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Regions
Brazil is the fifth largest country on earth. So large it is that, for economic planning purposes, it had to be divided into five regions. The five regions (below) are drawn around state lines, but they more or less follow natural, economic and cultural borderlines.
- The North -- the Amazon, the rain forest and frontier life, with remarkable indian influence.
- The Northeast -- strong black culture (especially in Bahia) mingles with early Iberic folklore. This is often considered the country's most beautiful coastline, and has the the sunniest and hottest climate; but it is also the country's driest and poorest region.
- The Central West -- The Pantanal wetlands, great farms, young cities, the cerrado and the Federal District, with its outworldly modernist architecture.
- The Southeast -- São Paulo and Rio are the largest cities of the country's economic and industrial hub, which also has some century-old colonial towns. The South -- is a land of valleys and pampas where a strong gaucho culture (shared with Uruguay and Argentina) meets European influences.
Cities
Brazil has many exciting cities, ranging from pretty colonial towns and coastal hideouts to hectic, lively metropolises; these are a few of the more prominent travel destinations:
- Belém -- The largest city in the Amazon region. Religious festivals (Cirio de Nazare), traditional market (Ver-o-Peso).
- Brasília -- The capital of Brazil, and an architectural spectacle. Noteworthy buildings include a basket-shaped Cathedral, the beautiful Arches Palace (seat of the Ministry of Justice) and others.
- Florianópolis -- The only big city in Brazil located in an island in the Atlantic Ocean has lakes, lagoons, amazing nature and more than 100 beaches.
- Fortaleza -- A good base for exploring the beaches of the northeastern coast, including Jericoacoara.
- Olinda -- A small town, popular for its culture and arts scene and a Carnival that rivals those of Rio and Salvador.
- Rio de Janeiro -- World famous, beautiful city that welcomes visitors with that big statue of an open-armed Jesus on the top Corcovado Hill.
- São Paulo -- Brazil's largest, richest and most cosmopolitan city, where you can find traces of most major cultures of Earth, including Italian, Japanese, German, Russian, Greek and Arab.
- Salvador -- The first capital of Brazil is home to a unique blend of indigenous, African and European cultures. Its Carnival fun is famous, and the influence of African culture and religion is remarkable.
- São Luís -- Founded by the French in the 15th century and soon occupied by Portuguese forces, São Luis is a fascinating town that managed to preserve its Portuguese influenced colonial buildings and is also known for its rich popular culture.
Other cities that also attract a good deal of travellers:
- Belo Horizonte -- Capital of Minas Gerais, is a convenient starting point to explore the state's colonial past.
- Buzios -- Trendy seaside town with 25 beaches. 192 Km north of Rio.
- Campo Grande -- Very green and very parks.
- Corumbá -- "Capital" of Pantanal.
- Curitiba -- Known for its innovative urban solutions, it still keeps its traditional spirit.
- João Pessoa -- The easternmost Brazilian city, where the sun rises first. Nicknamed "Jardim das Acácias" (Acacia Garden) it is an arborised medium-sized city with a warm climate, good-hearted people and beautiful beaches.
- Maceió -- One of the many northeastern coastal cities, with Caribbean-blue beaches. Manaus -- The capital of the Amazonas State. The best place to go to visit the Amazon Forest. Also features the Army Zoo, where wild fierce animals are kept (for soldier training purposes, but open to public visit), and the unique indian-influenced cuisine.
- Natal -- Sunny beaches and dunes. Has the reputation of being the sunniest Brazilian city.
- Porto Alegre -- An urban destination in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul. Has a very active nightlife and is one of the most important centres of Brazilian pop music.
- Recife -- A major city in the Northeast region, originally settled by Dutch colonizers. Nicknamed "The Brazilian Venice", it is built on several islands linked by many bridges.
- Vitória -- Midway between Rio and Salvador, it is a beautiful city between the mountains.
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Fair Deal Destinations (Brazil) is a complete guide to everything you may want to know about Brasil's most exciting destinations.
Every destination in Brazil has an accommodation section listing Spanish hotels, hostels, lodges, backpackers places, camp sites, game reserves and resorts.
Looking for a good night out in Rio de Janiero, Natal, Brasilia, Rio Grande Norte, Sao Paulo or anywhere else in Brazil? Our entertainment pages have it all from top restaurants to clubs, cinema to special events.
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