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BRAZIL IS THE largest of the Latin American countries, and the fifth-largest
country in the world by area, after Russia, Canada, China, and the United
States. Covering almost half of South America, it spans four time zones and
borders every country on the continent except Chile and Ecuador. The equa-
tor passes through the north of the country near Macapá. The tropic of
Capricorn passes through the south of the country near São Paulo. The
Atlantic Ocean stretches across the eastern side of the country, giving it a
coastline of 4,578 miles (7,367 kilometers).
Lowlands and Highlands
Two main features characterize the landscape of Brazil: the densely
forested lowlands of the Amazon Basin in the north, and the generally open
Giant of South America
(Opposite) Iguaçu (or Iguazú) Falls is
located at the point where Argentina,
Brazil, and Paraguay meet. The
breathtaking falls stretch for more
than 2 miles (3.2 km), with drops of
more than 260 feet (80 meters).
(Right) Sugar Loaf Mountain, shown
at sunset, towers over the entrance
to Guanabara Bay near Rio de
Janeiro.
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