Likes & Dislikes

Opinions

“From a tourist point of view (and for everyone else, I suppose) the worst thing about Brazil, after the bad public safety situation, is the terrible price/value ratio. They charge high prices for very meagre service and mediocre products. Lucky for them that Sugarloaf Mountain really is one of the most spectacular sights in the world.” (aji, 2018)
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It’s the Brazilian people who give their country its unique flavor. They come from all corners of the world, and have made Brazil into a diverse and culturally exciting place. With my light brown hair, blue eyes and pale skin I could easy pass for a Brazilian, just like the red-headed inhabitants of Blumenau. Many locals thought I was a Brazilian from one of the country’s southern states. (2018)”


Rio de Janeiro - Escalera Selaron - Elter photo

Practicals

Transport

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Brazil - 13 km (8 mi) long bridge between Rio de Janeiro and Niterói - Elter photo

Public safety

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Brazil - military police

Brazil - Is there life after death? Jump over the wall and find out

Background

Brazil - national flag - ordem e progresso means order and progress - order is mostly on the wish list

Destination in brief

Brazil in brief 

With its 8.5 million km² (3,2 million mi²) size, Brazil covers 47,3% of South America’s total land area! Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world. 

Neighboring countries: Colombia,Venezuel, Guyana, Suriname (north), Peru, Bolivia (west), Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay (south)

Capital city: Brasília (built in 1960), most populated city: São Paulo (12.2 million) 

Population: 211 million (2019 estimate). Brazilians who define themselves as black or mixed-race are in the majority (ca. 51%) compared to about 47% whites. 

Official language: Portuguese (not Spanish, not Brazilian!)

There are some differences between Brazilian Portuguese and the one spoken in Portugal itself. While the written language is very similar, the Brazilians and the Portuguese sometimes have difficulties understanding each other. Interestingly: it is harder for Brazilians to understand the Portuguese than the other way around. 

64,6% of the population are self-declared Catholics.

Brazil is a federal representative republic, under a presidential system. 

Brazil’s summer: from November to March

Official currency: Brazilian real (BRL)

There is a profound wealth gap between rich and poor in Brazil. Few people in Brazil deny that racial prejudice and discrimination are serious problems in the country. The majority of the poor are non-whites, partly because of inferior education, but also because of racial discrimination in the labor market. 

A common concern for tourists planning a trip to Brazil: how unsafe is Brazil for visitors? In big, touristy cities like Rio, Salvador, Fortaleza,São Paulo, there is a high risk of being mugged or attacked, sometimes violently, often with arms. This risk can however be largely minimized if the visitor takes the necessary precautions. And we emphasize: tourist spots in large cities are on the whole relatively safe. 

Some of the most famous tourist attractions: Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Old Town of Salvador da Bahia, Old Town of Olinda, Amazonas, Ouro Preto, Praia do Sancho on the tropical island of Fernando de Noronha, the marshes of Pantanal 

Some local airlines ruthlessly overcharge tourists for domestic flights.

The country is named after a tree: brazilwood

Brazilian prisoners can reduce their sentences by four days for every book they read and write a report on.

Most Brazilians like to hug and are physically very affectionate, which could seem weird for someone coming from another culture. 

Most frequent surname: Silva

 

 

Nowadays

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Brazil - Paranaguá (state of Paraná) - p.a. photo

People

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Brazil - Antonina (state of Paraná) - p.a. photo

Attractions

Iguazu Falls

Brazil - Foz do Iguaçu - Iguaçu walkway - Elter photo

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