FACTS

Location: Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean

Area (only Total) total: 8,511,965 sq km

Climate: mostly tropical, but temperate in south

Terrain: mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt

Population: 191,908,598

Main Language (only first): Portuguese

Government type: federal republic

Capital (Name): Brasilia

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+3

Independence: 7 September 1822 (from Portugal)

National holiday: Independence Day, 7 September (1822)

HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year's Day

February 1 Carnival

February 2 Carnival

February 3 Carnival

February 4 Carnival

February 5 Carnival

February 6 Carnival end

March 21 Good Friday2

March 23 Easter

April 21 Tiradentes Day (revolutionary hero)

May 1 Labour Day

May 22 Corpus Christi

September 7 Independence Day

October 12 Holy Mary's Day

November 1 All Saints Day*

November 2 Remembrance Day

November 15 Proclamation of the Republic

December 24 Christmas Eve (half day)

December 25 Christmas Day

December 31 New Year's Eve (half day)

1. Although Carnival is only 5 days long officially, it may be difficult to do business during the whole of Lent due to the combination of Carnival and school holidays. Carnival closes down most of Brazil starting the evening of Friday before Ash Wednesday through Wednesday, which is officially a half holiday (opening time at noon). This is true for most places although any shop selling souvenirs, etc that attract tourists will probably be open at least part of the time. Banks close on Shrove Thursday.

2. Many businesses close altogether from Holy Thursday and it may be difficult to do business during the whole of Holy Week.

*All Saints Day is not an official holiday but may be taken, especially in villages.

** Local festas

You should know:

Jewish family businesses (mostly retail stores) sometimes also close for major Jewish feasts (notably Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur). Visitors from northern climes should remember that summer holidays are commonly taken between Christmas and Carnaval. This is the summer school holiday period.

Weekend Saturday,Sunday