Brazil

Population: 155.5 million
Size: 3.25 million sq. miles
Capital City: Brasilia
Currency: Real

The word colourful is used often when describing Brazil; trouble is, the word colourful just isn't, well, colourful enough. Words like lively, exciting, invigorating, noisy, exuberant also fail to do full justice to the place.

Think of Brazil and any one of a number of vibrant images may spring to mind. Maybe it is the debauch that is The Carnaval in Rio or Copacabana Beach. Perhaps it is Jesus atop Sugarloaf Mountain or the effervescent passion of the football. Possibly the first thing that springs to mind is the jungle, mile upon verdant mile of trees, the threatened 'lungs of the planet' and the mighty Amazon River. Perhaps your idea of Brazil isn't a picture but a sound, the country moves to the beat of Samba. Alternatively, perhaps the roar of the towering Iguazu Falls is more to your taste.

Wildlife is abundant, check out the jungle or the Panatal, a huge wetland that teems with life of all kinds.

If you are in need of a refreshing, stimulating break then Brazil may just be the place for you.