Brazil is the largest country in South America, covering approximately 50% of the continent, and is known as a regional leader due to its influential position, strong economy, and vast natural resources. The federal republic borders every country in South America except for Chile and Ecuador. About 58% of Brazil is covered in forests including the world's largest rainforest, located in the Amazon River Basin. The country also encompasses eight river systems accounting for 20% of the world's fresh water.

Brazil represents a unique culture within the context of its South American neighbors. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, which is not true of any other country in the Americas. Another interesting aspect of Brazilian popular culture is the popularity of football (soccer). The Brazilian National Team is immensely popular, not only in Brazil, but around the world.

Brazil has a number of vibrant cities including Brasilia, its capital, São Paulo, Brazil's financial and cultural center and its largest city, Salvador de Bahia, famous for its Afro-Brazilian culture, and Rio de Janeiro, known as the marvelous city, among many others. With approximately 80% of the country's population residing in urban areas, it's easy to see how central to Brazilian life and culture these many cities are.

Studying abroad in Brazil will be exciting no matter where you go, and there are many opportunities in a number of fields - you can study biodiversity and resource management in the Amazon, social justice or public health in Salvador, Portuguese language and culture in Rio or Minas Gerais, and more.

Brazil boasts a number of fine universities. Some of the best universities in Brazil are public and do not charge tuition. These include the University of São Paulo (Universidade de São Paulo--USP), the Campinas State University (Universidade Estadual de Campinas--Unicamp), the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais--UFMG), the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro--UFRJ), the University of Brasília (Universidade de Brasília--UnB). Its first private higher education institution was the Pontificia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP), which now is known as one of Brazil's best institutions, along with Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (Pontif'cia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro--PUC-RJ). PUC-RJ has more than 100 agreements with U.S. institutions for study abroad programs.

Brazil is the world's ninth largest economy and fifth most populous nation. The country's economy depends on its large and well-developed agricultural sector as well as the mining, manufacturing, and service industries. Its agricultural products include coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus, and beef while its industrial products include textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, ore, iron, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, and other machines. Brazil's economy is strengthened by its extensive natural resources and sizable labor pool. As such, it is a major player in Mercosur, a trading zone composed of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

Brazil also boasts an enterprising science and technology sector, which contributes to its ability to produce quality products. The Brazilian government website summarizes the country's technology: "The owner of a sophisticated technological sector, Brazil develops projects that range from submarines to aircraft and is involved in space research: the country possesses a Launching Center for Light Vehicles and was the only country in the Southern Hemisphere to integrate the team responsible for the construction of the International Space Station-the ISS. A pioneer in the field of deep water oil research, from where 73% of its reserves are extracted, Brazil has attained self-sufficiency in Petroleum this year. The oil business in Brazil will need to have qualified work force for more than 150,000 jobs in the next 10 years. Brazil was the first capitalist country to bring together the ten largest car assembly companies inside its national territory."

Brazil's history began with various Native American groups. Before the arrival of Europeans on the continent, Brazil was already occupied by millions of individuals speaking more than 150 languages. These tribes were autonomous and semi-nomadic. The Portuguese founded their first permanent settlement in 1532 and proceeded to exploit the country for brazilwood, sugarcane, and gold. Over the next few centuries this involved the importation of African slaves. (That legacy remains today as Brazil is home to the largest African Diaspora community in the world. That rich heritage draws many students of African descent to Brazil each year.) On September 7, 1822, the country declared its independence and in 1889 a military coup established a republican government.

Whether your interest is culture, history, science, or economics, Brazil is a varied and exciting place to study. Its stunning landscapes and fascinating history provide a wonderful backdrop to studying in an influential South American nation.

Brazil boasts a number of fine universities. Some of the best universities in Brazil are public and do not charge tuition. These include the University of São Paulo (Universidade de São Paulo--USP), the Campinas State University (Universidade Estadual de Campinas--Unicamp), the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais--UFMG), the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro--UFRJ), the University of Brasília (Universidade de Brasília--UnB). Its first private higher education institution was the Pontificia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP), which now is known as one of Brazil's best institutions, along with Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro--PUC-RJ). PUC-RJ has more than 100 agreements with U.S. institutions for study abroad programs.

Resources -

Brazilian Government: http://www.brasil.gov.br/ingles/
Embassy of Brazil: http://www.brasilemb.org/
Fulbright Brazil: http://us.fulbrightonline.org/program_country.html?id=16
EducationUSA Centers in Brazil: http://educationusa.state.gov/centers/soam.htm
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP
Visit Brazil - Brazil Tourism Office: http://www.braziltourism.org/
Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-RJ): http://www.puc-rio.br/
Pontificia Universidade Católica de Sáo Paulo (PUC-SP): http://www.pucsp.br/
Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo: http://www.unifesp.br/universidade/english/
Pictures Courtesy of Vanessa Ruiz: http://www.vanessaruiz.com