by Lalitha Subbaraman

Created on: September 17, 2009   Last Updated: October 07, 2009

Brazil's motto is "Ordem e Progresso" (Portuguese) meaning order and progress. Democracy is the ideal form of government around the world. Brazil is the fourth largest democracy in the world. Brazil is the fifth largest country geographically . Brazil has Atlantic Ocean as its eastern boundary . Brazil's coastline is 4655 miles. It shares its border in the north with Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guyana.Its northwestern neighbor is Columbia. Its western neighbors are Bolivia and Peru. Its southwestern neighbors are Argentina and Paraguay. Its southern neighbor is Uruguay.

Brazil was a Portugal's colony from 1500 . It gained its independence in 1822,. Brazil's the first constitution was ratified during 1824. Brazil's current constitution describes it as a Federal Republic. Brazil is the 10th largest economy and 9th largest regarding the economic purchasing power . Brazil is a founding member of United Nations and the Union of South American Nations.

Brazil's topography varies between regions from highlands, and plains to mountains , and hills . The highest point in Brazil is Pico da Neblina at (9890 Ft) and its lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean. Brazil's complex system of rivers have eight drainage basins and every one of them drains into Atlantic Ocean. Amazon river is the largest river in terms of volume of water. Amazon river is the second longest river in the world.

Brazil's climate varies between regions . Brazil is known for five major subcategories of climate: tropical, semi arid , highland tropical and temperate and equatorial. Equatorial climate dominates rain forests in the northern regions. Semi-arid deserts are common in the northeastern regions. Temperate climate is common in the south and tropical savannas are known for central Brazil.

Brazil's biodiversity is its ecological treasure. Amazon's rain forest is known for the habitat for plants and animal species for millenniums. Brazil's wild life-plant and animal species could reach easily 4 million. Large mammals consists of Jaguars, Pumas , ocelots and sloths. The wild life is is being affected by industrial activities like mining, and logging. The deforesting activities also contributes to the endangering the environment and the wildlife in Brazil.

Food : Acai berry has its origin in Brazil. Acai berry is known for its health benefits. Cuisine varies between regions. coastal plains in northeastern regions are known for growing tropical crops. Sugarcane and cocoa are plentiful in this

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