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 is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest nation in the world. It forms an enormous triangle on the eastern side of the continent with a 4,500-mile (7,400-kilometer). 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). Discover comprehensive geographic, demographic and strategic intelligence for Brazil, featuring detailed insights into population statistics, territorial measurements, economic indicators, timezone data and geopolitical positioning. 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. 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. 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. 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. Reuters.com is your online source for the latest Brazil news stories and current events, ensuring our readers up to date with any breaking news developments From Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Ipanema Beach to the jaguar-filled Pantanal to the Amazon rainforest, there’s no shortage of thrilling places to visit in Brazil. Here’s an essential guide to explore.