA do require a visa.
Generally speaking Brazilians are very open and friendly people.
Religion - the Country is predominantly Roman Catholic although evangelical Christian churches are spreading, taking advantage of the sometimes desperate poor.
There is a lot of poverty in Brazil. Many of the people you come in to contact with are earning very little money. Consequently you will sometimes find people trying to short change you.
Voltage is 110, 60Hz
Currency is the Real - 1real coins & 1 real note, 2,5,10,20,50 & 100 real notes
Public phones operate using pre-paid cards. These can be obtained from shops ( newsagents,drug stores..) and the Newsstands that you find on the streets
Internet coverage is good in the large cities, internet cafes are available and all the better hotels have internet in the rooms.
Cell phones: There are several systems. GSM has recently been introduced and has coverage in large areas of Brazil. CDMA is most common, this system is also used in the US. Check with your provider for compatibility with Brazil.
Cell phones can be rented in the major cities if yours is not compatible
There are good hospitals and Doctors in the large cities of Brazil but it isn't cheap. We recommend you obtain Travel Insurance before you come
Food Black beans, white rice and manioc flour are staples, usually served with beef, chicken or fish. Coconut milk and palm-oil are traditional bases. A popular dish is Feijoada, a bean stew made with air-dried beef, smoked sausage, tongue, pigs' ears and tails (it's good... honestly!). Other specialities are moqueca, a seafood stew, and caruru, sautéed shrimp and okra in a hot red pepper sauce. Acaraje, fried bean balls stuffed with seafood, are popular in Bahia.

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