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Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest country in the world. It's actually larger than the continental United States, covering half of the subcontinent of South America. Almost half of Brazil's territory is covered by the basin of the Amazon River and its tributaries, a region that is one of the world's largest rainforest ecologies. Brazil's Atlantic coast extends more than 4,500 miles along its eastern border, creating some of the most beautiful beaches on earth. A country that for hundreds of years has enchanted the western world with its passion, rhythms, and joyful energy. Blessed in both majestic abundance and fun loving people, Brazil is home to a cultural fusion that provides an ideal destination for study abroad.
Brazilians are distinctively different then their South American neighbors. It's more then just the language too, they are one of the most ethnically diverse peoples in the world. In the south, German and Italian immigration has left distinctive European features. A stark contrast from huge waves of African immigration in Salvador to the north. And right in the middle you find Rio de Janeiro, where all the ethnic colors and influences mix - celebrated almost symbolically by the famous malato samba dancers.
Most cities are sprinkled with "favelas" (shantytowns) which crowd around the skyscrapers. This contrast is what gives Brazil its charm; the rich and poor mingle in the streets and the markets. Brazilians talk of a "Switzerland" in the Southeast, and the level of economic development tends to fall the further north you go. Ironically Brazil has enormous natural resources but has a history of failures in feeding its own people. Some blame corruption others a satisfied middle class but all will agree Brazil path is steady, tempered by patience - they are the country of the future!
These difficulties, however, rarely seem to overshadow everyday life in Brazil. It's fair to say that nowhere in the world do people know how to enjoy themselves more - most famously in the annual orgiastic celebrations of Carnaval , but reflected, too, in the lively year-round nightlife that you'll find in any decent-sized town. This national hedonism also manifests itself in Brazil's highly developed beach culture; the country's superb music and dancing; rich regional cuisines; and in the most relaxed and tolerant attitude toward people and lifestyles that you'll find anywhere in South America. And if you needed more reason to visit, there's a strength and variety of popular culture, and a genuine friendliness and humur in the people that is tremendously welcoming and infectious.
Soccer is the most popular sport, played in the massive stadiums of the big cities and as recreation. The game was introduced in the 19th century and was established as a professional sport in 1933. Although there is great rivalry between local teams, there is strong popular support for the national team, which has won the World Cup, soccer's major international competition, four times. Pele, one of the world's legendary soccer players, led the Brazilian team to three of those victories, in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
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