Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Brazil



Borders:
Brazil borders 10 countries
1) Guyana

2) Suriname

3) Venezuela

4) Colombia

5) Bolivia

6) Peru

7) Argentina

8) Paraguay

9) Uraguay

10) French Guiana

Population: 192,272,890

GDP per capita: $10,513

Capital with population:
Brasilia - 2,051,146

Did You Know?

  • Brazil is one of the biggest countries of the world and the most populous countries in Latin America. It is officially known as Brasil or Republica Federtiva do Brasil.
  • The capital of Brazil is Brasilia and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities of the world. This city was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, who was considered to be one of the best architects in the world.
  • Christ the Redeemer, the 130-feet tall statue that overlooks Rio de Janeiro, is one of the seven wonders of the contemporary times. This sculpture is the symbol and icon of Brazil.
  • Apparently, Brazil has the 2nd highest Christian population in the whole world!
  • The only soccer team in this world to have won the prestigious ‘World Cup’ 5 times is Brazil's soccer team. Brazil is also the birthplace of one of the best soccer players of this century, Pele.
  • One of the most beautiful stadiums of the Third World is the Maracana Stadium, built in 1950 and located in Rio de Janeiro.
  • The world’s best and most delicious coffee is produced in Brazil.
  • The Amazon Rainforest, which is located in Brazil, is the world’s largest rainforest and covers an area of 2.3 million square miles.
  • The main industries in Brazil are those of textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment.
  • Brazil also has a substantial amount of agricultural production. Coffee, soybean, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa and citrus are the main agricultural products grown in Brazil.
  • Joaquim Osório Duque Estrada, the famous erudite personality of Brazil, composed the verses of the Brazilian anthem. The anthem is believed to be hard to understand, even by literate Brazilians, as there are many rare words and several complex sintatic constructions in the anthem.
  • Brazil doesn’t have any official religion. Around 74% of the Brazilian population comprises of Roman Catholics. Besides, a number of diverse evangelical cults are also represented, as are animist beliefs (more so, in the Afro-Brazilian religion of candomblé).
  • It is common in the country to kiss women on both their cheeks while meeting them or taking their leave, in informal situations. Between men, handshaking is customary and normal European courtesies are followed.
  • In Brazil, flowers are an acceptable gift, while visiting someone on a meal, or on arrival. Another custom comprises of frequent offers of tea and coffee to the visitors.
  • During the hot weather, people wear casual wear. The mode of dress is indicated on invitations for more formal occasions. 


Cuisine:
The country's gigantic geographic scope creates regional differences in the cuisine, and no single dish can encompass and represent the national palate.

Rice and beans (above) is an extremely popular dish, considered basic at table; a tradition Brazil shares with several Caribbean nations.

Salgadinhos (above) are small savory snacks (literally salty snacks). Similar to Spanish tapas, these are mostly sold in corner shops and a staple at working class and lower middle-class familiar celebrations.

 Pizza is also extremely popular. It is usually made in a wood-fire oven with a thin, flexible crust, very little sauce, and a number of interesting toppings. In addition to the "traditional" Italian pizza toppings, items like guava jam and cheese, banana and cinnamon, catupiry and chicken, and chocolate are available. Many Brazilians enjoy putting ketchup on pizza, and even mayonnaise, mustard, and olive oil may be added.

Famous Brazilians
Gisele Bundchen
The tall, thin supermodel who wears dead animals, causing animal rights activists to haunt her wherever she goes.
Helo Pinheiro
The original Girl from Ipanema, as a teenager she used to walk past Tom Jobim and Vincet de Moraes in a bar in Ipanema and, dying of love, they wrote the bossanova classic “Garota de Ipanema” in her honour.Of course, not having an agent she didn’t cash in too well on the success and so eneded up posing for Playboy with her daughter a few years ago. A close family.
Pele

The greatest footballer that Brazil, perhaps the world, has ever seen. A world cup winner. now he coaches the young and features from time to time in the Brazilian paparazzi press.
Joao Gilberto
 
Known throughout the world for his classic version of the Girl from Ipanema with Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto was the original Mister Bossanova, with a lullaby voice that brings the classic air of saudade to everything he sang.

Brazil is a very interesting country, go visit some time!

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