Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, and covering an area of 8.5 million sq km it accounts for virtually half of the entire South American continent. Most of the population of Brazil (at 170 million) is concentrated in the towns and cities leaving much of the country uninhabited, although many rural parts are being developed and rapidly settled. There are four main geographical regions; long coastal ranges along the Atlantic seaboard, central plateau extending across much of the country's interior, the Parana-Paragui Basin in the south, and the Amazon Basin in the north, which is home to 30% of the world's remaining rainforest as well as the 6275 km long Amazon River. Brazil is a land of breathtaking scenery and natural beauty with an incredible diversity of landscape and habitats that support a rich variety of flora and fauna, particularly in the fragile ecosystems of the rainforests. The Brazilian people exude warmth and vibrancy and the country caters well for tourists with excellent facilities and holiday accommodation in Brazil to suit every vacation requirement - from luxurious hotels in the bustling cities to self catering apartments and villas just about anywhere.

The climate of Brazil has significant changes countrywide, with the greatest seasonal fluctuations occurring in the south when winter temperatures rarely dip below 55 degrees Celsius from June to August. From Rio de Janeiro on the east coast, to the south, the humidity during the summer months, between December and February, can be oppressive, but the north-eastern coastal temperatures are tempered by tropical breezes, making conditions less stifling. The Amazon Basin is the wettest part of Brazil, although other regions can experience non-stop winter rains, but generally speaking most of the country is affected only by brief tropical downpours that do little to dampen any travel plans, and can even offer a welcome refreshing break from the heat. A holiday villa in Brazil is a popular choice during their summer months, which can be busy as many Brazilians migrate to the beaches at the start of the school vacation, and street carnivals are organised continuously throughout the season. This is a colourful nation whose cultural heritage is rooted in history and tradition, with an infectious energy and a festival atmosphere that makes the towns and cities lively and joyous places to visit or even rent a holiday apartment.

Rio de Janeiro is a densely populated city positively bursting with things to do and see; from unforgettable mountain views, museums crammed with historical artefacts, examples of ancient architecture and a party attitude that spills over on to its sun-kissed beaches, making a holiday apartment in Rio de Janeiro highly sought after by people of all ages. Brasilia, the capital, is situated in the central plateau region and, with World Heritage status, is a city attractive to many visitors each year drawn to its wealth of stunning architecture and incredible landscaping. And the Amazon Basin, with its never-ending system of rivers and great swathes of tropical rainforest, displays elements of nature at their most raw and powerful. But the true essence of Brazil lies in its physical immensity and magnitude of undiscovered territories with enough magic and mystery that, as a holiday destination, there are few places on earth quite as awe-inspiring as Brazil.

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