What country is home to the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the greatest biodiversity on Earth, and a culture famous for Carnival and soccer? Meet Brazil, the largest country in South America and a place where natural and cultural wonders stretch across an enormous landscape.
From capybaras and pink river dolphins to the mighty Amazon River and the wetlands of the Pantanal, Brazil is bursting with life. Explore the Indigenous, African, Portuguese, and immigrant influences that shaped Brazilian culture, learn about the country’s history and government, and discover the foods, music, and celebrations that bring people together. You’ll also explore Brazil’s incredible ecosystem.
Teachers and parents, you can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
In The Effects of Deregulation, host Radzi Chinyanganya explains how Brazil's deregulation policies have led to rapid deforestation in the Amazon. The government’s decision to lift restrictions on land use has allowed for the clearing of forests for agricultural expansion, logging, mining, and ranching. This video highlights the environmental consequences of this deregulation, focusing on the struggle between different groups, such as ranchers seeking land for cattle grazing and Indigenous populations fighting to protect their ancestral forests. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
In The Crystal Clear Waters of Bonito, explore the many types of fish that swim in the crystal clear waters of Bonito, a region in Brazil. The fish can see the monkeys above, feeding on berries, and wait for them to accidentally drop them into the water. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, a series featuring remarkable animal behavior from all seven continents.
In Pele's Pledge to His Father, sports journalist Clare Balding describes how Pelé pledged to his father that he would help Brazil win the World Cup. She describes his childhood and rise to fame. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In The Amazing Waterfall Toad, narrator Sir David Attenborough introduces the amazing waterfall toad, a tiny creature that lives in the jungles where Brazil and Venezuela meet. About the size of a postage stamp, this toad has super gripping hands that help it cling to trees and wet leaves in the treetops. While other frogs might hop away from danger, the waterfall toad has a unique strategy that protects it from hungry snakes below. This video is excerpted from BBC's Life, a show that explores the remarkable strategies animals and plants use to ensure their survival.
In The Go Jetters Join the Carnival Parade, the Go Jetters crew goes dancing in Brazil for the Rio Carnival, a big celebration that has been happening every year for over 250 years! The Carnival is filled with music, dancing, and colorful floats that are made by samba schools. People come from all over the world to join the fun and see the amazing parade! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Go Jetters, a series that follows the adventures of four plucky international heroes as they travel the globe visiting the world’s most famous landmarks with their friend and mentor, Ubercorn, a disco-dancing unicorn.
In Life in the Flooded Jungles of Brazil, narrator Sir David Attenborough takes us into the flooded Amazon rainforest, showing how jungle trees release moisture into the air to create their own rainfall. Marvel at the diverse range of animals that live in this watery environment, including river dolphins, capybaras, giant otters, and caimans. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Young Animals Learn to Find Food, narrator Gordon Buchanan explains how young animals must learn to provide their own food to become independent. Grizzly bear cubs in British Columbia learn to fish for salmon by watching their mother. Capuchin monkeys in Brazil use rocks to smash palm nuts and sticks to pull sap from inside trees. This video is excerpted from BBC's Animal Babies, a heartwarming show that follows the first breaths, first steps and first feeds of some adorable baby animals, revealing the challenges they face to survive in some of the toughest but most beautiful places on the planet.
In The World's Incarcerated Children, host Radzi Chinyanganya highlights how child inmates in Madagascar make up part of the 1.5 million children who are currently imprisoned, held in immigration detention, or placed in institutions around the world. The episode delves into the harsh realities these children face and explores how their lack of freedom impacts their lives and futures. It raises important questions about justice, human rights, and the impact of systemic issues on young lives. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
In Iguazu Falls and Human Interference, learn how piraputanga leap out of the clear waters to feed on berries growing on the branches above. However, the future of animals in this area may be at risk from humans using nearby waters for hydroelectric power. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, a series featuring remarkable animal behavior from all seven continents.
In How Pelé Brought Soccer to the U.S., sports journalist Clare Balding discusses Pelé's contributions to the popularity of soccer. Pelé’s last World Cup match in 1970 helped him emerge as a hero, and in 1971 he brought the game to the United States. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In A Gecko’s Survival Tale, narrator Sir David Attenborough introduces the Brazilian pygmy gecko, a rainforest creature so tiny it could rest on your fingertip! This speedy little gecko has amazing survival tricks, like hydrophobic skin that keeps it dry and the ability to stand on water. Even in the face of a rainstorm, this gecko’s lightweight and clever moves help it thrive in its wild and watery home. This video is excerpted from BBC's Life, a show that explores the remarkable strategies animals and plants use to ensure their survival.
What country is home to the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the greatest biodiversity on Earth, and a culture famous for Carnival and soccer? Meet Brazil, the largest country in South America and a place where natural and cultural wonders stretch across an enormous landscape.
From capybaras and pink river dolphins to the mighty Amazon River and the wetlands of the Pantanal, Brazil is bursting with life. Explore the Indigenous, African, Portuguese, and immigrant influences that shaped Brazilian culture, learn about the country’s history and government, and discover the foods, music, and celebrations that bring people together. You’ll also explore Brazil’s incredible ecosystem.
Teachers and parents, you can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
In The Effects of Deregulation, host Radzi Chinyanganya explains how Brazil's deregulation policies have led to rapid deforestation in the Amazon. The government’s decision to lift restrictions on land use has allowed for the clearing of forests for agricultural expansion, logging, mining, and ranching. This video highlights the environmental consequences of this deregulation, focusing on the struggle between different groups, such as ranchers seeking land for cattle grazing and Indigenous populations fighting to protect their ancestral forests. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
In The Crystal Clear Waters of Bonito, explore the many types of fish that swim in the crystal clear waters of Bonito, a region in Brazil. The fish can see the monkeys above, feeding on berries, and wait for them to accidentally drop them into the water. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, a series featuring remarkable animal behavior from all seven continents.
In Pele's Pledge to His Father, sports journalist Clare Balding describes how Pelé pledged to his father that he would help Brazil win the World Cup. She describes his childhood and rise to fame. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In The Amazing Waterfall Toad, narrator Sir David Attenborough introduces the amazing waterfall toad, a tiny creature that lives in the jungles where Brazil and Venezuela meet. About the size of a postage stamp, this toad has super gripping hands that help it cling to trees and wet leaves in the treetops. While other frogs might hop away from danger, the waterfall toad has a unique strategy that protects it from hungry snakes below. This video is excerpted from BBC's Life, a show that explores the remarkable strategies animals and plants use to ensure their survival.
In The Go Jetters Join the Carnival Parade, the Go Jetters crew goes dancing in Brazil for the Rio Carnival, a big celebration that has been happening every year for over 250 years! The Carnival is filled with music, dancing, and colorful floats that are made by samba schools. People come from all over the world to join the fun and see the amazing parade! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Go Jetters, a series that follows the adventures of four plucky international heroes as they travel the globe visiting the world’s most famous landmarks with their friend and mentor, Ubercorn, a disco-dancing unicorn.
In Life in the Flooded Jungles of Brazil, narrator Sir David Attenborough takes us into the flooded Amazon rainforest, showing how jungle trees release moisture into the air to create their own rainfall. Marvel at the diverse range of animals that live in this watery environment, including river dolphins, capybaras, giant otters, and caimans. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Young Animals Learn to Find Food, narrator Gordon Buchanan explains how young animals must learn to provide their own food to become independent. Grizzly bear cubs in British Columbia learn to fish for salmon by watching their mother. Capuchin monkeys in Brazil use rocks to smash palm nuts and sticks to pull sap from inside trees. This video is excerpted from BBC's Animal Babies, a heartwarming show that follows the first breaths, first steps and first feeds of some adorable baby animals, revealing the challenges they face to survive in some of the toughest but most beautiful places on the planet.
In The World's Incarcerated Children, host Radzi Chinyanganya highlights how child inmates in Madagascar make up part of the 1.5 million children who are currently imprisoned, held in immigration detention, or placed in institutions around the world. The episode delves into the harsh realities these children face and explores how their lack of freedom impacts their lives and futures. It raises important questions about justice, human rights, and the impact of systemic issues on young lives. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
In Iguazu Falls and Human Interference, learn how piraputanga leap out of the clear waters to feed on berries growing on the branches above. However, the future of animals in this area may be at risk from humans using nearby waters for hydroelectric power. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, a series featuring remarkable animal behavior from all seven continents.
In How Pelé Brought Soccer to the U.S., sports journalist Clare Balding discusses Pelé's contributions to the popularity of soccer. Pelé’s last World Cup match in 1970 helped him emerge as a hero, and in 1971 he brought the game to the United States. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In A Gecko’s Survival Tale, narrator Sir David Attenborough introduces the Brazilian pygmy gecko, a rainforest creature so tiny it could rest on your fingertip! This speedy little gecko has amazing survival tricks, like hydrophobic skin that keeps it dry and the ability to stand on water. Even in the face of a rainstorm, this gecko’s lightweight and clever moves help it thrive in its wild and watery home. This video is excerpted from BBC's Life, a show that explores the remarkable strategies animals and plants use to ensure their survival.