Full country name: Federative Republic of Brazil

 

Area: 8,511,965 sq km

 

Population: 186,000.000

 

Capital City: Brasília

 

Currency: Real (R$)

 

People: White (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%, mixed white and black 38%, black 6%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 1%

 

Language: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French

 

Religion: 70% Roman Catholic; also a significant proportion who either belong to various cults or practice Indian animism

 

Government: Democratic federal republic

 

Climate/Temperature: In most of Brazil the climate is tropical with temperatures rarely under 20°C. In Rio the summer temperatures can reach the 40s. In São Paulo winter (July-August) temperatures can fall to under 10°C. Snow occasionally falls in the southern states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, where below-zero temperatures are recorded. In São Paulo and Rio summer (December-March) rainstorms often lead to extensive flooding.

 

Visa: British Passport holders do not require a visa to enter Brazil. However, passports must be valid for at least six months and a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds may be requested on arrival.

 

Local Time: In most of country, time zone GMT -3 hours.

 

Health: The immunisations given below are a guide only.

 

You must discuss your own particular needs and contra-indications to vaccines or tablets with your doctor or practice nurse.

 

Immunisations – confirm those recommended for use in Britain are up to date, especially those for children and adult boosters of tetanus.

 

Courses or boosters usually advised – Diphtheria; Tetanus; Hepatitis A; Yellow fever (mainly for Western and Amazonian areas).
 

Vaccines sometimes advised – Typhoid; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tuberculosis.