Not only is Brazil the fifth largest country in the world, this summer Brazil takes center stage as host to the 2014 World Cup. Fans and tourists from all continents will be witnessing Brazilian sights and sounds as they have never been experienced before. There is just so much to learn; the following eight points of interest include a glimpse of everything you need to know about Brazil!

One – The FIFA World Cup:

The 2014 FIFA World Cup features tournaments in twelve separate cities, where guests can see pros like Lionel Messi, and enjoy everything from football matches to a variety of activities. Water sports, samba dancing, culinary thrills, hiking, tourist attractions, as well as simply sitting back and enjoying the sites, are amongst the many reasons to visit Brazil.

Two – The Land:

The larger cities in Brazil are situated along the Amazon River banks and the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Primarily in a tropical region, Brazil extends to include a broad range of climates and topography. Crossed in south by the Tropic of Capricorn and to the north by equator, the country’s regions and central upland provide much produce and many products to other continents.

Three – The Rain Forests:

The Amazon River gives rise to the lush Brazilian rainforest, and the principal city of Manaus. The Amazon is well known for tourism, mining, fishing, as well as for the production of rubber, timber, medicinal plants, and Brazil nuts. Reflecting the developments that took place as during the 1800 rubber boom, Manaus remains well-renowned for its many traditions and historic sites.

Four – Port Cities from North to South:

The primary cities in the northeast include the port towns of Salvador (Bahia) and Recife (Pernambuco). Harbor cities to the south include Vitória (Espírito Santo), Rio de Janeiro, Santos, São Paulo and Pôrto Alegre, located in Rio Grande do Sul.

Five – Rio de Janeiro:

Rio de Janeiro is one of the predominant host cities during the 2014 World Cup. Tourists and locals can experience football, sightseeing, soccer, nightlife, culture, and dining at its finest.  In addition to its beautiful beaches, Rio features one of the top botanical gardens as well as hiking trails and famous travel highlights.

Six – São Paulo:

São Paulo is also well recognized as a favorite tourist destination. Renowned for agriculture and industry, the city has grown rapidly keeping step with international development and trends. Situated on a plateau, São Paulo is one of the most heavily populated cities in South America (along with Rio de Janeiro) and is known for its diversity and culture.

Seven -The People:

The people of Brazil are diverse, coming from a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds. Indigenous, African, and European comprise the majority of Brazilian ancestry, with nearly fifty-percent of European lineage. The official language is Portuguese and English is a popular second language.

Eight – Brazilian Economy:

One of the fastest growing economies in the world, Brazil is known for its industry, mining, agriculture, and service sectors. Coffee is one of the primary crops, as are oranges, bananas, rice, wheat, soybeans, corn, cocoa, sugarcane, tobacco, and cotton. The country is also a chief poultry and meat exporter. And, although highly regulated, timber remains a primary export.

Everything you need to know about Brazil in a nutshell! However, to really get to know the land and its people, one simply has to visit Brazil to experience its abundance!