Federative Republic of Brazil

Brazil boasts the largest river on the planet, Rio the most exotic city of carnivals and the largest rainforest on earth. It is an amazing travel destination offering vacations of such diversity that tourists could spend a lifetime exploring and enjoying the best of the country and its cities.

Rio de Janeiro, the most famous destination in Brazil, lies in between the Corcovado mountain range. The range is covered with beautiful green forests. The beaches are smothered in white sand and fringed with feathery palm trees. Copacabana's beaches do overflow with beautiful people. The giant statue of Jesus Christ erected on top of the Corcovado mountain is the most famous landmark in South America.

Rio Top Travel Destination in Brazil

Brazil from Past to Present

Flag of Brazil

Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889.

Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil underwent more than half a century of populist and military government until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers.

Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader, one of the first in the area to begin an economic recovery. Highly unequal income distribution and crime remain pressing problems. In January 2010, Brazil assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Some of the information on this page was sourced from the Central Intelligence Agency. Copyright of picture of Rio held by Didier Ritzman.