|
Overview of Brazil
Official Name
Federative Republic of Brazil or Republica Federativa do Brasil
Capital City
Brasilia
Area
8,511,965 sq km
Population
185 Million
Language
The official language of Brazil is Portuguese.The accents of the Brazilians differ from region to region. Receptionists at most hotels and resorts, and travel agents do speak English.
TIP: if you are speaking English, speak slowly and use simple words. Other languages spoken sparingly in Brazil are German, Italian, and Japanese. On the other hand, spanish is the most spoken language in South America.
Currency
The local currency of Brazil is the Real. You can take some US travellers cheque, US dollars in cash. ATM machines are availble in most cities and airports. Please do make sure that you exchange enough money before you travel out in Brazil.Word of advice, do not use the ATM Machines in the streets but only within the banks.
Real ( 1 US $ = 1.60 reals )
People
- 55% European descen
- 38% mulatto
- 6% African descent
- 1% other
Religion
70% Roman Catholic(Most believe in Spiritualism)
Government
Federative republic
Legal system
based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Flag
green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each state and the Federal District) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress).
Business Hours
- Monday - Friday : 9 a.m to 6 p.m
- Saturday: 9 am to 1 pm
- Sunday: Pharmacy and Small Stores
Shopping centres and malls
Remain open till 10 00 pm at night.
Health
It is recommended to take yellow fever vaccination when travelling to the North,Central West Regions and west of Maranhão.You might suffer from altitude sickness at some of the cities of South America. It is highly recommended that upon arrival in such places, u take a day rest in your hotel.From Peru, Bolivia, Equador or other South American countries except Argentina and Chile, you are required to present a yellow fever card to enter Brazil.
Clothes to Take along
A good pair of walking shoes, casual lightweight clothing, a jacket and sweater should be your essentials. If you are travelling to a jungle, insect repellent,sunscreen and a hat as well as long pants and long sleeve shirts are a must. Don't forget your swimsuits but, if you do, don't worry because you will find a great selection of the latest designer in swimwear.
Seasons of Brazil and South America
|
Season
|
Month
|
| Spring |
September to December |
| Summer |
December to March |
| Fall |
March to June |
| Winter |
June to September |
Peak Seasons by Countries
|
Country
|
When to Go
|
| Brazil |
From Dec - March high season
Carnaval in usually in February but sometimes in March
Amazon - avoid rainy season between November to May
High season is November to April |
| Bolivia |
Avoid the rainy season in the lowlands between November to March
Altiplano - winter
Lowlands and rain forest - April to October |
| Chile |
Northern Chile - any time, November is best
Middle Chile - September to February
Southern Chile - December to March
Easter Island and Juan Fernandez - March
High season is January - February and July and August for skying |
| Argentina |
Buenos Aires - any time
Iguazu Falls - winter or spring
Patagonia - summer
Andes for skying - winter
High season is January and February |
| Peru |
Lima - avoid foggy time in June - December
Coastal desert - any time of year
Andes - avoid rainy periods between October - April
Rainforest - hot and humid all year; avoid January - April |
|
