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Brazil

Iguazu, Brazil

Get ready for the outdoors if you're planning to enjoy your holiday in Brazil. Carnaval is always a sure hit for tourists every year, but for a less expensive airfare, consider visiting the country after this week-long celebration, perhaps in February or March, or from August to November.

The excitement in Brazil does not end with Carnaval, however. Single travellers who miss it can still appreciate a host of activities such as kayaking, trekking, and snorkelling, or simply soak in the beauty of nature in popular sites like Amazonia, Iguaçu Falls, and Pantanal. Those who choose to stay near the city can enjoy the sightseeing, lively music, and delicious cuisine with their local guide.

Location: Brazil, South America
Size: 8,514,877 km2
Capital: Brasilia
Largest Cities: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Brasilia, Fortaleza
Climate: The northern region tends to be hot, while the south has a milder climate. In general, expect hot summers from December to February. Winter, which starts in June and ends in August, can be either cool or rainy depending on the location.
Population: Around 189 million people

Language: Portuguese

Religion: Catholic, Protestant

Literacy Rate: 90.0%

Government Type: Federal presidential constitutional republic

Head of State: President

Land Borders: To the north, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana; on the northwest, Colombia; on the west, Bolivia and Peru; on the southwest, Argentina and Paraguay; on the south, Uruguay.
Currency: Brazilian Real
Natural Resources: Iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, gemstones, oil, wood, and aluminum.
Main Agriculture: Soybeans, coffee, sugarcane, cocoa, rice, livestock, corn, oranges, cotton, wheat, and tobacco.
Main Industry: Steel, commercial aircraft, chemicals, petrochemicals, footwear, machinery, motors, vehicles, auto parts, consumer durables, cement, and lumber.
Electricity: 220V AC, 60Hz. Rio de Janeiro, 110V
Time Zone: GMT-3, GMT-2, GMT-4

Country Tel. Code:+ 55
Visa/Passport: Allow up to 21 days for visa processing. Yellow-fever vaccination may be required depending on the traveller’s itinerary.
Airport: São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is around 40 kilometres from the city centre. Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) is around 20km north of downtown Rio de Janiero.
Departure Tax: Travellers do not need to pay any departure tax upon embarkation.
Getting Around: Trains are a cheap but limited option. Domestic flights are available within the country, though these tend to be pricey. Buses and cars are a common means of getting around the country, as is hitchhiking.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are usually accepted, though some businesses may add surcharges and others might require proof of identification.
Drinking: The legal drinking age is 18, though it is not always enforced.
Shopping: Rio de Janiero is a good place to buy gemstones, jewellery, and antiques. Other items to consider buying are arts and crafts, leather goods, Brazilian hammocks, and Havaianas thong sandals.
Tipping: 10% additional tip for restaurant bills that already include service charge; 15% service tip otherwise