Territorially, Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world with over 3 million square miles (8 million square kilometers). Of these, over 21,000 square miles (55,000 square kilometers) are water. Its latitudes are between 6°N and 34°S, giving this nation an extreme diversity of climate and resources. While most of the country is tropical, there are also equatorial, semiarid, highland tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates. The country can be divided into 5 regions as described below.
North
Brazil's largest state, Amazonas, and two of Brazil's biggest cities, Manaus and Belem, are in the North. But, the region itself is the least populous overall. In terms of territory, it is the largest of the regions, covering an area of almost 1.5 million square miles (4 million square kilometers), which represents virtually half of the nation. Rivers are the main mode of transport here, especially in the east. Great distances separate the north region's cities and paved roads are rare. The key feature of this region is the Amazon Rainforest, but deforestation is becoming a growing problem. The region is one the most economically vibrant. For travelers, the most popular way to see the region is by hopping on an Amazon River cruise or by staying in an Amazon jungle lodge.
Northeast
The Northest covers 1.5 million square kilometers of territory, which varies in climate between tropical, semi-arid, and semi-equatorial. The largest city is Salvador da Bahia, considered the capital of Afro-Brazilian culture and it is a growing travel destination in Brazil. Fortaleza and Recife and Olinda are also large cities with nearby beaches that draw large numbers of domestic and foreign tourists annually. The region is well-connected by a road system, but the cities also receive plenty of traffic from cruise ships.
Central-West
The distinguishing characteristic of the Central-West is its savanna climate, but it has tropical areas in the east and west, and equatorial climates in the north. Brasilia, the capital constructed from scratch, is within the boundaries. Transport depends on location; mostly by river in the north and east, and highways in the center and east. This is one of the least industrialized sectors of the country. For travelers, the main draws will be the Pantanal wetlands, which host a unique diversity of wildlife, as well as the rainforests in the north.
Southeast
Brazil's most iconic sights and destinations are in the Southeast, which is the most populous and economically productive, and includes the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Belo Horizonte. Its climate is tropical in the northwest and temperate in the south. Highway and railways are the common modes of transport, and several airports connect the country domestically and internationally. The big cities will keep travelers entertained with abundant cultural offerings and quantities of beaches, big and small, crowded or secluded, according to the tastes of the travelers.
South
Filled with smaller cities, but nonetheless culturally and economically vibrant and ethnically diverse, the South includes cities like Curitiba, Porte Alegre, and Florianopolis. The region is one of the most industrially advanced and has a highly developed infrastructure; perhaps correspondingly, deforestation is also quite advanced. Economic prosperity has resulted in a high standard of living. The influence of immigrant cultures is evident in architecture, cuisine, and local culture.
This article about Brazil's regions was written by a travel expert at Brazil For Less who specializes in helping you organize a best value Brazil tours as part of your fully customizable Brazil vacation. The company is unique in its ability to offer a price match guarantee as well as the highest standards in quality and customer service.
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