What is Brazil known for? 8 things Brazil is famous for around the world

Brazil is well known for its beautiful beaches, the Amazon Rainforest, Carnival, and football; however, as a native Brazilian, I can assure you that Brazil is much more than that.

There is so much more beyond this stereotypical view. This is a country full of wonders, with an impressive cultural diversity, and in every corner of it, there is a completely new version of Brazil and its people.

Keep reading to discover a Brazil that goes beyond Rio de Janeiro, Carnival, and Football—a country of wonders and hidden riches. Check it out.

What is Brazil like?

It’s not easy to describe Brazil in just a few words. But, without a doubt, you can disregard the clichés that you might be accustomed to regarding Brazil. Here’s a bit about our country.

Climate and Biome

Brazil is a country with a vast territorial extension, and it almost—very nearly—has continental dimensions. To give you an idea, Oceania covers 8,526,000 km², while Brazil has about 8,516,000 km². It is the 5th largest country, so large that many of its states easily surpass the territorial extension of several countries in Europe.

Being a tropical country, this means that temperatures in most of the territory are high, ranging from 20°C to 35°C in most regions. Only the states located further south or cities at higher altitudes have a cooler climate.

Brazil has six types of biomes, each predominantly found in specific regions, and they strongly influence the culture and economy of the states. Furthermore, due to its varied biotas, there are different wild animals, fruits, and vegetation. This means that, depending on the place, what exists there cannot be found in any other region of the country.

Language and Culture

As for its language, the official language of Brazil is Portuguese. Brazilian Portuguese is very different from the Portuguese spoken in other countries like Portugal and Angola. Of course, this difference doesn’t prevent Brazilians from understanding Portuguese from Portugal, for example, but they seem to have more difficulty understanding us.

Brazilian Portuguese varies greatly from region to region. Each part of the country has its own accent, slang, and way of speaking. And if you are wondering if there is a predominant accent, I’m afraid not, although the most famous one is the Carioca accent (from Rio de Janeiro).

When I visited the state of Rio Grande do Sul for the first time, I was very impressed with how people spoke. It’s very different from the way people speak in my state, Minas Gerais. On some occasions, I even had to ask for an explanation of some slang words, which shows just how diverse our language is across regions.

Economy

Regarding the economy, Brazil is a country that places agriculture at the center of its economic activity, being one of the world’s major exporters of soybeans, corn, coffee, sugar, orange juice, beef, chicken, ethanol, and cotton.

However, this activity is concentrated in certain regions of the country. In most parts of Brazil, economic activity varies significantly. The average Brazilian is innovative, always searching for unexplored opportunities, so it’s common to find products here that don’t exist in other countries.

Our currency is the Real. It has existed since 1994 and was the definitive solution to an inflation crisis that spanned decades and caused immeasurable economic setbacks.

Curiosities About Brazil

We are still talking about what Brazil is known for, but before we get there, here are some interesting curiosities about our country.

Currency

Our payment system, for example, is very innovative. Here we have Pix, a recently created payment method by the Central Bank that allows instant payments at any time of day and is free of charge.

The banknotes of our currency, the Real, come in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 reais, and each one features an animal from the Brazilian fauna.

The two-real note has a turtle, the five-real note has an egret, the ten-real note features a macaw, the twenty-real note a golden lion tamarin, the fifty-real note has a jaguar, and the one-hundred-real note a grouper fish.

Social Media and Apps

Here, the most popular social media platforms are Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Kwai, and Reddit. The main messaging apps are WhatsApp and Telegram. Brazilians also use apps like Discord and Snapchat, but these are less popular.

For dating, the main app is Tinder; for food delivery, it’s iFood; for calling a taxi, it’s Uber; for renting a house for a few days, it’s Airbnb; and to buy almost anything, it’s Mercado Livre or Shopee.

Customs

Brazilians are often questioned for taking so many showers. On average, Brazilians shower two to three times a day and change clothes every day, sometimes more than once. If this piqued your curiosity, know that this happens due to the high temperatures in our country. Showering is a way to reduce the discomfort caused by the heat.

As for clothing, you will see Brazilians always very comfortable. We love to wear shorts, sleeveless shirts, and flip-flops almost everywhere.

This is also a strategy to cope with the hot climate. In colder times, the most you will see a Brazilian wear is a simple jacket, except in some southern regions of the country where the cold is more intense.

Style of Brazilian Houses

In Brazil, houses are surrounded by high walls. This means you will hardly be able to see the house. The beauty of the property is usually in the wall’s decoration, as the house is hidden behind it. However, this type of construction is more modern.

Some time ago, houses were still walled, but the front would have a low fence, leaving the view of the houses exposed.

Currently, houses have higher walls. This is because Brazilians value privacy and security in their homes. In addition to the high walls, another aspect of modern Brazilian houses is the roof, which is also hidden by walls. The houses look like boxes and are very different from houses in other countries.

The roof is hidden because it makes the construction cheaper, as the roof can be simpler since people won’t be able to see it. As for structure, you will hardly see houses made of wood. In general, houses are built with bricks and concrete.

What Is Brazil Known For?

Brazil has the foreign stereotype of being a country of parties and joy. Foreigners see us as the land of Carnival, beautiful beaches, Bossa Nova, and football. We are seen as a nation of beautiful men and women, warmth, joy, and vibrant energy.

All of this is true. We are all of that, but we are much more. As stated at the beginning of this article, there is a horizon beyond this superficial impression of Brazil. Perhaps this way of seeing us exists because the most famous city in the country is Rio de Janeiro, which matches this way of perceiving Brazil, but when you look at other regions, you realize there is much more.

1 – Brazil Is Known for Its Popular Festivals

Carnival is not the only prominent festival in Brazil. Each region of the country has traditions and cultures that value popular festivals as large as Carnival. In fact, one of Brazil’s characteristics is that Carnival is a very popular festival in the country, but not throughout the entire territory, just as other festivals are.

One of the popular festivals in Brazil, comparable to Carnival in size, is the Festa Junina. This is a typical festival of the northeastern region of the country and is very popular throughout the entire territory. During the month of June, the country is filled with celebrations honoring saints like Saint John, Saint Anthony, and Saint Peter.

The Festa Junina is known for its traditional dances, such as the quadrilha, for its delicious food like canjica, boiled corn, and cornmeal cake, and for its decorations full of colorful flags. There are also bonfires and fireworks, which make June nights even more special.

Another very important festival is the Bumba Meu Boi, typical of the north and northeast of the country, especially in Maranhão. This cultural manifestation mixes theater, music, and dance to tell the story of the death and resurrection of a bull. It is a festival that involves various folkloric characters, a lot of sparkle and joy, showing how deep and unique Brazilian cultural roots are.

2 – Brazil Is Known for Its Gastronomy

Another reason why Brazil is known worldwide is its rich gastronomy. Our cuisine is diverse and full of flavors, varying according to each region. When people think of Brazilian food, feijoada often comes to mind—a typical dish made of black beans and pork.

But it doesn’t stop there: we have acarajé, originally from Bahia, a fried fritter made from black-eyed pea dough stuffed with vatapá and shrimp; tapioca, so simple and versatile, found in fairs and markets across the country; and churrasco, especially famous in the southern region.

And, of course, there’s the vast variety of tropical fruits we have here. In any city in Brazil, you can easily find juices made from fruits that aren’t always common in other countries, like acerola, cupuaçu, açaí, and pitanga. Our cuisine is a direct expression of Brazil’s natural and cultural wealth.

3 – Brazil Is Known for Its Cultural Diversity

Something that cannot be missing from a list about Brazil is cultural diversity. It is fair to say that we are one of the most diverse countries in the world, both ethnically and culturally. Our population is composed of a unique mix of indigenous peoples, Europeans, Africans, and Asians, and each group has contributed to forming the identity of the Brazilian people.

This is reflected, for example, in the typical dances of each region. We have frevo and maracatu in Pernambuco, which burst into colors and energy during the Carnival of Olinda; samba in Rio de Janeiro; carimbó in Pará; and fandango in the south of the country. Each state has its own accent, rhythms, and cultural expressions, and that is what makes Brazil such a fascinating country.

4 – Brazilian Hospitality Is Recognized Worldwide

Brazilians are known for being welcoming, and this is something for which we are known and admired. Often, tourists are surprised by how warmly they are received here. It’s part of our culture to welcome people, whether they are friends or strangers. Brazilians like to help, to chat, to know where you’re from, and to offer a cup of coffee or a meal.

During events like Carnival, this becomes even more evident. Visitors during this time quickly realize that the festivities aren’t just for locals—they’re for everyone. Street blocks are an open invitation for anyone who wants to dance, smile, and have fun. Hospitality is a typical characteristic of our people, something we are proud of and that leaves a lasting impression on those who visit.

5 – Brazil Is Known for the Amazon, the Lungs of the World

Another significant reason for international recognition is the Amazon Rainforest. It is the largest tropical forest in the world and covers a huge part of Brazilian territory. The Amazon is called the “lungs of the world” due to its importance in oxygen production and climate regulation. Additionally, it is home to incredible biodiversity, with species not found anywhere else on the planet.

For Brazilians, the Amazon is a source of pride, but also concern. Issues like deforestation and the reckless exploitation of natural resources are always present in public debates. This shows how important the Amazon is, not only for Brazil but for the entire world.

6 – Brazil Is Known for Football

Of course, we couldn’t talk about Brazil without mentioning football. Brazil is known as the country of football, and for good reason. We are the country with the most World Cup titles, and our players are recognized worldwide. Pelé, Zico, Romário, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Neymar—the list of legends is long, and each one of them helped build our passion for the sport.

Football is not just a sport in Brazil; it is almost a religion. Across the country, from grand stadiums to makeshift fields in the communities, you will find people playing football, regardless of age. Football is part of our identity and one of the greatest sources of pride for Brazilians.

7 – Brazil Is Known for Its Natural Beauties

Another point that cannot be left out is the variety of landscapes Brazil offers. From the Pantanal, with its incredible fauna, to the majestic Iguaçu Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world, Brazil has natural beauties that impress any visitor. We have highlands like Chapada Diamantina and Chapada dos Veadeiros, with trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes.

And of course, we cannot forget the beaches. The Brazilian coastline is one of the most beautiful and varied in the world. From calm, paradise-like beaches like those in Alagoas to busy and lively ones like Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has a coast for every taste. Natural landscapes are one of the greatest riches of our country.

8 – Brazil Is Known for Its Music

Finally, Brazil is known for its music. From samba to bossa nova, from forró to sertanejo, our music is diverse and reflects the cultural richness of the country. Samba, in particular, is one of the greatest symbols of Brazil, being the soundtrack of Carnival and an important part of our cultural identity. Bossa nova, in turn, conquered the world, with Tom Jobim and João Gilberto taking the sound of Brazil to international stages.

Moreover, we have regional rhythms like maracatu, carimbó, funk carioca, and even pagode. Each region of Brazil has its own music, and that is what makes the country so rich in this aspect. Music is something that unites the Brazilian people and is one of the most beautiful ways to express our joy, our struggles, and our culture.

Conclusion

Brazil is a country of contrasts, diversity, colors, flavors, and rhythms. There is much more beyond the stereotypes of beaches, Carnival, and football. The essence of Brazil lies in its people, in its warm hospitality, in its rich culture, and in its landscapes that range from tropical forests to paradisiacal beaches and vibrant cities.

Each corner of this country has a story to tell, a rhythm to dance to, a dish to try, and a unique experience to live.

We hope that, by learning a bit more about Brazil, you can understand how complex and fascinating this country is. Yes, we are the country of joy, but we are also a nation of resilience, struggle, and immense creativity. If you have the opportunity to visit us, you will see that Brazil is a place that embraces you, that involves you, and that, without a doubt, will leave a mark on your heart.