Fact Finder - Geography

Fact
The Amazonian Heartland: Brazil
Category
Geography
Subcategory
Capitals Continents and Countries
Country
Brazil
Description
Brazil is the largest country in both South America and the Latin American region, and the world's fifth-largest by area. It is the only country in the Americas where Portuguese is the official language. Brazil's geography is dominated by the Amazon River and the surrounding Amazon Rainforest, the world's largest tropical rainforest and a global hotspot for biodiversity. The country shares borders with every South American nation except for Chile and Ecuador. While Brasília is the capital, cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are the primary economic and cultural hubs. The Brazilian Highlands, or Planalto Brasileiro, cover much of the southern, central, and eastern parts of the country. Brazil's coastline along the Atlantic Ocean stretches for over 7,400 kilometers. The country's climate varies from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. Brazil is a major global producer of coffee, soybeans, and iron ore.