Brazil is the largest country in South America, covering nearly half the continent. Its 215 million people make it one of the most populous nations on Earth. The country stretches from the Amazon rainforest in the north to vast grasslands in the south, with mountains, beaches, and wetlands in between.

Portugal colonized Brazil in the 1500s, which is why Brazilians speak Portuguese while most of their neighbors speak Spanish. Brazil gained independence in 1822 and became a republic in 1889. Today it's a vibrant democracy known for its diverse culture, blending African, European, and Indigenous traditions.

The Amazon River flows through northern Brazil, carrying more water than any other river on Earth. The Amazon rainforest, often called “the lungs of the planet,” produces enormous amounts of oxygen and contains millions of plant and animal species. Brazil's largest cities, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, are major metropolises where modern skyscrapers stand near historic neighborhoods.

Brazil is famous for its Carnival celebration, its love of soccer (which Brazilians call futebol), and its music styles like samba and bossa nova. The country is a major producer of coffee, soybeans, and orange juice. When you drink orange juice at breakfast, there's a good chance those oranges came from Brazilian groves.