country profile
country profile
Brazil
CULTURAL FEATURES
Geography:
Geography:
- Its capital city is Brasilia.
- Brazil has 26 federal states.
- Located in Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
- Climate is mostly tropical but temperate in south
- Natural hazards include recurring droughts in northeast with floods and occasional frost in south
- Current environmental issues include the deforestation in Amazon Basin resulting many endangered plant and animal species indigenous to the area, due to the high paying illegal wildlife trade. Air and water pollution are most prominent in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities. This pollution results in severe land degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining activities and oil spills.
People and Society:
- Ethnic groups consist of white 47.7%, mixed white and black 43.1%, black 7.6%, Asian 1.1%, indigenous 0.4% (2010 est. credit CIA.gov).
- Portuguese is Brazil’s official and most widely spoken language, with Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of Indigenous dialects also spoken in the country.
- The Brazilian population is 202,656,788 since July 2014 (credit CIA.gov).
- The population in major urban areas: Sao Paulo 19.924 million; Rio de Janeiro 11.96 million; Belo Horizonte 5.487 million; Porto Alegre 3.933 million; Recife 3.733 million; Brasilia 3.813 million since 2011 (credit CIA.gov).
Government and Economy:
- Its government type is a federal republic.
- The time difference is UTC-3
- Daylight saving time is +1hr. It begins third Sunday in October and ends third Sunday in February (note Brazil has three time zones, including one for the Fernando de Noronha Islands).
- Brazil’s national holiday is on 7 September since 1822 and marks its Independence Day.
- The official currency is the Brazilian real which trades at 1 AUD = 2.11441 BRL (2014-09-14 12:27 UTC, credit xe.com).
- General assessment of the telephone system is good including an extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 64 earth stations (credit CIA.gov).
- Brazilian broadcast media includes the state run Radiobras- operates a radio and a TV network and more than privately owned 1,000 radio stations and about 100 privately owned TV channels mostly privately owned (2007 credit CIA.gov).
MYTHBUSTING
The common stereotype foreigners have of Brazil is that they are all promiscuous and primitive party animals, and that they’re all Hispanics who speak Spanish. This exploitative and hyper- sexualised attitude towards Brazilians subject them to many sexual harassment and violent racism by tourists. Brazil’s official and main language is Portuguese and by calling them Hispanics when they’re Latinx (latin.ex) you bring up many horrible experiences and memories of Spanish colonialism, which is extremely insulting towards their history, culture, and language. Such problematic outlooks also result in tourists and foreigners not taking Brazil as a nation and their people seriously, but rather their personal playground where they disrespect other cultures, dismiss sacred traditions as humiliating caricatures, and use this an opportunity to ‘find themselves’ in an ‘exotic wonderland’.
The common stereotype foreigners have of Brazil is that they are all promiscuous and primitive party animals, and that they’re all Hispanics who speak Spanish. This exploitative and hyper- sexualised attitude towards Brazilians subject them to many sexual harassment and violent racism by tourists. Brazil’s official and main language is Portuguese and by calling them Hispanics when they’re Latinx (latin.ex) you bring up many horrible experiences and memories of Spanish colonialism, which is extremely insulting towards their history, culture, and language. Such problematic outlooks also result in tourists and foreigners not taking Brazil as a nation and their people seriously, but rather their personal playground where they disrespect other cultures, dismiss sacred traditions as humiliating caricatures, and use this an opportunity to ‘find themselves’ in an ‘exotic wonderland’.
MAKING FRIENDS
HELPFUL TIPS:
HOW?:
To meet actual Brazilian, get out there and travel around Brazil! Don’t just stay in the tourist spots where you will most likely get to meet other foreigners. Learn their language and culture, and participate in some hobbies that both you and Brazilian people like to participate in (no, not just soccer or Carnival).
HELPFUL TIPS:
- #1: Please treat Brazilians as a diverse range of individuals. Not all Brazilians are going to share the same stereotypical interests. Not every Brazilian is keen on meeting new people, nor is every Brazilian unenthusiastic about meeting new people. Remember, you are befriending actual PEOPLE and not the caricature of their country.
- #2: Really make an effort to learn the language in order to understand the nuances of Brazilian culture and avoid embarrassing experiences.
HOW?:
To meet actual Brazilian, get out there and travel around Brazil! Don’t just stay in the tourist spots where you will most likely get to meet other foreigners. Learn their language and culture, and participate in some hobbies that both you and Brazilian people like to participate in (no, not just soccer or Carnival).
- Meet friends/pen pals online prior to visiting
- Go on a food safari
- Cinemas/galleries/museums
- Couchsurf
- (Stuff that average people would do in their lives)
COMMUNICATING
TIP!!!
To get a general sort of idea of what to expect and how to act during various settings/environments of communicating with Brazilians, observe and listen to a few of other friends’/people’s conversations or even Brazilian news/TV shows. Remember people’s personal space, tone, pace, etc. and speed varies so just either ask or politely mirror the behaviour and gestures of the person/people you’re talking to.
Unlike Australian conversational etiquette, Brazilians don’t usually take turns speaking during conversations- interrupting to add something or make a comment is common, sometimes even speaking at the same time as their peers. This is generally seen as a sign of enthusiasm, so don’t be alarmed or immediately write someone off as rude when they do so. If they say little it’s likely because they aren’t interested in the subject or are uncomfortable. However, people in southern cities are more closed and formal, like some countries of Europe, which had great influence on the colonisation in southern parts of Brazil. So the bottom line is to generally be as enthusiastic as your Brazilian counterparts. They also talk easily about personal subjects and always use first names when addressing someone else, much like Australian culture. Maintaining eye contact is also important in Brazil as it’s in Australia when conversing with other people, with sincerity being associated with a steady gaze. Unlike Australian culture, they’re more expressive with their hands and like light, friendly touches when talking to show signs of general friendship, and personal space is also much closer to that of their Western counterpart-about 30 to 60cm. Brazilians can communicate easily even with strangers and try to be nice and help strangers if approached on the street. (BUT of course this is not an invitation for you to be rude or disrespectful towards random citizens in public.)
Some common body language: Because in Brazilian culture, like in many others countries, words don’t communicate everything you really want to say.
OK, cool, positive, good-luck, thanks, you're cool, I agree: Thumbs up.
WARNING: DO NOT do the Western OK sign. When incautious and flipped upside down it’s an extremely obscene Brazilian gesture (like saying ‘f*ck you!’). To say thank you, give the thumbs up sign and say 'valeu', although Brazilians don't usually say ‘thanks’, words like ‘valeu’,‘meu irmão’ are more common.
Negative, bad-luck, I disagree, bad: Thumbs down
Delicious: Tug at your earlobe. Usually accompanied by saying 'é daqui!' Normally used only with food. But be careful as this gesture seems to be disappearing and becoming ‘old-fashioned’.
Expensive/need money: Hold your hand up around your chest and rub your thumb against your index finger.
Full (quantity): Open and close your fingers like a crab. Means that a place/vehicle is packed or full of people. If you see a taxi driver doing this, it means that they’re already carrying passengers. Turn your fingers towards the front and use this to signal another motorist that their car lights are on.
Hurry/speed up/quick/fast: Hold your thumb and third finger together. Shake/flick your hand really fast, so your index finger snaps against the third finger.
TIP!!!
To get a general sort of idea of what to expect and how to act during various settings/environments of communicating with Brazilians, observe and listen to a few of other friends’/people’s conversations or even Brazilian news/TV shows. Remember people’s personal space, tone, pace, etc. and speed varies so just either ask or politely mirror the behaviour and gestures of the person/people you’re talking to.
Unlike Australian conversational etiquette, Brazilians don’t usually take turns speaking during conversations- interrupting to add something or make a comment is common, sometimes even speaking at the same time as their peers. This is generally seen as a sign of enthusiasm, so don’t be alarmed or immediately write someone off as rude when they do so. If they say little it’s likely because they aren’t interested in the subject or are uncomfortable. However, people in southern cities are more closed and formal, like some countries of Europe, which had great influence on the colonisation in southern parts of Brazil. So the bottom line is to generally be as enthusiastic as your Brazilian counterparts. They also talk easily about personal subjects and always use first names when addressing someone else, much like Australian culture. Maintaining eye contact is also important in Brazil as it’s in Australia when conversing with other people, with sincerity being associated with a steady gaze. Unlike Australian culture, they’re more expressive with their hands and like light, friendly touches when talking to show signs of general friendship, and personal space is also much closer to that of their Western counterpart-about 30 to 60cm. Brazilians can communicate easily even with strangers and try to be nice and help strangers if approached on the street. (BUT of course this is not an invitation for you to be rude or disrespectful towards random citizens in public.)
Some common body language: Because in Brazilian culture, like in many others countries, words don’t communicate everything you really want to say.
OK, cool, positive, good-luck, thanks, you're cool, I agree: Thumbs up.
WARNING: DO NOT do the Western OK sign. When incautious and flipped upside down it’s an extremely obscene Brazilian gesture (like saying ‘f*ck you!’). To say thank you, give the thumbs up sign and say 'valeu', although Brazilians don't usually say ‘thanks’, words like ‘valeu’,‘meu irmão’ are more common.
Negative, bad-luck, I disagree, bad: Thumbs down
Delicious: Tug at your earlobe. Usually accompanied by saying 'é daqui!' Normally used only with food. But be careful as this gesture seems to be disappearing and becoming ‘old-fashioned’.
Expensive/need money: Hold your hand up around your chest and rub your thumb against your index finger.
Full (quantity): Open and close your fingers like a crab. Means that a place/vehicle is packed or full of people. If you see a taxi driver doing this, it means that they’re already carrying passengers. Turn your fingers towards the front and use this to signal another motorist that their car lights are on.
Hurry/speed up/quick/fast: Hold your thumb and third finger together. Shake/flick your hand really fast, so your index finger snaps against the third finger.
![Picture](/uploads/3/9/3/6/39362409/9046337_orig.jpg)
WHAT TO EXPECT
Greetings:
Man and Man - Men shake hands when greeting one another, while maintaining steady eye contact. This usually lasts slightly longer than the typical Western handshake. Hugging and backslapping are common greetings among Brazilian friends.
Man and Woman – Women typically should extend her hand first when greeting men. It’s common for men and women to exchange kisses on the cheek when first meeting in social situations. This is often accompanied with a touch on the arm and shoulder. Some Brazilians kiss one cheek, but most kiss two or three times (alternating cheeks).
Woman and Woman - Women generally alternate kissing each other’s cheek, one, two or three times.
Meals/dining:
Brazilian cuisine varies greatly by region, reflecting the country's diversity of indigenous and immigrant populations. However, a must-try dish is fejioada, the national dish of Brazil which can be found almost anywhere. It’s made from pork and black beans, served with white rice, leafy greens and slices of oranges. Although widely available, the stew is traditionally eaten on a Sunday and may, as a result, only be available on this day of the week. This is a heavy dish and should be eaten in smaller portions to avoid feeling bloated and cramped afterwards.
Greetings:
Man and Man - Men shake hands when greeting one another, while maintaining steady eye contact. This usually lasts slightly longer than the typical Western handshake. Hugging and backslapping are common greetings among Brazilian friends.
Man and Woman – Women typically should extend her hand first when greeting men. It’s common for men and women to exchange kisses on the cheek when first meeting in social situations. This is often accompanied with a touch on the arm and shoulder. Some Brazilians kiss one cheek, but most kiss two or three times (alternating cheeks).
Woman and Woman - Women generally alternate kissing each other’s cheek, one, two or three times.
Meals/dining:
Brazilian cuisine varies greatly by region, reflecting the country's diversity of indigenous and immigrant populations. However, a must-try dish is fejioada, the national dish of Brazil which can be found almost anywhere. It’s made from pork and black beans, served with white rice, leafy greens and slices of oranges. Although widely available, the stew is traditionally eaten on a Sunday and may, as a result, only be available on this day of the week. This is a heavy dish and should be eaten in smaller portions to avoid feeling bloated and cramped afterwards.
Cachaça is Brazil's native liquor and it’s a distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice. It’s also known as aguardente, pinga, caninha.
The restaurants of Brazil are usually quite cost-effective, clean and neat with excellent service, making dining out for tourists and locals enjoyable.
There’re also quite a few self-service eateries throughout Brazil. Usually, these offer two types of eating options – an all-you-can-eat deal (called rodízio), and a system that allows the eat what they can and then weigh their plates, paying per unit (por quilo/per kilogram).
On the streets of Brazil, you will notice a number of stalls/vendors selling food like lachonetes (also known as a snack bar) and will sell things like sandwiches, fast food, and various different pastries.
The restaurants of Brazil are usually quite cost-effective, clean and neat with excellent service, making dining out for tourists and locals enjoyable.
There’re also quite a few self-service eateries throughout Brazil. Usually, these offer two types of eating options – an all-you-can-eat deal (called rodízio), and a system that allows the eat what they can and then weigh their plates, paying per unit (por quilo/per kilogram).
On the streets of Brazil, you will notice a number of stalls/vendors selling food like lachonetes (also known as a snack bar) and will sell things like sandwiches, fast food, and various different pastries.
Gift-Giving:
Contrary to Australian culture, gift-giving is not necessary during a first business meeting, and gifts are usually opened when received. For Brazilians, it isn’t necessary to be close to go visit someone's home. Some do’s and don’ts on gift-giving include:
DO:
DON’T:
Shopping:
Go and visit www.virtualtourist.com/travel/South_America/Brazil/Shopping-Brazil-TG-C-1.html to read up on various of other tourists’ and locals’ experiences and advice on shopping in different areas in Brazil before going to do so yourself.
Contrary to Australian culture, gift-giving is not necessary during a first business meeting, and gifts are usually opened when received. For Brazilians, it isn’t necessary to be close to go visit someone's home. Some do’s and don’ts on gift-giving include:
DO:
- If you’re only acquaintances, flowers (not black or purple as they’re reserved for funerals) and chocolates are recommended.
DON’T:
- Handkerchiefs are associated with funerals, so avoid giving them.
- Avoid practical gifts, as they may be perceived as too personal/intimate e.g., wallets, key chains, ties, sunglasses, jewellery, and perfume.
- Avoid expensive gifts. Your generosity will only cause embarrassment for everyone or be misinterpreted as a bribe.
- Don’t give a gift at every visit; gifts for people you don’t know well are acceptable on birthdays or when you are invited to a formal dinner.
- Close friends don’t usually exchange gifts often as it’s seen as selfish and exaggerated.
Shopping:
Go and visit www.virtualtourist.com/travel/South_America/Brazil/Shopping-Brazil-TG-C-1.html to read up on various of other tourists’ and locals’ experiences and advice on shopping in different areas in Brazil before going to do so yourself.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Brazil receives especially a lot of sensationalised coverage about its violence and high crime rate. But like all if not most countries, many tourists do get robbed while in Brazil. Some advice to avoid such ill fate while travelling is to carry only the minimum needed for the day- don’t travel with or show off expensive valuables, but always have enough cash on hand to appease thieves (R$20 [$9] to R$40 [$18]). If something is stolen from you, you can report it to the tourist police, but be aware that they are rare outside of Rio.
Brazil receives especially a lot of sensationalised coverage about its violence and high crime rate. But like all if not most countries, many tourists do get robbed while in Brazil. Some advice to avoid such ill fate while travelling is to carry only the minimum needed for the day- don’t travel with or show off expensive valuables, but always have enough cash on hand to appease thieves (R$20 [$9] to R$40 [$18]). If something is stolen from you, you can report it to the tourist police, but be aware that they are rare outside of Rio.
YOU HAVE TO GO TO..
Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro !!!
The charming bohemian neighbourhood in Rio with colonial buildings and cobblestone streets is located on a hillside overlooking the city and earns a lot of interest in tourists choosing to escape from typical Rio’s busy city and beach scene. The district has a reputation of being a vibrant arts district with a growing number of boutiques, handicraft shops, galleries, bistros, bars that have terraces overlooking the city, and a petite tile-lined grocer.
The bed and breakfast network - Cama e Café in offers overnight stay for tourists wishing to stay a little longer to appreciate all that Santa Teresa has to offer. Visitors stay in the house of a local resident in the region, who offers you daily breakfast included in the rate. The choice may be made according to the location, services, or advantages offered, and even according to the profile of the host. This experience provides a great and easy way of daily contact with local people, their customs and their culture. Prices start from R$100 (about A$47).
Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro !!!
The charming bohemian neighbourhood in Rio with colonial buildings and cobblestone streets is located on a hillside overlooking the city and earns a lot of interest in tourists choosing to escape from typical Rio’s busy city and beach scene. The district has a reputation of being a vibrant arts district with a growing number of boutiques, handicraft shops, galleries, bistros, bars that have terraces overlooking the city, and a petite tile-lined grocer.
The bed and breakfast network - Cama e Café in offers overnight stay for tourists wishing to stay a little longer to appreciate all that Santa Teresa has to offer. Visitors stay in the house of a local resident in the region, who offers you daily breakfast included in the rate. The choice may be made according to the location, services, or advantages offered, and even according to the profile of the host. This experience provides a great and easy way of daily contact with local people, their customs and their culture. Prices start from R$100 (about A$47).
CULTURAL CHALLENGES
I think the most challenging aspect of travelling to any foreign country let alone Brazil is trying to quickly understand, adjust, and fully immerse yourself in a different culture, especially if you find that the country isn’t completely how you thought it to be. Usually, this obstacle further isolates you from the new community or society and you find yourself feeling homesick and disappointed. In order to avoid that however, it’s essential to take a genuine interest in learning and appreciating the actual culture and its people, and not just its cultural food and garments, thus you’ll come to realise that other cultures don’t exactly have to tailor themselves for foreigners’ ridiculous expectations and stereotypes.
I think the most challenging aspect of travelling to any foreign country let alone Brazil is trying to quickly understand, adjust, and fully immerse yourself in a different culture, especially if you find that the country isn’t completely how you thought it to be. Usually, this obstacle further isolates you from the new community or society and you find yourself feeling homesick and disappointed. In order to avoid that however, it’s essential to take a genuine interest in learning and appreciating the actual culture and its people, and not just its cultural food and garments, thus you’ll come to realise that other cultures don’t exactly have to tailor themselves for foreigners’ ridiculous expectations and stereotypes.
REWARDING ASPECTS
On the other hand, the rewarding aspect of learning about new and different cultures is a great opportunity for you to understand, accept, and get along with said cultures. To actually travel and experience the culture is beneficial in broadening knowledge and seeing first-hand all the things it can offer-good and bad.
On the other hand, the rewarding aspect of learning about new and different cultures is a great opportunity for you to understand, accept, and get along with said cultures. To actually travel and experience the culture is beneficial in broadening knowledge and seeing first-hand all the things it can offer-good and bad.
!!! All images are courtesy of Wikimedia Commons !!!