Where is Brazil Located?

Where is Brazil located on the map? Brazil is an independent nation located in South America. Check out the following images to see location of Brazil on maps.

Brazil Location in World Map

Location Information of Brazil

Latitude and Longitude

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest in the world. It is bordered by every South American country except Chile and Ecuador, and it also has a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The geographical coordinates of Brazil are:

• Latitude: 14.2350° S
• Longitude: 51.9253° W

These coordinates place Brazil in both the southern and western hemispheres, spanning from the equator in the north to the tropics in the south, and covering vast and diverse landscapes ranging from the Amazon Rainforest to the Pantanal wetlands and the Atlantic coastline.

Capital City and Major Cities

• Capital City: BrasíliaBrasília is the capital of Brazil, located in the central-western part of the country. The city was purposefully planned and built in the late 1950s, and it officially became the capital in 1960, taking the place of Rio de Janeiro. Brasília was designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa. The city is known for its modernist architecture, wide avenues, and green spaces. Key landmarks include the Palácio do Planalto, the National Congress, and the Cathedral of Brasília. Brasília is the political center of Brazil, housing government institutions and embassies.
• Major Cities:
  1. São Paulo – São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil and one of the largest in the world by population. Located in the southeastern part of the country, it is the economic powerhouse of Brazil, with a vast and diverse economy that includes finance, technology, industry, and commerce. São Paulo is known for its skyscrapers, cultural institutions, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and the Ibirapuera Park are major attractions.
  2. Rio de Janeiro – Rio de Janeiro is one of the most famous cities in the world, known for its stunning beaches, lively carnival celebrations, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue that overlooks the city from Corcovado Mountain. Located in the southeastern part of Brazil, Rio is famous for its vibrant cultural life, samba music, and beautiful coastal scenery, including Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach.
  3. Salvador – Salvador, located in the northeastern state of Bahia, is one of the oldest cities in Brazil and has a rich Afro-Brazilian culture. The city is known for its colonial architecture, particularly in the Pelourinho district, and its famous carnival celebrations, which are a major tourist attraction. Salvador is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its food, music, and dance are central to the cultural fabric of Brazil.
  4. Fortaleza – Fortaleza is a major city in northeastern Brazil, known for its beautiful beaches, including Praia do Futuro and Cumbuco Beach. It is a commercial hub for the region and a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the coastline. Fortaleza also has a rich cultural scene, with museums and festivals that showcase the local traditions and heritage.
  5. Belo Horizonte – Belo Horizonte, located in southeastern Brazil, is the capital of the state of Minas Gerais. The city is known for its food culture, particularly its famous pão de queijo (cheese bread) and feijão tropeiro (a traditional dish). Belo Horizonte is surrounded by mountains, and the city has a relaxed vibe compared to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Time Zone

Brazil spans four time zones, reflecting the vast geographic area it covers. The time zones are:

• Brasília Time (BRT): UTC -3 (used in Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and most of the southeastern and central regions).
• Amazon Time (AMT): UTC -4 (used in regions such as Manaus in the Amazonas state).
• Acre Time (ACT): UTC -5 (used in Acre and the southwestern part of the state of Amazonas).
• Fernando de Noronha Time (FNT): UTC -2 (used on the Fernando de Noronha archipelago).

Brazil does not observe Daylight Saving Time, which means the time remains consistent year-round. This is an important consideration when scheduling flights or business interactions across different parts of the country.

Climate

Brazil has a wide variety of climates, ranging from equatorial and tropical in the north to temperate and even subtropical in the south. The country is vast, with diverse ecosystems including the Amazon Rainforest, the Pantanal, and the Atlantic Forest, each contributing to the different climate zones found throughout Brazil.

• Tropical Climate (Northern and Central Brazil): The northern part of Brazil, including the Amazon region, experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures throughout the year. The temperature typically ranges from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), with regular rainfall, particularly in the rainy season from December to May. The Amazon Rainforest is dense, humid, and receives heavy rainfall, making it a critical area for biodiversity.
• Tropical Wet and Dry Climate (Northeast Brazil): The northeast of Brazil, including cities like Salvador and Fortaleza, experiences a tropical wet and dry climate. The rainy season occurs from January to July, with the rest of the year being dry. Temperatures in these areas remain high year-round, generally ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 32°C (90°F).
• Subtropical Climate (Southern Brazil): The southern parts of Brazil, including the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná, experience a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F), while winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping to 0°C (32°F) or lower. Frost and snow are common in the southernmost areas, particularly in the higher altitudes of the Serra Gaúcha region.
• Semi-Arid Climate (Northeastern Brazil): The sertão region in northeastern Brazil has a semi-arid climate, characterized by long periods of drought and very little rainfall. Temperatures in these areas can reach up to 40°C (104°F) in the summer, with occasional rainfall during the rainy season from March to June.

Economic Status

Brazil is the largest economy in South America and one of the largest in the world. It has a diverse economy, with strong sectors in agriculture, mining, energy, and services. The country is known for its vast natural resources, including oil, minerals, and agricultural products, which make it one of the world’s leading exporters.

• Agriculture: Brazil is a global agricultural powerhouse, producing and exporting a wide variety of agricultural products. The country is the world’s largest exporter of soybeans, coffee, sugar, and orange juice. Other important agricultural products include corn, beef, poultry, and tobacco. Brazil’s vast fertile plains, particularly in the Cerrado region, allow for large-scale agricultural production, and the country has significant agricultural exports to markets worldwide.
• Mining and Energy: Brazil is rich in natural resources, including minerals such as iron ore, bauxite, and gold, as well as vast oil reserves off its coast. The country is one of the world’s largest producers of iron ore, and Vale, a major Brazilian mining company, is one of the largest mining companies globally. Brazil is also a significant producer of ethanol and biofuels, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy. The country’s Petrobras oil company plays a key role in the global oil market.
• Manufacturing: Brazil has a large manufacturing sector, with major industries in automobile production, machinery, steel, chemicals, and consumer goods. The automobile industry is particularly important, with global companies such as Volkswagen, Fiat, and General Motors operating plants in Brazil. The country’s industrial heart is in São Paulo, where most manufacturing and production occur.
• Services and Finance: The services sector has been the largest contributor to Brazil’s GDP in recent years. The country has a growing technology sector, and its financial services industry is well-developed. São Paulo is the financial capital of Brazil, home to the Bovespa (São Paulo Stock Exchange) and many multinational companies. The country’s banking sector is also expanding, with large institutions such as Itaú Unibanco, Bradesco, and Banco do Brasil.
• Tourism: Tourism is a significant sector in Brazil’s economy, driven by its cultural festivals, natural attractions, and diverse landscapes. Cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador attract millions of visitors each year, while the country’s natural wonders, such as the Iguaçu Falls, Amazon Rainforest, and Pantanal wetlands, draw eco-tourism and adventure-seeking travelers. Brazil’s rich cultural heritage, with its music, dance (especially samba and bossa nova), and cuisine, also boosts the tourism industry.
• Challenges: Despite its economic size, Brazil faces several challenges, including high levels of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Political instability and corruption have hindered growth in some sectors, and the economy remains vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices. The country also faces environmental challenges, such as deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest and the impacts of climate change on agriculture.

Tourist Attractions

Brazil is a vast and diverse country with numerous attractions for tourists, ranging from vibrant cities and cultural experiences to natural wonders and wildlife. Some of the top tourist attractions include:

• Christ the Redeemer (Rio de Janeiro): One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooks Rio de Janeiro from the top of Corcovado Mountain. The statue is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Christianity. Visitors can take a train or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the city and surrounding beaches.
• Iguaçu Falls: Located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, Iguaçu Falls is one of the largest and most spectacular waterfall systems in the world. The falls are surrounded by the Iguaçu National Park, which offers hiking trails, boat rides, and opportunities for wildlife watching.
• Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon Rainforest, one of the largest tropical rainforests in the world, offers unique opportunities for eco-tourism. Visitors can explore the jungle on guided tours, visit indigenous communities, and encounter diverse wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, and a vast array of birds.
• Pantanal: The Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region is known for its incredible biodiversity, with large populations of wildlife such as jaguars, capybaras, and caimans. The Pantanal is a prime location for birdwatching, and visitors can explore the area by boat, jeep, or horseback.
• Salvador: Salvador, in the state of Bahia, is known for its vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture, colonial architecture, and annual Carnival. The Pelourinho district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic churches.
• Fernando de Noronha: This archipelago off the northeastern coast of Brazil is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and incredible marine life, including sea turtles and dolphins. It is a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and eco-tourism.
• Sao Paulo: São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, is a cultural and economic powerhouse. The city is home to world-class museums such as the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), vibrant neighborhoods like Liberdade (the Japanese district), and a lively food scene. São Paulo also hosts one of the largest urban carnivals in Brazil.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens wishing to visit Brazil for tourism purposes do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, they must meet the following entry requirements:

1. Passport: A valid U.S. passport with at least six months of validity beyond the planned departure date from Brazil.
2. Proof of Sufficient Funds: U.S. citizens may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Brazil.
3. Return or Onward Travel Ticket: U.S. citizens must provide evidence of a return or onward travel ticket when entering Brazil.

For stays longer than 90 days, or for purposes such as business, study, or employment, U.S. citizens must apply for a visa through the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.

Distance to Major U.S. Cities

The approximate air distances from Rio de Janeiro to major U.S. cities are:

• Distance to New York City: The distance from Rio de Janeiro to New York City is approximately 4,800 miles (7,725 kilometers). Flights typically take around 10 hours, with direct flights available from Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão Airport.
• Distance to Los Angeles: The distance from Rio de Janeiro to Los Angeles is approximately 5,000 miles (8,050 kilometers). Flights generally take about 11 hours, with layovers commonly occurring in cities like São Paulo or Panama City.

Brazil Facts

Size	8,547,404 km²
Residents	209.46 million
Language	Portuguese
Capital	Brasilia
Longest river	Amazon (6,448 km total length)
Highest mountain	Pico da Nablina (2,994 m)
Currency	real