Brazil's administrative division is quite intricate, making it particularly relevant for independent travelers or those keen on exploring the country's numerous attractions. The nation is divided into 26 states and one federal metropolitan area. Each state is further divided into municipalities, which are then subdivided into districts.
For the convenience of visitors, Brazil can also be divided into regions, each with its unique characteristics. The names of these regions are straightforward, based on cardinal directions.
Central Brazil, for example, comprises two distinct regions.
Central West Region is the largest but sparsely populated region, with approximately 14 million residents. It encompasses three states: Goiás, Mato Grosso, and Mato Grosso do Sul. Notably, it includes the Federal District, which houses the nation's capital, Brasilia. Mato Grosso is known for its mining of gold and diamonds. The climate in this region is tropical, with a moderate level of humidity and frequent summer rains. You can explore historical Vilha de Goiás, the vibrant city of Cuiaba, or the protected area of Corumba.
Northeast Region is the heart of Brazil's beach destinations, boasting the longest coastline in the country. This region comprises nine states: Alagoas, Bahia, Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará, and Sergipe. The stunning beaches here attract tourists from around the world. You can explore resorts and cities like Maceio, Salvador, São Luis, João Pessoa, Recife, Teresina, Natal, Fortaleza, or Aracaju.
The northern regions of Brazil are renowned for one particular celebrity: the majestic Amazon River flows through this area.
Northern Region is the largest region in Brazil, encompassing seven states: Acre, Amazonas, Amapá, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, and Tocantins. The presence of the Amazon River significantly influences the climate and way of life in these areas. The climate is predominantly equatorial, characterized by high humidity and scorching heat. The rainy season here typically lasts from December to March. Major cities worth visiting for tourists include Manaus, Belém, Porto Velho, Rio Branco, and Macapá.
The southern boundaries of Brazil encompass two distinct regions.
Southeast Region is the most developed and progressive region in Brazil. It closely aligns with the ideals of European civilization while still retaining the essence of Brazil. This region is composed of four states: Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Espírito Santo. Make sure to visit the country's two major metropolitan areas, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The landscapes here feature plateaus and granite morro hills. Along the coast, a tropical Atlantic climate prevails, while the highlands experience a highland tropical climate.
The Southern Region is the smallest region in Brazil, comprising the three states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. The climate in this region varies from tropical to temperate.
This area serves as a significant tourist, economic, and cultural hub in Brazil. The most prominent cities in this Brazilian region include the state capital of Paraná, Curitiba, and Porto Alegre, which is the historical and cultural center of Rio Grande do Sul.
