Brazil is thirty-five times the size of the United Kingdom. With an area of 8,514,204 sq km, a population of 170 million and a coastline of 7,250 kilometres, much of it made up of stunning beaches, Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and one of the world’s largest economies. 90% of the country lies between the equator and the tropic of Capricorn and it covers over half the continent of South America. It borders every South American country apart from Ecuador and Chile, straddling four time zones in the process.
The Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral discovered Brazil in 1500. The colonial era lasted until 1822 and the country’s wealth came from sugar cane, the slave trade and, in 1695, gold (discovered in Minas Gerais). In 1807, the King of Portugal, Dom João VI - fleeing from an invasion by Napoleon - established his court in Rio de Janeiro, which as a city ranked second only to Lisbon in the Portuguese empire. In 1822, Brazil gained independence from Portugal and, under Dom Pedro I, the Brazilian empire was established. Coffee became the driver of the economy and it was the coffee barons who assisted the army in overthrowing the monarchy in 1889 and establishing a republic. By 1930, Brazil had seen the beginnings of industrialisation and it is now the west’s eighth largest economy.
As for the Brazilians themselves, you could not meet more optimistic, forward-looking people who live life to the full. The Brazilian nation is one enormous cauldron of different races, colours and creeds, but they are all Brazilians, all fun-loving and firm believers that, one day, Brazil will be the greatest nation on earth.
Brazil at a glance
Massive wildlife areas - the Pantanal and the Amazon
Areas of outstanding natural beauty - the central highlands
Walking and soft adventure
One of the largest waterfalls in the world - Iguaçu Falls
Spectacular beaches and islands
Varied influences in music, food and architecture
Carnival all over Brazil - not just in Rio (advisable to book at least 7 months in advance in order to secure hotel/ticket availability)
Prices from £3,391 per person for an 11 night itinerary
Carnival
The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro will take place between Saturday 21st February and Tuesday 24th February and the ‘Champions parade is held on Saturday 28th February 2009.
The main parade of the Samba Schools takes place on the Sunday and Monday evenings. 16 groups or 'schools' parade in turn (8 each night) along the 700 metre, purpose built 'Samba-drome' enjoying rapturous applause from the crowd and close scrutiny from the judges. The co-ordination and scale of the Rio Carnival is one of the most impressive sights in the world and a truly unforgettable experience.
Sunvil offer packages including carnival tickets as well as tailor-made holidays which can include a stay in Rio over the carnival period. 'Carnival' takes place all over Brazil and a visit to either Salvador or Olinda is also recommended.
