BRAZIL Why Here?

FACTS Covers about half of South America and

is the continent's largest nation. Divided into the Brazilian Highlands in

the south and the Amazon River Basin in the north.

Over a third is drained by the Amazon and its more than 200 tributaries.

Southern Brazil is drained by the Plata system—the Paraguay, Uruguay, and Paraná rivers.

NEEDED WHEN ENTERING a passport valid for at least 6 is required a return ticket proof of sufficient funds to cover your

stay. Most non-European visitors are required

a 90 day visa which must be obtained in advance, prior to entering the country.

MAP

GEOGRAPHY hills, mountains, plains, highlands,

scrublands, savannas, rainforests, and a long coastline

low-lying Amazon Rainforest covers most of Brazil’s terrain in the North

small hills and low mountains occupy the South

Atlantic coast there are several mountain ranges, with a highest altitude of roughly 2,900 meters

Several small islands and atolls in the Atlantic Ocean are part of Brazil

WEATHER mostly tropical, but temperate in the

south Other climatic regions found: equatorial,

semi-arid, highland tropical and subtropical

Southern part is only rainy during months November to May

Around the Amazon Basin, it will rain all year

Hot, dry and humid

CURRENCY is the REAL, divided into centavos 100 centavos = 1 real. Bank notes are in

denominations of 100, 50, 10, 5, 1; Coins are 1.00 real; 50 centavos, 25 centavos, 10 centavos, 5 centavos and 1 centavo.

US dollar is the best foreign currency to take Most widely accepted travelers checks are

American Express. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit

cards are accepted almost everywhere There are many ATMs where you can either

withdraw currency on your credit card, use your bank card on the PLUS network.

CUSTOMS

SOCIAL CUSTOMS culture is European based In both business and social situations, shaking

hands when meeting or leaving is customary. the women may kiss one (or both) cheeks of

other women upon meeting them and, often, kiss men in a similar manner.

smoking has been banned or severely limited in many public areas including airports, post offices, government offices, rest rooms, banks, hospitals, supermarkets, shopping centers and malls.

Numerous restaurants do the same but some will have a separate section para fumantes (for smokers).

WHAT NOT TO DO Do not touch anything with your fingers:

use utensils for pizza, sandwiches, fruit and chicken

When something is offered, say "yes" or "please". "Thank you" indicates a refusal, "No, thank you" is considered rudely blunt. Always offer an excuse so that the offered is not offended.

Never use the fork to cut anything

FOOD common dishes feature

various meats, rice and black beans

black bean stew (feijoada) is traditionally served on Saturdays

Recommended to try churrasco (barbecue) restaurants and to visit a rodizio, where they will serve of a variety of cuts of meats until told otherwise.

DRINK World largest coffee

producer national drink is

Caipirinhas: limes, sugar, and ice

numerous brands of beer including Bohemia, Skol, Brahma, Itaipava, Bavaria, Xingu, Kaiser and more

Soft drinks include Guarana (a carbonated cola-like drink)

varieties of excellent fruit-juices

WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE Explore the Amazon Enjoy Rio de Janeiro's Carnival Go to the world-famous Copacabana

and Ipanema beaches in Rio de Janeiro Take a hike on trails into Brazil's

wilderness areas: mountainous areas as well as forests.

Learn to dance the samba

REFERENCES http://

www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107357.html http://www.brazil.com/ http://www.brazilbrazil.com/manners.ht

ml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country

/39/top_things_to_do/South-America/Brazil.html