The Federative Republic of Brazil is the largest country in South America, 5th largest in the world, with an enormous coastline spanning 7,367 kilometers. Brazil also claims a multitude of archipelagos in it's territory. The massive country borders every nation in south America except for Chile and Ecuador. Settled across both the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, Brazil boasts a magnificent array of both plant life and animals.

Brazil is bordered to the north by Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and the department of French Guiana. Colombia is located on the northwestern border, followed by Peru and Bolivia to the west, Paraguay and Argentina to the southwest, and Uruguay to the south. The entire eastern border is more than 7,000 kilometers of Atlantic Ocean.

The landscape of Brazil is extremely diverse. The terrain consists of vast coastline, rolling hills, extensive mountain ranges and highlands, grassy plains, savannas, scrublands and tropical rainforests. The Amazon Rainforest makes up most of Brazil's northern region, while hills and mountains are predominantly found in the south. Numerous mountain ranges rise up along the Atlantic coast. The highest peak, Pico da Neblina (or Misty Peak), rising some 9,822 feet, is located in the Guiana highlands, just inside the border from Venezuela.

Rivers are found all throughout Brazil, the largest and most significant of which are the Amazon - the second largest river in the world, largest by terms of water volume - and the Parana, separating Brazil from Paraguay, and its tributary, the Iguazu River. The Iguazu is particularly famous for its multitude of waterfalls. The Iguazu Falls, also termed Las Cataracas, consist of 275 waterfalls spanning 2.7 kilometers, including the impressive Garganta del Diablos, or "Devil's Throat". This amazing gorge in the earth is nearly 700 meters long and 150 meters wide at the center of the U-shaped Devil's Throat.

Off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean are several islands belonging to Brazil; Atol das Rocas, Abrolhos, Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo, and Trindade and Martim Vaz. The island of Abrolhos, northeast of the Brazil mainland, is home to the Abrolhos Marine National Park.

Brazil's climate remains moderately unchanged throughout the year, situated upon the Equator and Tropic of Cancer. However, with such diverse landscape, the weather in most regions is quite different from the next. Along the equator in northern Brazil, tropical temperatures are experienced year round, averaging 77°F (25°C), and reaching as high as 104°F (40°C) in the extreme summer. In the southern regions, however, the climate is subtropical, with frost in the winter months of June, July and August, and frequent snowfall in the mountains. Cities with higher elevation, such as Belo Horizonte, Brasilia and Sao Paulo at 1,000 meters, average temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 86°F (30°C). Lower, coastal cities, like Recife, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, average consistently warmer temperatures of 73°F (23°C) to 81°F (27°C).

The official language of Brazil is Portuguese, as they settle the territory back in 1500, maintaining rule until 1822 when the country declared independence. This was sparked by the invasion of Napoleon into Portugal. In 1889, Brazil became a republic with the deposition of ruler Pedro II. Brazil was renamed the Republic of the United States of Brazil, then later shortened in 1967 to the Federative Republic of Brazil.

Brazil is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the entire world, due to its immense size, versatile landscape and geographical position. The intense economy of Brazil poses a threat to its many ecosystems. Logging in the Amazon threatens both the size of the rainforest, which is shrinking annually, and the many species who call it home. In the 4-year period between 2002 and 2006, a vast portion of the Amazon rainforest, equal to the size of the US state of South Carolina, was deforested for logging and clearing way for cattle ranches. Analysts believe that by the year 2020, at least 50% of the Amazon's species may become extinct.

Among Brazil's many inhabiting species are the world's highest diversity of primates, the most species of mammals and the second highest number of butterflies and amphibians. It is believed that Brazil is home to the highest number of both vertebrates and invertebrates in the world. A large number of endangered species exist in Brazil, many of them residing in the threatened habitats of the Atlantic Forest.

The nation has a bustling economy, reliant upon agriculture, manufacturing, mining and services. A plethora of profitable exports include aircraft, automobiles, coffee, corned beef, electrical equipment, ethanol, footwear, iron ore, orange juice, soybean, steel and textiles. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank proclaimed Brazil to maintain the 9th largest economy in the world in regards to purchasing power parity (PPP).

Brazil's economy is heavily concentrated in the south and south eastern regions of the country, with poorer regions in the north. This is rapidly changing, though, as Brazil is concentrating more on the tourism industry in this area.

Tourism is a major factor in the success of Brazil's economy, attracting an estimated 5,358,000 visitors in 2005, a 4% increase from the previous year. This ranks Brazil as the 4th largest tourist destination in all of the America's. Generating an annual revenue of 4-billion, Brazil employed 678,000 new workers in the tourism industry alone to accommodate the needs of so many vacationers and visitors. The majority of Brazil's tourists arrive from Argentina, followed by the United States and Portugal.

The most popular tourist destination in Brazil is the beautiful beaches, plains and mountains of Rio de Janeiro. Santa Catarina attracts many visitors, with more than 500 coastal beaches, popular in the summer months, and mountainous terrain elevating more than 2,000 meters in the winter. Foz do Iguazu receives its fair share of attention from tourists, home to the gorgeous Iguazu Falls and naturally spectacular landscape.

When visiting in or near Rio de Janeiro, you can't miss the statue of "Christ the Redeemer" (pictured left), overlooking the city high atop the 700 meter peak of Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park. Weighing in a 700 tons and soaring 39.6 meters high, this spectacular religious landmark is an icon of both the city and Brazil. Construction of the cross shaped symbol of an open-armed Christ began in 1922, lasting 5 years. In 1931, it was opened to the public.

Vacationing In Brazil

The incredible diversity of Brazil's landscape, ecosystems and culture present a plethora of opportunities for tourists and visitors to this immense country. It would require several week-long vacation just to experience the best of what Brazil has to offer. From the majestic mountain ranges to the Amazon Rainforests - the rolling plains to the tropical beaches and islands - it comes as no surprise that Brazil ranks 4th in terms of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

For those interested in planning a Brazil vacation, you will find Brazil.Rica24 is the perfect starting point. We provide in-depth resources regarding every aspect of a Brazil vacation. From travel agencies, accommodations, dining and tourist attractions to public and private transportation - anything you may need to know before and during your stay in the phenomenally diverse regions of Brazil can be found right here.

Moving to Brazil

Brazil presents many opportunities, for home buyers, retirees and investors. Real estate is found in abundance in most areas of Brazil, accommodating the pickiest of tastes and budgets of all sizes. The rapidly growing economy and tourism industry offers a perfect opportunity for investment as well.

Brazil.Rica24 provides Brazil Real Estate listings, along with a complete Guide to Purchasing Real Estate in Brazil, which includes in-depth descriptions of property rights and type, purchasing procedures and methods, taxes and fees and most importantly, how to protect your investment. You'll also find detailed materials describing how to buy a car, how to obtain a driver's license, a temporary or permanent residency visa, educational and employment opportunities - virtually everything you could possibly need to know before moving to Brazil.

At Brazil.Rica24, our number-one goal is to shepherd you towards, and assist in the completion, of a spectacular vacation or successful real estate acquisition in Brazil. With a little help and expertise from Rica24, you can make your dreams a reality, whether they be investing your way to a wealthy future, or retiring in the highly diverse landscapes of Brazil.