Brazil Geography Introduction |
Brazil has claims to the following islands: • Fernando de Noronha The "Two Brothers Hill" in a paradisiac island (Fernando de Noronha) off the coast of Brazil. • Rocas Atoll • Saint Peter and Paul Rocks • Trindade and Martim Vaz Islands Brazil has borders with Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. In fact, Chile and Ecuador are the only South American countries with which Brazil does not share its borders. As a country, it is split into five official regions; namely Central-West, Northeast, North, Southeast and Southern Brazil. These are then split into 26 states and a Federal District. The Amazon Rainforest is a very important part of the world’s natural resources. It is home to an estimated one-third of all known animal species and makes up about half of the world’s rainforests. The Amazon River carries more water into the Atlantic Ocean than any other river does to any other body of water. This river winds for more than 3 200 kilometres (2000 miles) within the country and holds about one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. At its narrowest point, the river is 1.6 kilometres wide, and some 48 kilometres at its widest during the wet season. The Amazon Basin occupies about two-thirds of the country’s area. Brazil is particularly abundant in rivers and boasts eight major drainage basins. These basins direct their water into the Atlantic Ocean. There are 12 major hydrographic regions in Brazil, seven of which have dominant rivers, while the remaining five do not. These are: The Brazilian Highlands (also known as the Brazilian Plateau) are, in general, under 4 000 feet (or 1 220 metres) above sea level. They cover most of the central, eastern and southern parts of the country and are home to an astounding array of fauna and flora. The highest point in Brazil is Pico de Neblina, which measures an impressive 9 888 feet, which is equivalent to 3 014 metres. The huge central plateau (Planalto Central) is approximately 1 000 metres or 3 281 feet above sea level. The majority of the coastline comprises the Great Escarpment, which gives those looking at the shore from the sea the impression of looking at a huge, imposing wall. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are two of the largest cities in the world, and are both prominent destinations in Brazil. They enjoy a rich culture and heritage as well as modern amenities and established infrastructures. The climate of Brazil depends on the various areas’ elevation and proximity to the ocean. However, most of the country can be defined as being tropical and sub-tropical. In general, this means hot, humid conditions, although some areas can be fairly dry and even fall victim to the occasional droughts. Many areas experience only a wet season and a dry one, instead of four distinct seasons. Brazil boasts five marked eco-systems: • The tropical rainforest Central Brazil is made up mostly of woodland savannah. Brazil’s natural resources include: gold, iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, phosphates, uranium, petroleum, platinum, tin, hydropower and timber. |