NOTES ABOUT BRASIL

Since most people are only slightly familiar with Brasil, and often have misconceptions about it (for example, Portuguese is the national language, not Spanish), we have added this page of miscellaneous facts about Brasil.

• The language of Brasil is Portuguese.

• Brazil is the world's 8th largest economy.

• Brasil is a democracy, and has been since 1988.

• Voting is required for all citizens between the ages of 18-64.

• The Brasilian flag contains the words "order and progress." The national colors are green and yellow.

• Brasil has a population of 183 million, compared to 303 million in the US. Brasil covers 3.2 million square miles, compared to 3.8 square miles for the US, so the two countries are similar in size. Brasil has 26 states.

• Brasil borders every country in South America except Ecuador and Chile.

• Brasilian currency is the REAL (pronounced hey-al). One real is worth about 60 cents in American currency, so it's almost a 2 to 1 exchange rate.

• Seasons in Brasil are reversed from the US. Their winter is our summer and vice-versa.

• Right now Rio de Janeiro is an hour ahead of the Eastern time zone. During Daylight Savings Time, (when we fall backward and they spring forward) Rio is 3 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

• Though many things are less expensive in Brasil, such as clothes and food, some items are more expensive in Brasil than they are in the US. Specifically, electronic items such as computers and digital cameras cost 50 to 100% more in Brasil.

• A worker in Brasil who makes minimum wage earns the equivalent of $150 per month. Many people don't make minimum wage.

• The capital of Brasil is Brasilia. The city of Sao Paulo, with a population of 22,000,000 is the second largest city in the world. Rio de Janeiro, where Project Brasil is located, is a city of 6,000,000 -- with a "metro area" population of 12,000,000.

• The Brasil National Football (i.e. soccer) team has won the World Cup tournament five times -- more than any other country -- which explains why Brasilians are crazy about football.

• Children typically attend school half a day, either in the morning from 8:00-12:00, or in the afternoon from 1:00 - 5:00.

• The typical Brasilian meal includes black beans, rice, and chicken. Most Brasilians eat their biggest meal at noon.

• Though American music is popular in Brasil, the most popular style of music is Música Popular Brasileira, called MPB. This includes Bossa Nova and Samba music.

• Rio's most popular tourist attraction is the "Christ the Redeemer" statue, located on Corcovado mountain. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. (Pictured at right.)

• Wal-Mart is the largest retailer in Brasil. Though there are some stores here named Wal-Mart, as well as Sam's Club, most of the stores they own in Brasil operate under a different name. Therefore, even though the Wal-Mart Corporation is the largest retailer, most Brasilians aren't familiar with the name.

• Brasil has the largest Japanese population outside of Japan.

• Brasil has the largest Roman Catholic population in the world. 74% of the nation (about 140 million people) are Roman Catholic. This number is decreasing as more Catholics convert to evangelicalism.

• The evangelical church comprises about 15% of the population. The evangelical church is experiencing rapid growth.