Brazil annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists. Its exotic and unique nature, thousands of kilometers of sunny sandy beaches and the colonial architecture of the old districts will be remembered even by the most whimsical tourist. The country provides truly great opportunities for almost any kind of recreation. Brazil is one of the most developed countries on the continent. However, you can still meet people here who preserve ancient Indian traditions.

Geography of Brazil

According to Simplyyellowpages, Brazil is the largest country in South America and its territory occupies almost half of the entire continent. The north of the country borders with Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, and in the south with Uruguay. The western part of Brazil shares borders with Argentina, Paraguay, Peru and Bolivia. The northern and eastern parts have access to the Atlantic Ocean.

Capital

Brasilia

Area

The area of Brazil is 8,514,877 km2. sq., occupies the 5th place in the world by area.

Population

190,732,694 people.

Currency

The national currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL).

Language

The official language is Portuguese.

Visa to Brazil

Russian citizens do not need a visa for short-term entry to Brazil. The period of residence in the country can reach 90 days within six months. If you plan to stay longer in the country, you need to apply for a visa at the consulate. When crossing the border, you must present a passport, which must be valid for the entire stay in the country. Sometimes you may be asked to show proof that you have enough money to live or show your hotel reservation tickets. If a child is flying with you, then you need to present a certified power of attorney from the parent remaining in Russia. The visa is valid for 90 days, however, if necessary, 30 days before its expiration, you must apply for an extension to the Brazilian Federal Police.

Weather in Brazil

The climate in Brazil varies with latitude as well as with the nature of the terrain. Summer here falls on December – April, and the average temperature is +23 – +29C, and in winter (May-November) from +16 to +25C. In the period from September to March, the rainy season begins almost throughout the country. At this time, the air temperature is quite high and abundant precipitation falls, due to which the humidity of the air rises greatly. In the Amazon, the rainy season is from May to July. Near the territory of Rio de Janeiro, it is almost always humid, from November to March the temperature can reach +30C, and from September to April it drops to +15 +25, but it rains constantly. Rio de Janeiro is best visited from May to August, at which time the most comfortable temperature (22-32C). The mountainous regions are characterized by a rather harsh climate for Brazil,

Currency exchange in Brazil

As of August 2011, the rate is 1 USD = 1.58 BRL. You can exchange currency on weekdays in banks from 10.00 to 15.00-16.30. Banks located at airports or railway stations make an exchange around the clock. The exchange can also be made at special exchange points (“Cambios”), shopping centers and hotels. However, banks have the most favorable exchange rate.

Electricity

127-220V/50-60Hz (European and American sockets).

Religion

Most of the inhabitants of Brazil are adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, which is why it can be considered the most Catholic country in the world. 15% of the population professes Protestantism. There are also Muslims, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons and Buddhists.

Security

The high unemployment rate in the country provokes many citizens to commit crimes, most often robberies and pickpocketing. However, many police officers monitor the safety of tourists. They are dressed in special T-shirts and shorts and daily, on bicycles or on foot, supervise their territory. But, despite the large number of police officers, even in the capital there are areas where tourists are not recommended to go. Wearing jewelry in plain sight is not recommended. It is also not worth responding to requests from strangers. It is not advisable to leave your documents and valuables in the hotel room.

Health

In large cities, medicine is developed quite well, but in some provincial areas, emergency medical care may not be available at all. Mandatory vaccination against yellow fever has been canceled, but if you plan to visit remote areas, then it is better to do it. It is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as well as prophylactic vaccinations against malaria. Medical insurance of international standard is required here for treatment. Under no circumstances should you drink tap water.