Occupying almost half of the land mass that constitutes South
America, Brazil is the fifth largest country on earth. To the
north, west and south Brazil is bordered by all of the other South
American countries barring Ecuador and Chile, whilst the country's
long eastern coastline - famed for possessing some of the world's
finest beaches - faces the South Atlantic Ocean.
Brazil is also the world's largest Portuguese-speaking nation; a
consequence of the arrival of nobleman and explorer Pedro Álvares
Cabral who claimed the country for Portugal in 1500 and established
a colony which would remain in power until 1822 when Brazil
achieved independence.
Generally speaking Brazil enjoys a tropical and subtropical
climate which means it is suitable for visiting, dependent on the
region, at any time of year. Winter falls between June and August
when average temperatures range between 13 and 18OC (55 and 64OF).
In summer, the three-month period between December and February,
temperatures can swelter anywhere between 30 and 40OC (86 and
104OF) in the southern regions around Rio de Janeiro with northern,
rain-forested areas slightly cooler. Rainfall, in varying degrees,
can occur at any time of year but is heaviest in the winter
months.