9 Fascinating Fun Facts About Brazil

In this article, you’ll learn fun fact after fun fact about Brazil, shining a light on the Japan – Brazil partnership, the capital, Rio de Janeiro, and the country’s impressive biodiversity.

My brother and I have wanted to visit Brazil since we were very young: him for the football (soccer, for Americans) and me for the colors of Rio Carnival.

As a teen I was drawn to Brazilian cinema, watching movies such as City of God and Bus 174. The content was tragic, but it gave some nuance to my limited knowledge of this South American country.

As an adult, I’m still interested in visiting the Rio Carnival, but I’d also like to see other sights, such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, the nation’s white sandy beaches, and, slightly less typical, a Brazilian grape tree.

But there’s plenty more to this country than just soccer and unique trees. Let’s learn fun facts about Brazil.

1. Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world

Brazil is the fifth-largest country on the planet, after Russia, Canada, the U.S. and China. It’s also the largest country in South America, making up almost half of the continent’s total land area.

Thanks to its position and scale, it shares borders with every South American country except Ecuador and Chile. It also has an impressive coastline, which runs alongside the Atlantic Ocean.

A woman enjoys her carnival experience

2. Rio Carnival draws around 2 million people per day to its celebrations

Rio de Janeiro’s Rio Carnival attracts around 2 million people per day to see colorful floats, people dancing and elaborate costumes adorned with brightly colored feathers. The first Rio Carnival was held in 1723, and it is still a must-see celebration in Brazil.

4. Brazil is the only country in South America that speaks Portuguese

Unlike its Spanish-speaking neighbors, Brazil’s official language is Portuguese. This distinction stems from the country’s colonial history with Portugal. The country declared independence from Portugal in 1822, but the 322-year colonial period significantly influenced Brazil’s culture.

5. Brazil has the largest Japanese diaspora in the world

Brazil has the largest Japanese diaspora in the world, with most residing in São Paulo. This large population has led to events like the annual Japan Festival, the biggest celebration of Japanese culture in Latin America.

6. Brazil’s national dish reflects the country’s African and Portuguese culinary influences

Brazil’s national dish is feijoada, a hearty stew made with black beans and a variety of meats. Traditionally served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices, it reflects Brazil’s African and Portuguese culinary influences.

Other Brazilian foods include:

• Coxinha. Dough filled with shredded or chopped chicken before it is battered and fried.
• Pão de Queijo.  Cheese-filled bread rolls often described as Brazilian cheese balls.
• Moqueca. A seafood stew typically made with shrimp or fish, tomatoes, onions, garlic, lime, cilantro, palm oil and coconut milk.

The Brazilian flag is full of symbolism.

7. The yellow diamond on Brazil’s flag represents the country’s gold reserves

The yellow diamond on Brazil’s flag symbolizes the country’s abundant gold reserves and other mineral resources. The Brazilian flag also features a blue globe surrounded by 27 stars, representing the country’s 26 states and its Federal District. The stars are arranged to reflect the night sky over Rio de Janeiro on November 15, 1889, the day Brazil became a republic.

It also features the national motto Ordem e Progresso (‘Order and Progress’), and a green backdrop, which represents the flora and fauna of the nation.

8. Brasília is Brazil’s modernist capital city

Brazil’s capital city, Brasília, is an example of modernist architecture and urban planning. Though it may not be the most famous part of Brazil, it’s still important as its hosts the Brazilian government and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rustic Pathways students enjoy a game of soccer on the beach.

9. Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup more times than any other nation

Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup five times, more than any other nation. The country is responsible for iconic FIFA World Cup Finals moments such as Carlos Alberto’s final goal against Italy in 1970.

The countries with the most World Cup wins from 1930-2022, according to Statista, are: