Informer-Snow

Ever since our first day here when we received a briefing on Brazil, I have been meaning to share some general information but I keep running out of time.  So here is a little bit of background information to pique your curiosity so you can go look up more on your own.

30 things you may not have known about Brazil:

1. Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world in both size and population.
2. Brazil is bigger than the continental United States-a fact that most likely surprises most Americans as we are used to seeing our country large, front and center on a world map, but it's true.
3. Brazil has the most bio-diversity of any other country in the world.  As a result, they are focused on sustainability.

4. If you were to imagine the United States covered in forest from Colorado to California, that is the approximate size of the Amazon.
5. 80% of the population is urban and lives along the coast.
6. 70% of the population is Catholic and they are hosting World Youth Day in July 2013.
7. Historically Brazil had three main eras-sugar boom, gold boom, coffee boom-and all three are still important to the economy today.  Brazil is the largest exporter of coffee

Trying Brazilian coffee

8. Brazil was the last country to officially free slaves in 1888.
9. The capital city of Brasilia was built in 4 years when the president at the time decided the capital should be more centrally located.  It was a grassland area before the city was built.  The majority of the designs were by architect Oscar Niemeyer.
10. The current president is Dilma Rousseff, and she was elected in 2010.
11. All workers get 30 days paid vacation per year, including domestic workers according to a new somewhat controversial law.
12. Brazil labels their citizens as A through F class based on their monthly income.  A is the most upper class and E and F are below the poverty line.
13. Taxes on consumer goods are extremely high with the municipal (city,) state, and national government all levying taxes on these kinds of items.  For example, these children's backpacks were outrageously priced because of all of the taxes.  What really surprised me is that no one seems to know what percentage of the price goes to each level of taxes and what the actual price of the product really is... and no one seems to care about finding this out.  Cultural differences are so fascinating sometimes!

This child's backpack costs the equivalent of $90.00

This one costs ~$125.00!

14. People in Brazil greet each other with two kisses and physical contact is common.
15. Brazil will host the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016.
16. You don't flush toilet paper down the toilet but rather put it in the trash can next to the toilet.
17. Brazil is known for Carnaval, a "Fat Tuesday" type of celebration before Lent.  During Carnaval, different samba schools show off their moves on huge floats.
18. Brazilians eat a lot of rice and beans, and they are delicious!  However, all Brazilian foods are delicious.

19. You should always use silverware in Brazil, or use a napkin to hold your food.
20. Brazil's currency is the Real, which is pronounced "hey-ais"  Currently approximately 2 Reais=$1

Their money also has fun animals :)

21. Brazilians speak Portuguese and this language is often confusing for Americans because of the different sounds.  For example:

x="sh"

r="h"

n="m"

m="n"

d="j"

t="ch"

22. Brazil is known as one of the BRIC countries with an up and coming economy, along with Russia, India and China.
23. People in Brazil like their beer cold and will keep it in styrofoam coolers on the table, pouring one small glass at a time.  There are also a lot of restaurants and bars that pull plastic tables and chairs onto the sidewalk and streets for people to hang out at night.

24. The clouds look different in Brazil, they are all flat on the bottom.  If anyone knows why this is, I would love to hear about it in the comments.
25. In Brazil there is a phrase called "Jeitinho Brasileiro" which means there is a way around the proper way of doing things.  This can be interpreted in a number of ways.  One we were told is that if there is a rule, for example this one posted at a cathedral,

you don't necessarily need to follow the rule (i.e. I went in even though I was wearing capris.)  Another interpretation is that there is always a way around the way.  For example, if you need some kind of permit and it is taking a long time to process, maybe you know someone you can call, or pay a little extra and then get it done a bit faster.  It applies to the concept of bending the rules, or improvising.  Brazilians are known for a lack of planning, yet things always seem to work out for them in the end.
26. Everyone has a government workbook in which they officially register their job and also keep track of when they vote, which is mandatory between ages 18-70.
27. The Brazilian government has pledged to help 7 million Brazilians learn English by the World Cup and Olympics.
28. The Brazilian flag is green (earth,) blue (sky,) and gold (minerals.)
29. Brazilians celebrate Valentine's Day on June 12.

It's not nearly as commercial as the U.S.

30. Brazil has all kinds of cool soda flavors with various tropical fruits.  Including this fun pink soda called "Jesus," it is super sweet; therefore, right up my alley :)

+1 more! There are 26 states and currently there are 12 teachers here working in the schools through Teachers for Global Classrooms.

If there is something else you want to know, leave your question in the comments and I will do my best to find out more about it!

One more picture just for fun, cashew shaped phone booth: