• Colombia!

    Colombia: Caribbean Sea coast. Go Now!

    Colombia
    Although most of the people live inland, Colombia also has its share of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea (pictured). Go Now!

  • Ecuador!

    Ecuador: Sally Lightfoot Crab. Go Now!

    Ecuador
    The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are home to incredible wildlife, such as the famous Galapagos Turtle and the lesser known, but more common Red Rock or Sally Lightfoot crab (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

  • Chile!

    Chile: Torres del Paine National Park. Go Now!

    Chile
    The Andes dominate much of Chile, including the breath-taking Torres del Paine National Park (pictured). However, the country also hosts the world's driest desert and a thriving metropolis. Begin Your Journey!

  • Venezuela!

    Venezuela: Los Roques. Go Now!

    Venezuela
    Rooted in Europe, Venezuela boasts an impressive history, culture, and beauty, including the Caribbean Coast (pictured). Explore Venezuela!

  • Bolivia!

    Bolivia: Salt flats. Go Now!

    Bolivia
    This hidden gem is full of surprises, from the impressive salt flats (pictured) to the migrating flamingos. It also clings to the most historic indigenous culture on the continent. Explore Bolivia!

Ethnicity, Language, & Religion of Brazil

Ethnicity

Just over half of Brazil's population claims to be entirely of European descent. Among these people most have at least some Portuguese in them, but Spanish, Germany, and Italian are other common ethnicities found in Brazil today. Another 40% claims to be a combination of European and African. The last 10% is made up of people who are entirely of African descent or belong to smaller ethnic groups, including the many indigenous groups in Brazil.

Language

The only official language in Brazil is Portuguese and this is overwhelmingly the most widely spoken language in the country. In some border areas Spanish is spoken and among many ethnic minorities various other languages are also spoken, including Italian, Japanese, German, and some indigenous languages. Portuguese is a Romance language that is very similar to Spanish and more distantly related French, Italian, Romanian, and others.

Religion

Nearly three quarters of Brazil's population is nominally Roman Catholic, although few people are regularly practicing. Another 15% of the population is Protestant and nearly 10% claim no religion at all.

Catholicism is a Christian religion that is one of the first Christian religions and was the most dominant religious force in the Christian world for years. Catholicism believes that there is a single God who created everything, a savior, the son of God, Jesus Christ who is the forgiver of sins, and there is the Holy Spirit, which makes up the last part of the Holy Trinity.

Continue reading on Safari the Globe to Learn the Catholic Church's doctrines, liturgy, symbolism, traditions, & hierarchy

This page was last updated: May, 2014