Brazil's Physiography

The Cerrado Savanna in Brazil

General Information

Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, with its coast stretching nearly 2,700 miles from North to South. The region has a wide range of landscapes such as plateaus, low mountains, savannas, and wetlands. In addition, Brazil is home to the majority of the world's largest river system-The Amazon River. This country is grouped into five geographical units called the Major Regions. These regions are: North, Northeast, Central West, Southeast, and South.

Brazil's Five Geographical Units

The North 

The North region of Brazil covers more than two-fifths of Brazilian territory. In addition, it contains the largest portion of the Amazon rainforest, as well as parts of the Guiana Highlands. The region, though, does not house much of the population, nor does it produce a lot economically.

The Northeast

Covering one-fifth of the Brazilian territory, cities in this region age back to 16th century. As well as being home to one-fourth of the population, this region accounts for one-fifth of the agricultural production. In addition, it experiences some of the nation's hottest and driest conditions.

The Southeast

Housing two-fifths of Brazil's population, the Southeast surprisingly only covers only one-tenth of Brazilian territory. Within this region is Minas Gerais- a landlocked state that is known for its mining, as well as the coastal state of Rio de Janeiro, the capital of the country.

The South

The South is the smallest of the five regions, and is agriculturally strong. Iguazu falls, which rests right on the Argentine Border. is responsible for the strong concentration of tourism in this region. This wonder stretches 2.7 kilometers, and is made of 275 waterfalls that, on average, pour 1,500 cubic meters of water every second.

The Central-West

Covering roughly one-fourth of Brazil, the Central-West includes forested valleys, wetlands, and semiarid highlands 

Outline of the five geographical units

Some Physical Features

Guiana Highlands

Residing in the North region, the Guiana Highlands is known for its vast forests, mountain ranges, waterfalls, and white-water rivers. The highest point of this area, the Neblina Peak along the Venezuelan border, is 9,888 feet. To the east of this peak is the Serra de Pacaraima, which is 9,094 feet at Mount Roraima.

Amazon Lowlands

The Amazon Lowlands are the widest lowlands along the the eastern base of the Andes. In these lowlands are hills called the terra firma, (solid ground,) that are made of layers of soil deposited millions of years ago that were uplifted. Low Oxbow lakes as well as wetlands are found here as well.

Pantanal

Pantanal is an extension of the Gran Chaco Plain and is a region of marshes and swamps. At 54,000 square miles, it is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the world. Parts of the Paraguay River enter the Pantanal and overflow its banks during rainy seasons, causing floods.

This video shows stunning visuals of the Guiana Highlands, as well as provides more information on their creation and importance. 

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/place/Brazil

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/24/travel/iguazu-falls-bucket-list/
http://eddiebachoura.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-cerrado-savanna-in-brazil.html
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/47/Empire_of_brazil_frontiers_1889_(edit).png
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy7ZneH94Jc

An Introduction to Brazilian Culture

The Brazilian Flag

Population, Religion, and Language

Similar to the United States, Brazil is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. Of the over 200 million people in Brazil, around 50% are white individuals, 40% are mixed nationalities, and 10% are black. Interestingly, about 80% of the population is Roman Catholic as a result of Portuguese settlers building churches, and spreading the teachings of Catholicism to the tribes there. Also as a result of the Portuguese settlers in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the official language of the region is Portuguese with almost 100% of the region speaking it.

Family and Economics

Family is incredibly important to the people of Brazil. Families are usually large, and even extended family members are close with one another. The success of one's family economically often depends on their skin color. The wage gap in Brazil is quite evident, with the more successful people being those with lighter skin. In addition, women, who make up 40% of the Brazilian workforce, often do lower-paying jobs such as teaching and nursing, while men statistically make more money.

A map of Brazil issued by Portuguese Explorers in 1519

Sources:

http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/brazil-guide
http://www.brazil.org.za/brazil-culture.html
http://www.hairottsalons.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/41206818_thumbnail.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Brazil-16-map.jpg