Facts About Brazil: 23 Fun and Interesting Things to Know

GloboTreks is reader-supported through affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! – Norbert

Brazil is known for its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse heritage.

If you want to see scenic nature, easy. The Brazilian landscape ranges from the Amazon River (and other major rivers) to white sandy beaches (Copacabana beach is a must visit!) – from the world’s largest wetland to major mountain ranges.

If you want to see historic buildings or try unique Brazilian cuisine, you can find all that in no time.

But beyond this, Brazil is also among South America’s and the world’s major economies. This federal republic is the fifth largest nation in the world. 

Brazil is an advanced industrial nation with large inland gold reserves and massive agricultural exports (from coffee to tropical fruits). It is also the second-largest armed forces in the Americas (after the USA).

So, grab your best backpack and get ready to discover 23 fascinating and fun facts about Brazil, a nation that never fails to surprise and delight.

1. Brazil is the Largest Country in the Southern Hemisphere

This South American country is the fifth largest nation in the world. It covers approximately 8.5 million square kilometers (3.3 million square miles).

Brazil is not only the largest nation in South America. It is also the largest country in the global south.

In fact, it could engulf the EU twice and take up 5% of the world’s land. It is also the world’s longest country.

In addition to its size, Brazil also has a large population of over 215 million people. Brazil’s population is a melting pot of cultural vibrancy, and rich religious and ethnic diversity.

Many people from all over the world including the Middle East and even Japan moved into the fifth largest country and added their culture into the mix.

Interestingly, scientists thought Brazil natives are actually Asians who came to the continent from the islands in the Pacific Ocean over 32,000 years ago.

The Brazilian melting pot created three ethnic groups:

• Pardo (Multiracial): People of mixed descent.
• Brancos (Whites): People of European descent, mostly Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and German.
• Negros (Blacks): People of African descent. Many of them were brought to the country as African slaves, mostly from West Africa.

This distinct separation heavily affects Brazil’s politics to this day.

2. The Capital City of Brazil is Brasilia

Here’s one for a pub quiz evening: What is the capital of Brazil? You would be wrong if you guessed Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. The democratic federal republic capital is actually Brasilia.

It’s the third-largest city in Brazil, built in the 1950s. Brasília was made the capital of Brazil to promote development in the country’s interior. Also to reduce the concentration of political power in coastal cities like Rio.

Brasília was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to recognize its innovative urban planning and architectural significance.

3. Brazil has had Three Capital Cities Throughout its History

Speaking of capital cities… Brazil has had three capital cities throughout its history. They are:

1. Salvador (1549-1763): The first capital of Brazil, located in the northeastern state of Bahia, was chosen by the Portuguese colonial administration in 1549. It served as the capital for over two centuries during the colonial period.
2. Rio de Janeiro (1763-1960): In 1763, the capital was moved from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro on the southeastern coast of Brazil. Rio remained the capital through various historical periods, including the time of the Portuguese Empire, the Brazilian Empire, and the early years of the Republic.
3. Brasília (1960-present): The capital was moved from Rio to Brasília on April 21, 1960. Brasília was purposefully built as the new capital city, designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa.

4. Portuguese is the Official Language of Brazil

Brazil is the only country in South America that speaks Portuguese. The Portuguese language’s prominence in Brazil dates back to the colonial period.

Portugal established a colony here after Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral arrived in 1500 during the era of great European explorations. Colonists created sugarcane plantations along the coast first and then ventured inside the country.

Kings of Portuguese blood ruled this nation for more than three centuries. Brazil became an independent South American country after landowners and military leaders expelled the Portuguese King. The country became a federal republic with a national congress.

However, many people would be surprised to learn that the country struggled with democracy from 1888 until recently. In 1995 the military government was peacefully replaced, thus giving Brazil more political and economic stability.

European settlers have profoundly influenced Brazil’s culture, identity, and literature. Brazilian Portuguese has developed unique characteristics, including distinct accents, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions.

5. Brazil Covers Four Time Zones

Another one of the great facts about Brazil is that it covers four time zones. This is no surprise given that it is the largest country in South America. This unique characteristic sets Brazil apart from many other countries worldwide and has various implications for its citizens, economy, and daily life.

The first time zone is the Brasília Time (BRT). This time zone covers most of Brazil’s territory, including major cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador.

The second time zone is Amazon Time (AMT). This time zone is one hour behind Brasília Time and is observed in the western parts of the Amazonas state and some portions of Rondônia and Roraima states.

The third time zone is Fernando de Noronha Time. Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago located off the coast of Brazil, follows this time zone, which is two hours ahead of Brasília Time. It’s used exclusively in this island paradise.

And the fourth time zone within Brazil is Brasília Time with Daylight Saving Time (BRST). 

Each time zone represents a different region with unique cultural, environmental, and socioeconomic characteristics. Embracing these time zone differences is a testament to Brazil’s multicultural identity and ability to thrive amidst its geographic diversity.

6. Brazil Shares a Border with Almost Every Other South American Country

Another extraordinary fact about Brazil is it shares a border with nearly every country in South America, except for Ecuador and Chile.

It is bordered by ten countries.

Brazil shares borders to the north with Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, an overseas department of France.

To the south, it is bordered by Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. In fact, Argentina and Brazil even share Iguazu Falls. 

Brazil shares borders with Bolivia and Peru on its western side. Colombia is the other nation that lies to the northwest.

Sharing a border with almost every single one of the South American countries gives Brazil a distinct strategic advantage. It facilitates trade, cultural exchanges, and cooperation on various fronts.

7. Brazil is the Only Country in the World that Spans Both the Equator and the Tropics of Capricorn

Another one of the unique geographical facts about Brazil is that it is the only country in the world that has both the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn crossing through it.

Across the eastern coast of South America, Brazil encompasses a wide range of latitudes and climatic zones. The Equator crosses the northern region of Brazil which makes it one of the few countries directly intersected by this significant geographic line.

To add to this distinction, Brazil extends southward beyond the Equator and encompasses portions of the Southern Hemisphere. The Tropic of Capricorn, another important imaginary line located approximately 23.5 degrees south of the equator, traverses the central-southern region of Brazil.

As the only country to span both the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, Brazil occupies a unique position on the global map.

Brazil’s unique distinction as the only country spanning the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn highlights its geographic diversity, climatic variations, and natural richness.

This exceptional positioning contributes to Brazil’s allure as a destination for exploration, adventure, and discovery, offering many experiences across its vast and captivating territory.

8. Brazil has More Animal and Plant Species than Any Other Country in the World

This country in South America is widely known for its incredible biodiversity. In fact, it has more animal and plant species than any other country.

As the fifth largest country in the world, it has 15-20% of the world’s total biodiversity, making it a global leader in species richness. In fact, Brazil is home to 70% of the world’s cataloged animal and plant species, more than any other nation.

Unique animal life includes everything from fierce South American alligators to huge guinea pig relatives and even the pink river dolphin.

9. Around 60% of the Amazon Rainforest is in Brazil

The Amazon Rainforest covers an enormous 6.7 million square kilometers. It spans eight countries and one overseas territory in South America. Brazil’s portion of the Amazon rainforest covers an extensive area of approximately 3.3 million square kilometers.

It represents the largest continuous stretch of tropical rainforest within the country’s borders. Something to keep in mind when trying to survive in the Amazon. Most of Brazil’s remotest places are in the Amazon rainforest.

Looking at the vast territory of rainforest, many people will be surprised to know that most of Brazil’s rainforest on the Atlantic side is gone. And huge tracts of the forrest disappear every year.

The Amazon rainforest is a global ecological treasure. It is a critical carbon sink, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and mitigating climate change. So the forest destruction affects the entire globe, not just Brazil and South America.

Did You Know?: About two-thirds of the Amazon River main stream is in Brazil.

10. Jaú National Park is One of the Largest Forest Reserves

This is one of the largest of many national parks in Brazil. It is also the largest tropical rainforest reserve in the world. It is home to numerous plant and animal species and 1,000 different birds.

Jaú National Park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its ecological importance. It’s one of the most important areas in the fight to conserve the Amazon rainforest.

This national park is home to several indigenous tribes, including the “Okampha,” who have inhabited the region for centuries.

11. Brazil is the Largest Producer of Coffee

If you are a coffee drinker, then you might know that Brazil holds the prestigious title of being the world’s largest producer of coffee. 

The origins of coffee cultivation in Brazil date back to the early 18th century when Portuguese colonizers brought coffee plants into the country. Since then, coffee production has become deeply ingrained in Brazil’s agricultural landscape and has played a vital role in its economic growth.

According to the International Coffee Organization, Brazil has regularly produced over 40 million bags of coffee annually, making it the world’s leading coffee powerhouse.

12. Brazil is Home to One of the Most Dangerous Islands in the World

Brazil has around 300 big and small islands lining a long coastal plain. But one of those stands out as one of the most dangerous in the country and the world. It is Ilha de Queimada Grande, also known as Snake Island.

Located approximately 20.5 miles (33 kilometers) off the coast of São Paulo state, it covers around 17 acres (43 hectares).

Despite its relatively small size, the island has an astonishingly high concentration of venomous snakes. Especially a highly venomous viper, the Golden Lancehead (Bothrops insularis).

In fact, it is considered one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Their venom is capable of causing severe tissue damage, clotting disorders, and even death if not treated promptly.

Between 2,000 and 4,000 golden lanceheads are estimated to live on the island, roughly one snake per square meter. The local authorities have even limited access to Snake Island because of the dangers.

13. A Brazilian Physician Discovered Chagas Disease

Chagas is a significant tropical disease that affects millions of people in Latin America. This debilitating illness was first discovered and described by a remarkable Brazilian physician, Carlos Ribeiro Justiniano Chagas.

His work shed light on a previously unknown and complex disease. This helped establish the field of parasitology in Brazil and contributed to the global understanding of tropical diseases.

14. Brazil Won the Soccer World Cup Five times

Brazil and soccer (football for non-Americans) are deeply ingrained in the country’s culture and history.

The Brazilian national soccer team is the most successful l team in the history of the FIFA World Cup finals. They have won the tournament a record-breaking five times, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002.

The Maracanã Stadium in Rio is one of the most famous stadiums in the world and holds significant historical value for Brazilian soccer.

It hosted the final match of the 1950 FIFA World Cup, known as the “Maracanazo,” in which Brazil suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Uruguay.

15. The Stars on the Brazilian Flag Depict a Specific Starry Night

The starry night on the Brazilian flag holds significant symbolism and represents particular aspects of the country’s history and aspirations.

The stars on the Brazilian flag represent the night sky as observed from Rio de Janeiro on November 15, 1889. This date marks the proclamation of the Brazilian Republic, which led to the establishment of a new political regime in the country.

The constellation depicted on the Brazilian flag is the “Matarazzo.” This particular constellation, named after the influential Matarazzo family of São Paulo, consists of 27 stars, each representing one of Brazil’s federative units: the 26 states and the Federal District.

16. Rio de Janeiro was Once the Capital of the Entire Portuguese Empire

Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Portuguese Empire on March 7, 1808. This move was prompted by the Napoleonic Wars and the threat posed by the French army to the Portuguese royal family.

The Portuguese court, led by Queen Maria I and Prince Regent John (later King John VI), fled from Lisbon to Rio, making it the capital of the empire. This is the only time in history when a European capital moved across the Atlantic Ocean.

Rio de Janeiro remained the capital of the Portuguese Empire until 1821, when King John VI returned to Lisbon following the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the establishment of constitutional reforms in Portugal.

17. The Iconic Statue of Christ the Redeemer, located in Rio de Janeiro, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Christ the Redeemer is an awe-inspiring statue that stands tall atop the Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This iconic monument, reaching approximately 98 feet, depicts Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, embodying a message of love, peace, and acceptance.

Its imposing presence and breathtaking location provide visitors with magnificent views of the city’s vibrant landscapes, including the picturesque coastline and the lush Tijuca Forest.

18. Brazil has a Desert that Becomes a Lagoon During the Rainy Season

The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, just outside the Amazon River Basin, is 1,500 km2 (580 sq. mi) of sand dunes. It looks like a desert due to its lack of vegetation, but it receives tons of rain during the rainy season.

During these rainy months, fresh water collects in the valleys between sand dunes, creating a series of surreal blue, green and black lagoons. The water is prevented from sinking down by a layer of rock underneath the sand.

Today this is a popular tourist attraction, so if you’re planning on visiting, the lagoons are at their fullest between July and September.

19. Brazil has a 2-Million-Inhabitant City not Connected by Roads

The Brazilian city of Manaus, in Northern Brazil, sits deep in Brazil’s jungles.

It is located in the remote heart of the Amazon rainforest, and has a population of over two million people, making it the most populous city in the Brazilian Amazon.

The city is completely surrounded by dense jungle and is not accessible by road. Manaus is only reachable by boat or plane.

20. Brasilia has the World’s Largest Permanently Hoisted Flag

The largest flag in the world to be flown regularly is located at the Praça dos Três Poderes in the capital city of Brasilia.

The Brazilian flag measures 70 by 100 meters (230′ x 328′) and weighs about 600 kilograms (1,300 pounds).

Since the capital was inaugurated on 21 April 1960, it has never been taken down (not counting monthly replacements).

Because the flag is so large, it rips and needs to be replaced almost once a month.

21. It has the Largest Waterfall System in the World

Iguazu Falls is often referred to as the “largest waterfall system” in the world. It has 275 individual falls stretching across nearly 2 miles (3 kilometers).

The most iconic and awe-inspiring part of Iguazu Falls is the “Garganta del Diablo” or “Devil’s Throat.” This U-shaped waterfall spans approximately 490 feet (150 meters) and creates a thunderous roar as the water plunges into the abyss below.

Another fun fact about this UNESCO World Heritage Site is that the falls straddle a triple border. It is the meeting point of three countries: Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.

If you’re curious about which side offers the best views, I wrote this post detailing which side of Iguazu Falls is better.

During certain periods, especially during full moon nights, you can see a lunar rainbow, also known as a moonbow, arching over the falls.

22. Brazilian Prisoners Can Reduce Their Sentence By Reading

This is one of the most unique facts about Brazil. Brazilian prisoners can reduce their sentence by 4 days for each book they read.

The idea is to encourage self education and reduce recidivism by increasing an overall intellectual level of offenders (or make them smarter criminals who wouldn’t get caught?)

23. It holds the Guinness World Record for the Largest Carnival in the World

This is one of the most fun facts about Brazil. Brazil’s Carnival holds the Guinness World Record for the largest carnival celebration in the world. The Carnival in Rio attracts millions of visitors each year, with people from all over the globe joining the festivities.

The extravagant parades, vibrant costumes, samba music, and energetic street parties create an atmosphere of unparalleled joy and excitement. The sheer size and scale of Brazil’s Carnival make it a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists.

Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian cities have what’s known as a Sambadrome, or Sambódromo, a linear stadium on both sides of an avenue designed for the Carnival parade.

Each year, this is where samba schools showcase their elaborate floats, costumes, and performances during the Carnival festivities in the hope of earning the coveted title of Carnival champion.

While Rio’s Sambadrome is 700 meters and can accommodate 90,000 spectators, the largest in the world is Sao Paulo’s Sambadrome, built for 103,200 people.

Crazy, huh?

These fun facts provide just a glimpse into the fascinating and diverse culture, natural wonders, and achievements of Brazil. There is so much more to Brazil that can only be witnessed and experienced by visiting its diverse destinations and meeting its people. Time to plan a trip to Brazil!

Found this post interesting? Why not check out these posts on interesting facts about Argentina or Bolivia?