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            BRAZIL
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Brazil is the fifth largest
country in the world and
covers nearly half of South
America. The climate is mainly
tropical, but droughts may
occur in the northeast, where
it is hot and arid. About 14%
of the population is employed
in agriculture and the main
products exported are coffee,
soya beans and cocoa. Brazil
is rich in minerals and is the
only source of high grade
quartz crystal in commercial
quantities. It is also a major
producer of chrome ore.
Summer runs from January to
March and winter from July to
September. Rio de Janeiro
temperatures average 95F in
summer and 70F in winter.
Sao Paulo is slightly colder
and further north is hot most
of the year.
Carnival runs from the weekend
prior to the morning of Ash
Wednesday, but be warned
almost all services and shops
stop at this time.
Balls - every night during
carnival there are dozens of
carnival balls, all open to
the public and equally crowded
and frenzied. Cost is usually
£20 to £50 per person.
If attending a carnival ball,
leave your inhibitions at
home, dress lightly, wear good
shoes, no jewellery and only
take as much money as you
intend to spend.

Area (Sq. Km.): 8,511,917

Population: 150,557,000

Capital: Brasilia

Language:
Portuguese

Religion:
Roman Catholic 89%

Government Type:
Federal Republic

Currency: Cruzeiro

Embassy:
32 Green Street,
London,
W1Y 4AT
0171-499-0877

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Foreign Office Advice:

There is a high crime rate in
the major cities particularly
in Rio de Janeiro and Sao
Paulo. Valuables should always
be deposited in the hotel
safe, wallets kept safe and
cameras well concealed if it
is essential to carry them.

Muggers may be armed and
travellers should not resist
demands.

Buses and trams should not be
used in Rio de Janeiro and in
Sao Paulo, pedestrians should
avoid the old central area
after dark.

There is an outbreak of
cholera and dengue fever in
North East Brazil (including
Ceara). Extra hygiene
precautions are needed.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129