978-1-4222-3341-2

INTRODUCTION B razil is a land of superlatives. It is the largest nation in South America and the fifth largest in the world in terms of both area and population. While most of Brazil’s population lives along the Atlantic coast, many indigenous tribes thrive in the dense jungle just as their ancestors did thousands of years ago. Its cultures—a mix of indigenous, Portuguese, and African heritage—bring a vibrancy to daily life in the city streets and rural outposts. The country is home to the planet’s second largest river, the Ama- zon, whose rainforest—the largest in the world—carpets 1.4 billion acres (470 million hectares) of land. The country has so many plants and ani- mals that it is difficult to count all the species. Scientists are finding new ones all the time. Brazil is also rich in natural resources, including gold, oil, and natural gas. Along with the wealth in natural resources, however, come threats to the country’s environmental riches. In the last 40 years or so, for instance, nearly 20 percent of the rainforest has been destroyed to make room for large farms. Yet, Brazil is a country of immense beauty, a wonder of the world, a treasure to be cherished.

7

FAMILY AND FRIENDS INTRODUCTION