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Brazil
Let's explore one of the world's most fascinating countries — packed with surprises, stories, and pen pal potential.
The Basics
3 Things That Will Blow Your Mind
Genuinely. You'll want to tell someone immediately.
Brazil's capital was built from scratch in 41 months
Brasília didn't exist until 1960. It was constructed from nothing in the middle of the country's interior — deliberately, to move the capital away from the coast. The entire city, designed in the shape of an aeroplane, was built in under four years.
Brazil speaks Portuguese because of a line drawn by the Pope
In 1494, the Pope literally divided the world between Spain and Portugal along an imaginary line. Everything to the west went to Spain (most of South America), everything to the east went to Portugal (including the bit that became Brazil). That's why Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country on a Spanish-speaking continent.
The Amazon is almost incomprehensibly alive
A single hectare of Amazon rainforest can contain more tree species than the whole of Europe. The Amazon produces about 20% of the world's oxygen and is home to around 10% of all species on Earth — millions of which have never been named by scientists.
Famous For
Football
Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup five times — more than any other country. Football here is not a sport, it's a way of life. Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho — Brazil has produced some of the greatest players in history.
The Amazon Rainforest
The largest rainforest on Earth, covering about 40% of South America. It is home to jaguars, pink river dolphins, anacondas, and millions of species found nowhere else.
Carnival
Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is the world's biggest party — five days of parades, samba, and elaborate costumes watched by millions. Samba schools spend all year preparing for it.
Coffee
Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer — responsible for about a third of all coffee consumed globally. It has been the top coffee-producing country for over 150 years.
Did You Know?
Brazil is the only country in the Americas never to have had a war with a neighbour it shares a land border with — and it borders ten countries, more than almost anywhere else on Earth.
Pen Pal Connection
A child in Brazil might write to you about Carnival preparations, their football team (a very serious topic), the Amazon if they live near it, the strange experience of celebrating Christmas in 35-degree heat, or a caipirinha their parents drank while they had juice.