Interesting Facts About Brazil

These are some of the most interesting facts about Brazil that I've discovered, and also some of the most unusual!

It is really fun to look around online, and also to talk with my Brazilian friends, to learn more about what is most unique about Brazil.

The following lists are just a beginning, and I hope you'll join me to add to the list! Do you have additional amazing Brazil facts to share? Please let us know here!

Basic Brazil Facts

First, we start with some basic Brazil facts. I didn't know a lot of these things!!

Brazil is:

• The largest country in South America.
  
  
• The only Portuguese speaking country in the Americas.
  
  
• The largest Portuguese speaking country in the world.
  
  
• The fifth largest country in the world.
  
  
• Brazil has the eighth largest economy in the world.
  
  
• It is the furthest east of any country in the Americas.
  
  
• Has the second highest number of airports in the world.
  
  
• Has the third largest road network on earth.
  
  
• Has the 10th largest railroad network on the planet.
  
  
• Brazil is the longest country in the world, and spans approximately 2800 miles from north to south via land.
  
  
• Brazil is 44th or 48th least densely populated countries in the world, depending on which study you look at.

According to Wikipedia, as of 2010 it averages 58 people per square kilometer. Population density has almost doubled in recent times but it still quite low, which is because most Brazilians live in cities, and there are vast expanses of the country that are unpopulated.

Interesting Facts About Brazil Economy

Now when I lived there in the 1990's, there was a lot more poverty in Brazil and yet my experience of the Brazilian spirit was of an optimistic and generous people. At that time, I remember runaway inflation, and the currency regularly changing, which was very confusing for me. It's difficult enough to learn how to count in Portugues, and even harder when the numbers and the amounts keep changing!

I am so glad that the economic situation is improving for Brazil now.

• Brazil is one of the fastest growing economies in the world today and currently has an average annual GDP (gross domestic product) growth rate of 5%.
  
  
• It is one of the few countries that have successfully managed to reduce economic inequality in their population in recent times, when inequities are growing in so many other places.
  
  
• Brazil is one of the world's leading producers of hydroelectric power.
  
  
• Brazil is 100% energy independent! That is quite an accomplishment! Brazil became energy independent in 2006, making a full turn around from years past when imported oil was as high as 70% of the country's needs.
  
  
• Brazil has the 9th highest number of billionaires in the world.
  
  
• It is one of the largest producers of apples, currently holding a spot at #12 according to Wikipedia.

Interesting Facts About Brazil Rainforests

Ah, the Brazilian rainforest is truly a miraculous creation. What an amazing experience to be there, and to feel the sheer magnitude and beauty of Mother Nature. It's an experience I'll never forget, and hope to have again soon!

• Brazil has the greatest biodiversity of any country, and the most species of plants, freshwater fish, and mammals.
  
  
• It is third in the world for numbers of species of birds, and fifth in the world for reptiles.
  
  
• Brazil has the most species of monkeys in the world.
  
  
• The Brazilian rainforest is 60% of the Amazon Rainforest.
  
  
• Brazil contains 25% of the world's rainforests.
  
  
• Amazon basin gets 7 feet or more of rain a year.
  
  
• The Amazon river is second longest in the world, BUT it is the largest river in the world in water volume.

Interesting Facts About Brazil Culture

My ancestors are from England, Scotland and Europe, and my family is rather quiet, somewhat uncomfortable showing emotion, and rather reserved.

It was so refreshing for me to enjoy the open hearted, optimistic and exuberant Brazilian culture. Being there helped me to "loosen up" and learn to "go with the flow" a little more!Many of the interesting facts about Brazil that I learn remind me of this.

• Brazilian women attained the right to vote in 1931, before women in Switzerland, France, Italy.
  
  
• Most Brazilians don't marry until their late twenties.
  
  
• As of 2007, Brazil has the second highest Christian population in the world.
  
  
• Brazil has won the soccer world cup five times, more than any other nation.
  
  
• Every Brazilian city has at least one soccer stadium!
  
  
• Brazil's Christ the Redeemer statue, located in Rio de Janeiro, is one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.

Lesser Known Interesting Facts About Brazil

These are the kinds of Brazil facts you may not hear very often, if at all, unless you dig a little deeper into what is happening there.

• Brazil is a founding member of the United Nations AND the G20.
  
  
• The largest Japanese city existing outside of Japan is located in São Paulo, Brazil in the "Liberdade" ("Liberty") district.
  
  
• Brazil was named for the Pau Brasil tree, also known as Brazilwood. Previous to this name, it was known as the Ilha de Vera Cruz (Island of Real Cross) and Terra de Santa Cruz (Land of Holy Cross).
  
  
• In May 2010 Brazil opened the first international Brazilian TV station. It is based in Brazil and Mozambique, the shows are in Portuguese, and are scheduled to broadcast to 49 African nations.
  
  
• Brazilian soap operas and football are quite popular in Portuguese speaking Africa.