Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is a country in South America. It is the world 's fifth-largest country by area, behind Russia, Canada, the United States, and China, with a total area of 8,514,877 square kilometers (3,287,612 sq mi). Brazil is a large country located in the central-eastern part of South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It occupies almost half of the continent's landmass and is dissected by both the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. Brazil has a population of more than 212 million people (in 2024), making it the seventh most populous country in the world and the most populous nation in South America. The national capital is Brasília, a planned city atop the Brazilian highlands. Explore Brazil’s culture in one place—regional identities, Carnival, cuisine, faith, and folklore—with links to deep dives and guides. Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world, occupying nearly half of the continent’s land area. Its varied landscapes include the Amazon Rainforest, extensive river systems, and major urban centers. Brazil was briefly named Land of the Holy Cross by Portuguese explorers and crusaders before being named Land of Brazil by the Brazilian-Portuguese settlers and merchants dealing with brazilwood. A partir do século XIX, difundiu-se a hipótese de que o nome do país derivaria da ilha mítica irlandesa conhecida como Hy Brazil, representada em mapas medievais. Planning a Brazil trip? Check out the 20 best places to visit with expert tips on when to go, must-see attractions, and travel itineraries. Brazil encompasses a wide range of tropical and subtropical landscapes, as well as wetlands, savannas, plateaus, and low mountains. It contains most of the Amazon basin, including the world's largest river system and most extensive virgin tropical forest. Discover comprehensive geographic, demographic and strategic intelligence for Brazil, featuring detailed insights into population statistics, territorial measurements, economic indicators, timezone data and geopolitical positioning.