Careerbreaker Destinations - New For 2007 - Brazil
The fifth largest country on the planet, occupying a vast area between South America and the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil is a country of geographical and cultural depth and diversity. The only South American countries it doesn’t neighbour are Ecuador and Chile. Brazil’s scenery is characterised by low-lying Amazon rainforest in the north, open terrain hills in the south and mountain ranges on its Atlantic Coast.
The official language of the country is Portugese which is spoken by most, although over 120 minor languages and dialects exist. The large population who are mainly Roman Catholic, are of Portuguese descent although there is a significant population descended from African slaves. Indigenous Amerindians, following centuries of intermarriage, constitute less than 1% of the population.
With the only Portuguese speaking nation in the Americas and the largest population, Brazil has a unique personality. A former Portuguese colony, with a history entrenched in the African Slave Trade, it’s culture and tropical climate reflects its multiracial make up and its vibrant; music and dance playing a massive part in daily life. Brazilians are infamous carnival loving hedonists, tolerant by nature, they love to party!
Despite economic progress Brazil has not yet bridged the gap between the rich urban dwellers and the poorer farming and rural inhabitants. 45 million people continue to live in poverty and whilst official figure put illiteracy at only 8%, the true figure is probably much higher.
Careerbreaker projects will be based to the east of the country in the region of Bahia, which is lush and green with pretty towns, waterfalls and unusual rock formations. Home to the country’s first Portuguese settlers, the Bahia region fuses Portuguese, African and indigenous cultures. An important slave centre throughout the 1800s, this region has retained its African influences.
In this rural area we will be focusing on the provision of basic facilities such as water supply, sanitation or building classrooms and improving facilities at a local school.
Experience Carnival in Brazil!!!!!
We have timed our January 2007 project so that you can choose to follow your placement with a visit to Salvador de Bahia (the regional capital and oldest city in Brazil) in time to enjoy the wonderful spectacle that is Carnival!
Considered to be the best street carnival in Brazil, Salvador de Bahia offers visitors an incredible experience. Join millions of people from across Brazil as they dance through the streets in fantastic costumes to the music of the "Trios Electricos”.
What Can I do In Brazil?
Community Development Projects
Adventurous Travel
<<Back to top>>
|
|
Destinations Homepage
About Brazil
Full Name
República Federativa do Brasil
Capital City
Brasília
Area
8,514,215 sq km
3,287,338 sq miles
Population
175,000,000
Time Zone
2-5 hours behind the UK
Languages
Portuguese (official)
Religion
70% Roman Catholic; various cults or Indian animism
Currency
Real (R$)
Famous For
Carnaval, Amazonian rainforests and energetic people
|
