Famed for its heady mix of football and samba and Rio's extravagant carnival, the largest country in South America is dominated by the vast basin of the Amazon and its rainforest. More than one hundred national parks and protected areas contain many different habitats - from coastal forest, savannah and mountains to the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, along with the greatest biodiversity of any country on Earth.

New species are discovered regularly and, in addition to a staggering array of birds, fish, amphibians, insects and reptiles, Brazil large mammals include jaguar, puma, giant anteater, coati, giant otter, maned wolf, tapir and capybara. 70 or so species of primate include howler, capuchin and squirrel monkeys. Among the many other major natural attractions are the imposing Iguassu Falls and the dazzling white beaches all along the Atlantic coast.