South America's giant, Brazil is a seductive country with dazzling beaches, tropical islands and picturesque colonial towns. Its verdant rainforests boast an astounding array of wildlife, while its wildly energetic cities are home to a multitude of ethnic groups. Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country in both size and population, and its thriving economy has made it Latin America's powerhouse, enjoying record growth in the last five years. This is a country revered for its football prowess and rich musical traditions, which include samba, bossa nova, tropicalismo, forró and numerous other distinctive styles.

Time: Brazil spans several time zones:
Eastern Standard Time: GMT -3 (GMT -2 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March.
Western Standard Time: GMT -4 (GMT -3 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March.
North East States and East Parà: GMT -3.
Amapa and West Parà: GMT -4.
Acre State: GMT -5.
Fernando de Noronha Archipelago: GMT -2.

Currency: Real/Reais (BRL; symbol R$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of R$100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of R$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 centavos.

Language: The official language is Portuguese, with different regional accents characterising each state. Spanish, English, Italian, French and German are also spoken, particularly in tourist areas. Four linguistic roots survive in the indigenous areas: Gê, Tupi-guarani, Aruak and Karib.

Weather: The climate varies from hot and dry in the arid interior to the humid tropical rainforests of the Amazon jungle. Coastal Brazil tends to be hot and sticky for most of the year but it can get cold in the south and in the mountains during the winter months. Rainy seasons occur from January to April in the north, April to July in the northeast and November to March in the Rio/São Paulo area.

Taxes: There are no taxes added to goods purchased within Brazil. Restaurants and hotels usually add a 10% service tax. In Rio, there is also a 5% tax on hotels.

Tipping: There is no expected tipping on top of the 10% service charge on restaurant and hotel bills. Taxi drivers usually do not get tipped. Bellboys get tipped R$1 (U.S.$0.50) per bag.