Brief History - Brazil was discovered in 1500 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Alvarez Cabral. From this date forward, various economic cycles punctuated the history and development of the country. The cycles were: the "Brazil-Wood Cycle", based upon a type of wood used mainly to produce paints and stains; the "Sugar Cane Cycle" when, during the 17th century, Brazil became the world's largest producer of sugar; the "Gold Cycle", during which time gold was the main source of the nation's income; the "Diamond Cycle" which began at about the same time that gold mining began its decline; the "Coffee Cycle" which began in the second half of the 19th century and continues to represent one of the country's principal sources of export earnings; and, during the later part of the 19th century, the "Rubber Cycle", which brought prosperity to the north of Brazil and transformed the country into the world's largest producer of natural rubber.
At the beginning of the 19th century, when Portugal was invaded by Napoleon's armies, Dom Joao VI, King of Portugal, moved his court to Brazil, an act which gave a new sense of importance and impetus to the country. Ports were opened to international commerce and the resulting spirit of regeneration ccontributed to the expansion of major commercial and cultural activities.
The first movement for the independence of Brazil from Portugal ocurred in 1789, and its hero, popularly known as "Tiradentes", became the national symbol of liberty. Independence was proclaimed in 1822 by Dom Pedro I, first Emperor of Brazil. His son, Dom Pedro II, reigned for 49 years until 1889, when Brazil was proclaimed a Republic. Today it is a Federal Republic, divided into 27 states. In 1940 Brazil began a new phase characterized by industrial development and agricultural technology advancement. In spite of a large and ever growing domestic market, Brazil continues to be a major exporter of agricultural products as well as manufactured items such as heavy machinery, shoes and steel products.
Geography - Brazil covers nearly half of South America and is the continent's largest nation. It extends 2,965 mi (4,772 km) north-south, 2,691 mi (4,331 km) east-west, and borders every nation on the continent except Chile and Ecuador. Brazil may be divided into the Brazilian Highlands, or plateau, in the south and the Amazon River Basin in the north. More than a third of Brazil is drained by the Amazon and its more than 200 tributaries. The Amazon is navigable for ocean steamers to Iquitos, Peru, 2,300 mi (3,700 km) upstream. Southern Brazil is drained by the Plata system—the Paraguay, Uruguay, and Paraná Rivers.
Coastline - Brazil's coastline runs along the Atlantic Ocean for over 11,919 miles (7,408 kilometers) of white sandy beaches.
Borders - Almost a continent in itself, Brazil borders all nations of South America, with the exception of Chile and Equador.
Population - Over 70% of Brazil's 158,739,257 (July 1994 est.) inhabitants are under 30 years of age.
People- Germans, Italians, Japanese, and slaves immigrated to the south of Brazil. Mediterranean immigrants went to the southwest, and African, Dutch and other European strains settled in the north. For all its interracial nature, Brazil is sufficiently integrated, speakes one language and does not have a single dominant racial group.
Language - Portuguese is the national language. In Brazil, Portuguese is spoken with a rithmic intonation and in a relaxed way unknown in Portugal. It has a flavor of its own, typical of a young, dynamic country. Today one might say that Brazilians speak "Brazilian". English is the second language spoken in most areas, especially in hotels, shops, restaurants, and other tourist spots.
Religion- Catholicism is the main religion but a wide variety of faiths are found throughout Brazil, such as Protestantism, Candomble, Macumba and Umbanda, the last three being rituals and ceremonies brought from Africa by the slaves a century ago.
Climate- Most of Brazil lies immediately to the south of the Equator. As a result, there is very little seasonal variation. the climate is comfortably temperate in most of the country, and refreshing sea breezes often blow along the coast all year round. With temperatures usually ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 30 degrees Centigrade) in Brazil's main cities, casual spring and summer clothes are appropriate for almost region and occasion.
Currency- The Brazilian currency is the "Real" and is divided into 100 "centavos". The official rate of exchange is published daily in the main Brazilian newspapers. Foreign currencies or travelers checks can be exchanged for Reais at hotels, banks, and tourist agencies. Most international credit cards are accepted.
Social and business customs
Tipping: A service charge is included at most restaurants but it is recommended to leave some loose change. Those who should be regularly tipped are barbers, hairdressers, porters, guides and cloakroom attendants.
Shopping: Stores are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 - 6:30 pm weekdays and Saturdays until the early afternoon. Clothing is usually a good buy here but not a great quality. Silks and cottons are usually very good and colors very good as well. Best buys are in leather. Brazil is well blessed with gems and minerals which can be found in many areas for sale with prices usually very good. Bargaining is not customary.
Food and Drink: With the intense mixture of nationalities which make up Brazil, food is an international feast. Some of the main dishes which should be experienced are: 'cosido' - huge meat and vegetable stew or 'caruru' - a meat stew of herbs and spices in oil. If you like sweet things, you'll love Brazilian desserts which tend to be very sweet. Restaurants - particularly in the larger cities - represent all tastes. Coffee is rich and dark and served in small cups which may be a relief because of its strength. Beer is quite good. The popular brand is called Antarctica with Pilsner and Brahma also considered well. There is a sugarcane brand called 'cachaca' which is very good and quite potent. Imported beverages are expensive. Soft drinks are different and worth trying.
Social: Brazilians are a happy, high spirited people. They are are very warm, friendly, uninhibited and delight in working hard and playing hard as well. They take relationships seriously and aim to please when they are the hosts.
