Brazil is such a vibrant city that has numerous adventures to offer tourists. In fact, itt is the largest country in South America. Brazil is famous for its rich culture, passion for soccer, samba, and the renowned Rio Carnival. Aside from all these, there are so many fascinating facts about Brazil that will blow your mind.
Home to the Amazon rainforest, the country has something that will interest everyone, whether it’s the delicious cuisine, flora and fauna, beautiful beaches, bubbling nightlife, or world-class resorts. Brazil is a great destination if you want to have fun and chill.
With all the astounding and interesting Brazil facts, this passionate country should be on everyone’s bucket list. Here are 30 exciting and fun facts about Brazil you should know.
Interesting Facts About Brazil – Demographics And People
Brazil is the World’s Largest Portuguese-Speaking Nation
While most of South America speaks Spanish as their language, Brazil is an exception. Portuguese is the official language and the most widely spoken language in the country. One of the interesting facts about Brazil is that it is also the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world.
A Significant Population Still Stay in Favelas in Brazil
Favela is a type of low-income informal settlement. The first favela (Providencia) in Rio de Janeiro was seen in the 19th century. Soldiers built favelas because they had nowhere to stay during the Canudos War. In 2010, almost 6% of Brazilian lived in favelas and other slum areas.
Most of them can be very dangerous to wander in alone. If you like to visit one and understand more about the culture, you should join a proper guided tour.
Brazil has the Largest Community of Japanese Outside Japan
Given that both countries’ cultures are very different, this might be one of the more surprising fact about Brazil. The first Japanese immigrants arrived in Brazil in 1908, and since then, it has developed into the most significant Japanese community outside their home country.
Statistic states that around 1.5 million Brazilian Japanese currently live in Brazil. The metropolitan city of Sao Paulo has the Liberdade district which features many Japanese cultural elements and food.
Tikuna is the Largest Tribe in Brazil
The Brazilian tribe Tikuna is the largest community in the Brazilian Amazon. The Tikuna people have a population of almost 36,000. Initially, these indigenous or native tribes lived far from the rivers.
Historical Facts of Brazil
Brail was a Portuguese Colony for 322 Years
An important historical fact about Brazil is that the Portuguese arrived in Brazil in the 1500s and made the country one of their colonies for 322 years. They remained in the country until 1822, when locals fought for independence and won on September 7th.
Brazil got its Name from a Tree Named Brazil wood
This is an interesting fact about Brazil that most people don’t see coming. Brazil wood was everywhere when the Portuguese arrived in Brazil back then. It was a significant export good for them. They gave the name of the Brazil wood to the country because there were so many of them.
Brazilian Samba Dates Back to the 1800s
One of the more well known facts about Brazil is the love for music and dance. Brazil is known to have given the world many popular music and dance styles, including the energetic Samba which was created in Brazil sometime in the 1800’s.
The Capital of Brazil is Brasilia
Many people mistake Brazil’s capital as Rio de Janeiro due to the city’s popularity as a travel destination.
However, one of the interesting facts about Brazil is that Rio de Janeiro did indeed serve as the country’s capital in the past. This was until 1960 when the government then decided to establish a new city that would become the capital directly.
This agreement was made because of long-distance government offices and traffic. Brasilia was born on April 21st, 1960, after four years of construction. It is the third most populous city in Brazil.
Fun Facts About Brazil Tourist Landmarks
Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s Attraction Point
Rio de Janeiro is a famous Brazilian destination, all thanks to its world-famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. From iconic natural landmarks like Sugar Loaf mountain to man-made landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer statue that sits above the city, there are many things to do in Rio de Janeiro.
The city also offers visitors other attractions like Tijuca National Park, Botanical Garden, Municipal Theater, Maracana stadium, and many more. This is definitely a destination to visit if you want to uncover more cultural facts about Brazil.
Christ the Redeemer is in Tijuca Forest National Park
Christ the Redeemer or Christo Redentor is an image of Christ in Rio de Janeiro. Paul Landowski created the figure.
The Christ the Redeemer statue weighs more than 635 tons and stands over 38 meters tall, while the arms are about 28 meters wide. The statue sits on top of Mount Corcovado, which towers an impressive 710 meters above Rio de Janeiro. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Brazil.
The Foundation for The Christ the Redeemer Statue was Laid Before it was Designed
The Catholic Church in Rio de Janeiro laid the foundation for what is now considered one of the world’s largest and most famous Art Deco-style statues in 1922. They laid the foundation to celebrate Brazil’s 100 years of independence.
A competition was held after the foundation was laid to find the designer of the Christ the Redeemer statue. Construction of the statue started in 1926, 4 years after they laid the foundation, and the statue was unveiled in 1931.
Two-Third of the Amazon Rainforest is in Brazil
The Amazon River and surrounding rainforest flow through Northern South America, but an interesting fact is that almost two-thirds of it is in Brazil. The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world.
Amazon Forest in Brazil has Thousands of Different Species of Flora and Fauna
The vast river and dense trees of the Amazon forest are home to different species. It has incredible and dangerous animals like poisonous snakes, piranhas, electric eels, dart frogs, and jaguars. Exploration of the Amazon rainforest is a popular activity and the most common base is the town of Manaus. You will find multiple expedition tours that will take you into mother nature.
Sugarloaf Mountain is a Remarkable Natural Landmark
Sugarloaf Mountain, also known as Pao de Acucar in Portuguese, is one of the top landmarks in Rio de Janeiro. The mountain overlooks Rio de Janeiro at the entrance to Guanabara Bay in Southeastern Brazil. Sugarloaf mountain got its name from its unique shape that resembles a traditional form of refined sugar used in the 19th century.
A Highlight of Sugarloaf Mountain is Cable Car Ride
This is one of the most welcomed facts about Brazil for tourists looking to enjoy some amazing views without a sweaty climb. There are two cable cars at Sugarloaf Mountain that take visitors to the top so they can enjoy the beautiful views of Rio de Janeiro. You can even take a helicopter ride on the top of the mountain to circle around the Christ Redeemer statue and enjoy a thrilling, memorable experience.
Fun Facts About Brazil Nature
The Iguaçu National Park has 2,000 Types of Plants
If you are a plant lover, you will love this fact about Brazil. The national park has 2,000 types of plants, 400 species of birds, 80 mammals, lots of butterflies, and other species. The raccoon, an animal that lives both on land and in the trees, is the most common animal in Iguaçu Park. The Iguaçu falls is also home to the remarkable Toco toucan, a bird with a large beak.
Brazil shares the famous Iguazu falls with Argentina and you can visit them from both the Brazilian side and Argentina side (Puerto Iguazu).
READ MORE: COMPLETE GUIDE TO IGUAZU FALLS ARGENTINA
Brazil is home to the Snake Island
Ilha da Queimada Grande, also known as Snake Island, is considered one of the world’s most dangerous islands. This may be one of the scary facts about Brazil, especially if you are afraid of snakes. However, no one can get to the Island without proper approval.
The Island is less than 100 miles from Sao Paulo, filled with the endangered Golden Lancehead snake. It is estimated that there’s a snake per square meter on the Island. The Lancehead snakes on the Island are dangerous because they have super potent venom that causes necrosis, organ failure, brain hemorrhage, and intestinal bleeding.
Brazil has more Animal and Plant Species than Other Countries.
One of the intriguing facts about Brazil is that the country is home to a vast number of animals and plants. Researchers have estimated Brazil to be one of the most bio-diverse countries on Earth. Brazil is home to the most known plants, amphibians, freshwater fish, and mammals.
Another related Brazil fact worth knowing is that the country has two biodiversities hotspots-the Atlantic Forest and Savanna also known as Cerrado, six terrestrial biomes and three large marine ecosystems.
Brazil has the Gold Frog
The Brazilian gold frog, which measures 8.6-10.2 millimeters and has a bright yellow-orange color, is endemic to southeastern Brazil. The gold frog, one of the most miniature frogs in the world, is common in Rio de Janeiro.
The Biggest Emerald Ever Found is from Brazil.
Another fun fact about Brazil is that it is home to the largest emerald ever seen. Bahia emerald was mined originally in 2001 in Bahia; Brazil emerald is the biggest emerald ever. It weighs about 752lb (341kg).
Brazil Nuts are from One of the Largest Trees in the Amazon Forest
Brazil nuts, also known as castañas de Brasil, are from a Brazil nut tree. The tree is a massive tree that can grow up to 50 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of 1 to 2 meters, making it one of the largest trees in the Amazon rainforest. The tree can live for 500 years or more but hardly up to a thousand years.
Brazil has been the Largest Coffee Producer in the World for the Past 150 Years
Another interesting fact about Brazil is that the country is the largest coffee producer and exporter. Brazil produces about 30% of the world’s coffee production and has around 300,000 coffee plantations. Coffee production plays an essential role in the country’s economy and is one of the many things that Brazil is famous for.
The Highest Mountain in Brazil is Pico de Neblina
The mountain is in Serra da Neblina, a part of Serra de Imeri, a section of the Guiana Highlands on the Brazil-Venezuela border. It is about 9,827 feet above sea level. The mountain was discovered in the 1950s and wasn’t ascended until 1965.
Other Interesting Facts About Brazil
Brazil Host the Largest Carnival in the World
The Brazil carnival is one of the most famous fun facts about Brazil. The carnival has almost 6 million participants. Brazil’s carnival which holds in Rio de Janeiro is the country’s most anticipated event of the year.
The carnival takes place on the Friday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Christian Lent season. The festival is celebrated by street-wide parades filled with ornate parade floats and people dressed in elegant costumes.
The first Brazil carnival was celebrated in 1723. The celebration attracts attendees from all over the world today.
The National Drink is Caipirinhas
One of the more important facts about Brazil for cocktail lovers to know is that the country has its own drink, Caipirinhas. It is made from fermented sugar cane, sugar, and lime. It is made by mixing fruit, juice, and liquor.
Caipirinha originated around 1918 and was initially made from lemon, garlic, and honey, which people used to cure the Spanish flu. They are super tasty and you can find them in different flavors as well. Be sure to try a Caipirinha when you are in Brazil.
Brazil Has 3 Time Zones
Another amazing Brazil fact is that there are three Brazilian time zones presently. The first is UTC-02:00; islands located in the Northeast of Brazil use this time zone. The second is UTC –03:00, which is the real Brazilian time. Lastly is UTC -04:00, which five states in the west use as their official time zone.
Brazil has the most National Parks in the Americas
You may not find it surprising that Brazil has many national parks; the country is takes up almost half the continent. But nature lovers will be thrilled about this interesting fact about Brazil – the country has the highest number of parks in the whole American continent.
In total, the country has 72 national parks all over its territory, with majority in the northern region.
Brazil has the World Tallest Vertical Cemetery
Vertical cemeteries are common worldwide, but the Memorial Necropole Ecumenical in Santos remains the tallest in the world. The cemetery is about 108 meters tall, has 32 floors, and can house thousands of bodies.
The cemetery has function rooms for wakes and funerals, a peacock garden, a small waterfall, and an onsite restaurant. Gentle piano and violin play across the building, and there is a large waiting area like a foyer for the deceased friends and family to gather before the ceremony.
There are More than 2,700 Airports in Brazil
The National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil estimates that there are 2,717 airfields in Brazil. It is believed that there are 534 public and 2,183 private and small airports.
Brazil Shares a Border with Almost all the South American Country
One of the impressive geographical facts about Brazil, but should not come as a surprise, given that the country’s borders stretch almost 10,500 miles. Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana are to the North, while Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina are to the South and Bolivia and Peru to the West. Ecuador and Chile are the only South American countries that don’t share a land border with Brazil.
Discovering More Interesting And Fun Facts About Brazil
These are just some of the interesting and fun facts about Brazil. Hopefully, these have piqued your interest though there are still so many facts to know about Brazil’s enchanting landscapes, waterways, and dynamic cities.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, dance, sport, culture, or relaxation, Brazil has much to offer. Don’t forget to plan a trip to the country to experience its beauty and diversity firsthand.
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