Brasilia Population: 198.7 Million Literacy Rate: 88.6% Brazil Brasilia Population: 198.7 Million Literacy Rate: 88.6%

History No written history prior to the arrival of the Portuguese in 1500 Rio de Janeiro established as the seat of the Portuguese Empire in 1808 because of Napoleon 1822 Declared independent Colony of Portugal Experienced 4 military coups – military control from 1964-1985 New Constitution ratified in 1988 – Have been democratic since

Physical Geography 5th largest country – larger than the continental U.S. One of the world’s largest producers of coffee, oranges, and bananas Home of the world’s largest Tropical Rainforest Longest river in South America Mostly Tropical climate – high humidity in forest and coast.

Culture Largest Japanese community outside of Japan Portuguese is official language – English is a popular 2nd Love Futebol (soccer)

Culture Largest Japanese community outside of Japan Portuguese is official language – English is a popular 2nd Love Futebol (soccer) If a meal or snack is going on, it is impolite to not ask visitors to join Compulsory voting for 19-70 year olds – optional for 16-18 year olds and those over 70 Carnaval is a 5 day festival before Ash Wednesday, most famous holiday in Brazil

Fun Facts About Brazil Pulling down the lower eyelid with an index finger signifies disbelief or caution. One may tap the fingers horizontally under the chin to indicate that another person does not know what he or she is talking about or is exaggerating. The “okay” sign used in the United States, with the thumb and index finger forming a circle, is an offensive gesture. When one joins or leaves a small group, it is polite to shake hands with everyone.