Brazil is the largest country in South America. Comprising almost half the South American continent (47.3%), Brazil’s territory spans over 8,547,403 km2, or approx. 3,286,000 sq. mi. – see maps (source: IBGE). Therefore, it is the fifth largest country in the world, after the Russian Federation, Canada, China and the United States. Except for a small number of islands, Brazil’s territory is a single and continuous land mass on the Eastern seaboard of South America.

The Equator line crosses Brazil at the Northern region; the Tropic of Capricorn crosses the country at the Southeastern region. The East-West and the North-South lengths of the Brazilian territory are similar (respectively, 4,319.4 Km and 4,394.7 Km).

The Amazon spans approximately 7 million km2 (approx. 4,375,000 sq. miles) in the North and Central parts of South America. It is mostly within Brazilian territory, although parts of it are located in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. The Amazon represents 58.5% of the Brazilian territory. The Amazon rainforest holds the largest reserve of living organisms in the world. The precise number of species in it is not known, but scientists estimate a figure between 800 thousand and 5 million species – 15 to 30% of all known species in the world.

Brazil’s vast territories, the different geographical areas, altitudes and air masses result in a wide variety of climates. The Equator crosses Brazil in its northern region and the Tropic of Capricorn, in the southeast, putting most of Brazil in the “inter-tropical zone”, where the high and wet climates predominate. The average temperature for the country as a whole is 20º C (68º F), and the thermal amplitude (difference between the his and lows) is small. Brazil’s main climates are the Equatorial (in the Amazon Region), with all-year rain, high average temperatures between 77º and 80.6º F; and the Tropical (Central Brazil and part of the Northeastern Region), with high average temperatures between 64.4º and 82.4º F and well-defined dry (mid-year) and wet (early in the year) seasons. The south is colder than the rest of Brazil (average temperature of 64.4º F; during winter temperature may fall below freezing point).

Main Cities
Most of Brazil's population (81.2%) now lives in cities, which are responsible for generating about 85% of the GDP. Among the most important are:

São Paulo has a population of 10,406,166 (IBGE, 2000) and it is the largest city in Brazil. It hosts the largest industrial base in the country and the most dynamic cultural activities.

Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil for almost 200 years (1700's - 1960). Today, Rio is a cultural, financial and tourist metropolis that has not lost its resort character. Its population is 5,850,544 (IBGE, 2000).

Belo Horizonte, designed and built in the 1890's as the capital of the state of Minas Gerais to replace Ouro Preto, the former colonial capital which was enclosed by mountains. An important transport and industrial center, its population is 2,229,697 (IBGE, 2000).

Salvador was the capital of Brazil from the 1500's through the 1700's with an impressive colonial architecture. Today, several of its neighborhoods are considered UNESCO landmark. Salvador is a cultural and business center famous for its art, cuisine and a strong African culture influence. Its population is 2,440,886 (IBGE, 2000).
Brasilia was designed and built as the capital city of Brazil in the geographical center of the country, Brasília was inaugurated in 1960. It is a showpiece of modern architecture. Its urban planning is unique, with a population of 1.6 million.

Recife is one of the most interesting cities in the Northeast, Recife is known as the Brazilian Venice, with a history of Portuguese, Dutch and African settlers. It is a business center with a modern busy port. Its population is 1,421,947 (IBGE, 2000).
(Source: Brazilian Consulate in NY)