Brazil, blessed by God
When the word "Brazil" pops up, to many, the term is synonymous with "football", "carnival", and even the "Amazon" forest. But scraping a little deeper we can get much more from this impressive country.
Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, occupying nearly 50% of South America. Endowed with rich natural resources, 58% of the land is covered with lush evergreen forests. 40% of the world's biodiversity is estimated to be found in Brazil. With 185 million inhabitants, its leading cities are São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, though Brasília is the capital. Contrary to popular beliefs overseas, Brazil does not share a language with its South American neighboring countries: Portuguese is the national language.
Brazilians also pride themselves on their cultural heritage. In the 16th century, Portuguese colonizers mixed with the native Indians and African slaves more than anywhere else in the New World. The welcoming Brazilian society created a positive context for miscegenation - that also combined European and Japanese immigrants - turning the country into one of the most racially mixed in the world. This racial integration has fueled an intercultural blend, revealed in the music, dance, artwork, architecture, gastronomy, and religions, forging unique regional identities.
Renowned for being easy-going and playful, Brazilians proudly host one of the world's most spectacular shows: the Carnival. For a whole week, Brazil stops to pay tribute to life in a formidable feast of colors, rhythms and dance. Whether you "jump carnival" at a social club or in the street, it becomes very difficult not to give in to the irresistible allure of opening up for the magical joy for life!
Brazil shares an innate fondness for sports. More than 8,000 sports clubs exist throughout the country. However no other sport in Brazil can compare to the passion for football. The Brazilian team holds an undisputed record of five World Cup titles - 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.
With the opening up of the economy in the 1990's and the re-structuring in progress of the State of Brazil have led to new policies being implemented to promote an increase in productivity and attain economic stability. In recent years, many new opportunities have emerged as a result of structural changes in the economy and industrial restructuring. Brazil and Singapore have much to exchange, culturally and commercially. It is fundamental to move forward with the strengthening of a trade and cultural bridge between both countries.
By Martin Desmaras
posted by Latino Connections @ 9:02 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home