Copacabana Beach

• Brazil is the largest country in South America and fifth largest in the world both by geographical area and by population, with over 190 million people.
• It is the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas and the largest Portuguese speaking country in the world.
• Brazil borders every nation on the continent except Chile and Ecuador.
• Brazil can be divided into the Brazilian Highlands, or plateau, in the south and the Amazon River Basin in the north.
• Over a third of Brazil is drained by the Amazon and its more than 200 tributaries.
• The most visited places in Brazil include Fernando de Noronha Island, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
• Brazil’s population is concentrated in the major cities of its coast. The large interior, much of which is covered by the rainforest basin of the Amazon, remains sparsely settled.
• Music plays an important part in Brazilian identity.

HISTORY

• The Portuguese were the first European settlers to arrive in the area
• Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil gained its independence in 1822
• Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930
• In World War II, Brazil cooperated with the Allies, welcoming Allied air bases, patrolling the South Atlantic, and joining the invasion of Italy after declaring war on the Axis powers.
• In 1989, the country enjoyed its first democratic election in almost three decades. Unfortunately, the Brazilians made the mistake of electing Fernando Collor de Mello. Mello’s corruption did nothing to help the economy, but his peaceful removal from office indicated at least that the country’s political and governmental structures are stable.
• In Jan. 1999, the Asian economic crisis spread to Brazil
• The economy remained sluggish throughout 2001, and the country also faced an energy crisis
• The IMF offered Brazil an additional aid package in Aug. 2001. And in Aug. 2002, to make certain that Brazil would not be dragged down by neighboring Argentina’s disastrous economic problems, the IMF agreed to lend Brazil $30 billion over fifteen months.

FACTS

Sugarloaf Mountain

• Brazil is one of the largest 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-foot 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 2^nd 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.
• Amazon Rainforest, which is located in Brazil, is the world’s largest rainforest and covers an area of 2.3 million square miles.
• Brazil doesn’t have any official religion. Around 74% of the Brazilian population comprises of Roman Catholics.
• 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.

Christ the Redeemer Statue

• Internet connection 3-5 R/Hour
• Beer 2-3 R bottle, 1-2 R can
• Taxi 3-6 R per km
• Big Mac 4-5 R, Local sandwich 2-3 R, Giant pizza 20-30 R
• Movie ticket 5-15 R
• Cigarettes (20 pack) 1 R (local brand), 4 R (International brand)
• Hang Gliding Tandem Flight in Rio de Janeiro, 240-390 R per person

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Hyacinth Macaw Blue Parrot

• By law, everyone must carry a photo ID at all times. For a foreigner, this means your passport.
• Food from street and beach vendors has a bad hygienic reputation in Brazil.
• Bottled and canned drinks are safe, although some people will insist on using a straw to avoid contact with the exterior of the container.
• Vaccination against yellow fever and taking anti-malaria medication may be necessary if you are traveling to central-western (Mato Grosso) or Amazon regions. If you’re arriving from Peru, Colombia or Bolivia, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required before you enter Brazil.
• The emergency number is 190, but you must speak Portuguese.

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Iguazu Falls

• Brazil’s high season runs from December to March. Prices rise during this time and you’ll face more crowds, though this is also festive time in Brazil.
• Brazil’s low season runs from May to September.
• During the summer, which runs from December to February, Rio and the Northeast have temperatures in the high 30s.
• The rest of the year temperatures are generally in the mid-20s to low 30s.
• The winter runs from June through August.
• The Amazon region rarely gets hotter than 27°C, but it is humid and has considerable rainfall.

Ilhagrande, Brazil

Copacabana Beach

• Copacabana Beach is one of the most famous in the world.
• Copacabana Beach plays host to millions of revellers during the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations and, in most years, has been the official venue of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
• As you cruise by one of the world’s most famous beaches by night, you’ll see the lights of this vibrant resort town, with its dramatic backdrop of Sugarloaf and giant statue of Christ the Redeemer.
• Listen closely and you’re likely to hear some salsa rhythms.

View Map

Bahia’s Diamantina National Park

• This is one of Brazil’s ecotourism hotspots and an adventure playground for trekking, caving, diving and rafting.
• The park is full of natural attractions including mountains, forests, caves, underground lakes and waterfalls.

Iguazu Falls

• The Iguazu Falls are waterfalls of the Iguazu River located on the border of Brazil and Argentina.
• The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazu.
• The Iguazu River starts at the city of Curitiba and runs for the most part of the course in Brazil and at the end of the border of Brazil and Argentina.

The Museum of Modern Art

• The museum has over 4000 artifacts and beautiful paintings.
• Learn about the artists and admire their talents, stop by the gift shop and take a look around.

Communication Etiquette:
• Men shake hands when greeting each other
• Maintain strong eye contact
• If a women would like to shake hands with a man she will extend her hand first
• Women generally kiss each other, starting with left and alternating cheeks
• Acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking
• Communication is often informal
• The individual they are working with is more important than the company

Business Etiquette:
• Prefer face-to-face meetings instead of emails, or in writing
• Like to get to know the person they are dealing with
• They judge on appearance
– Men, conservative dark colored suits
– Executives generally mean someone is an executive
– Women, suits or dressed that are both elegant and feminine
– Good quality accessories
– Manicures
• Expect many questions about your company
– They like to get to know you before doing business
• They take time negotiating, don’t rush them
• Brazilians resent outside legal presence, so use local lawyers for negotiating
• Business cards are exchanged with introductions to everyone in meetings