Brazil
is full of surprising stories, cultural curiosities and striking
natural wonders that many travellers never hear about. These insights
reveal a deeper, more intriguing side to the country before you
arrive.
Brazil has more species of plants and animals than any other country on Earth, with many still undiscovered.
The Christ the Redeemer statue is struck by lightning several times each year due to its height and location.
In some Amazon communities, pink river dolphins are believed to transform into humans in local folklore.
São Paulo has one of the largest Japanese communities outside Japan, influencing food and culture.
The Amazon River is so wide in places that you can’t see the opposite shore.
Brazil pioneered the use of ethanol fuel on a national scale, leading global innovation in biofuels.
Inventor Alberto Santos-Dumont is considered by many Brazilians to be the true father of aviation.
The country developed one of the world’s first successful heart transplant programmes.
Brazil created the iconic Havaianas sandal, now worn worldwide.
Wearing flip-flops is completely acceptable in everyday settings — even in major cities.
Waiting in line is taken seriously; queue jumping is frowned upon.
Cafés and restaurants commonly include service charges, reducing the need for tipping.
Loud conversation and expressive gestures are part of normal Brazilian communication.
It’s polite to greet people with a friendly “bom dia,” “boa tarde,” or “boa noite.”
Pelé is one of the most iconic footballers in history.
Gisele Bündchen, born in Rio Grande do Sul, became one of the world’s highest-earning supermodels.
Paulo Coelho is one of the most-read authors globally, known for “The Alchemist.”
Oscar Niemeyer revolutionised modern architecture, designing Brasília’s futuristic landmarks.
Brazil spans three time zones and occupies nearly half of South America.
The Amazon rainforest produces around 20% of the world’s oxygen.
Iguazu Falls is one of the largest and most spectacular waterfall systems on Earth.
Brazil has more beaches than any other country, stretching over 7,000 km of coastline.
Brazilian culture is deeply communal, with food and celebration bringing people together.
Football is a national passion, played from beaches to urban courts.
Afternoon coffee breaks (“cafezinhos”) are a cherished part of daily life.
Dance traditions like samba and forró are celebrated throughout the country.
Carnival is one of the world’s biggest festivals, blending music, dance and dazzling costumes.
Street art is prominent, especially in São Paulo, where entire neighbourhoods function as open-air galleries.
Barbecue (“churrasco”) is a national staple, with regional variations.
Capoeira combines martial arts, dance and music, originating from Afro-Brazilian communities.
Brazil was the last country in the Americas to abolish slavery, in 1888.
The Portuguese influence remains strong, from architecture to language to cuisine.
Brasília was built in just 41 months and inaugurated in 1960 as a planned futuristic capital.
Indigenous cultures have shaped Brazil’s identity for thousands of years.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park features vast white sand dunes filled with seasonal turquoise lagoons.
Fernando de Noronha is a protected archipelago known for its pristine beaches and exceptional marine life.
The Selarón Steps in Rio are a world-famous mosaic artwork created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón.
The Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland and one of the best places to spot jaguars.
Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world.
Portuguese is the official language.
Home to the largest rainforest on Earth.
Carnival attracts millions of visitors annually.
Iguazu Falls spans over 250 waterfalls.
Brasília is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup five times.
Coffee has been a major export for over 150 years.
The Amazon River is the world’s largest by volume.
Over 60% of the country is covered by forests.
Capoeira originated from Afro-Brazilian communities.
Brazil’s coastline stretches over 7,000 km.