Green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each state and the Federal District) arranged to replicate the constellations that were over Rio de Janeiro on 15 November 1889 at 20h30 when Brazil became a Republic; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress).
Capital: Brasilia
Currency: Real
Main Industries:
Characterized by large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil’s economy outweighs that of all other South American countries and Brazil is expanding its presence in world markets. Main industries consist of textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts and other machinery and equipment.
Did You Know?
- Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889.
- Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930.
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Brazil is the largest country in South America and shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador.
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The soccer player Pele hails from Brazil. He is a national hero and has been knighted by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth. In his 22-year career Pele scored 282 goals in 1363 games.
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The Rio Carnival, a four day colorful celebration, takes place annually seven weeks before Easter.
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The Samba is a popular Brazilian dance.
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Brazil has the world’s largest tropical rain forest.
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The Amazon River, which flows through Brazil, carries the greatest volume of water of all the rivers in the world.
