The Brazilian People
Brazil is a truly diverse land, not only in terms of its environment and the large number of plant and animal species that live there, but also in the demographics of its people. Brazil was a colony of Portugal from 1500 to 1822, and in fact Portugal was forced to move its government from Portugal to Brazil from 1808 to 1815. This influence has had a profound effect on Brazil in terms of its government, its culture and its religion.
Brazil is truly full of many ethnicities however. It has a huge population, the fifth largest in the world, and they have arrived from all over the globe. The population is approximately half white, about two fifths Pardo or brown and just over seven per cent black. There are other ethnicities in smaller proportions including Asian and Amerindian. The first Amerindians are thought to have come from present-day Siberia about 11,000 years ago. As far as the white portion of the population they have come from all over Europe; Portugal in particular but also from Italy, Spain and Germany in large proportions. The mix of the different people that make up Brazil makes it an interesting place, and the kaleidoscope of different foods and music have contributed to its rich culture. They have blended together in many ways and make up a culture that is unique to Brazil. If you have been there, you will know that it is really a place like no other. The food alone is worth cause to visit, with its influences of European, African, South American and Asian it is unique and often spicy, reflecting the country of its origin.
The religion in Brazil is predominantly Roman Catholic, largely because of the influence of the Portuguese. It is not the only religion, as there are also others but it makes Brazil the largest of all of the Roman Catholic countries in the world. You will also find a large number of Protestants there, along with other Christian denominations as well as ones with African heritage, Amerindian and various offshoots of these.
The language in Brazil is officially Portuguese. That said the language that is spoken in Brazil is not the same as the Portuguese that is spoken in Portugal. It is said that the difference between the two would be greater than the difference between English spoken in the United Kingdom and that spoken in the United States. They are still close enough that a native speaker from Brazil could get by in Portugal but it has developed somewhat.
Sports are a big part of the culture of Brazil, and they have emerged as a dominant world power in soccer (or football, depending on where you are reading this). They also have shown great interest and prowess in basketball, tennis and auto sports to name just a few. The martial arts are also very popular in Brazil. Volleyball, swimming and gymnastics are also popular as are track and field sports.
The number of activities and interests, foods, music and cultural practices in Brazil are as varied as its population, making it one of the most fascinating countries in the world to visit.