Quiz Questions about Brazil

Correct answer: True

Explanation: Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America, as it was colonized by Portugal while most other countries were colonized by Spain.

Correct answer: Brazil

Explanation: Brazil is the largest country in South America by both area and population.

Correct answer: Rio de Janeiro

Explanation: Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its vibrant Carnival festival, characterized by parades, samba music, and elaborate costumes, making it a cultural highlight of Brazil.

Correct answer: Atlantic Ocean

Explanation: The Atlantic Ocean is located to the east of Brazil, providing the country with extensive coastlines that are significant for trade and tourism.

Correct answer: True

Explanation: Brazil has won the World Cup 5 times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002), more than any other country in history.

Correct answer: Argentina

Explanation: Iguazu Falls sits on the border between Brazil and Argentina, consisting of 275 individual waterfalls and is one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.

Correct answer: Real

Explanation: The Brazilian Real (BRL) has been the country's currency since 1994, replacing the previous currency due to hyperinflation.

Correct answer: True

Explanation: Capoeira was developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil in the 16th century and disguised as dance to hide its martial arts training from slaveholders.

Correct answer: Rio de Janeiro

Explanation: Rio de Janeiro hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics, becoming the first South American city to host the Olympic Games.

Correct answer: True

Explanation: The country's official name is "República Federativa do Brasil" (Federative Republic of Brazil), established in the 1988 Constitution.

Correct answer: Christ the Redeemer

Explanation: Christ the Redeemer is an iconic statue in Rio de Janeiro, symbolizing peace and welcoming visitors to the city, and is recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Correct answers: Feijoada, Moqueca

Explanation: Feijoada (black bean stew with pork) and Moqueca (seafood stew) are traditional Brazilian dishes. Paella is Spanish and tacos are Mexican.

Correct answer: Seleção

Explanation: Brazil's national team is called "Seleção," short for "Seleção Brasileira." Other options are Argentina, Spain/Chile, and Italy respectively.

Correct answer: extremely

Explanation: Brazilians prefer their beer "estupidamente gelada" (stupidly cold), often at near-freezing temperatures, much colder than most other countries.

Correct answer: Coffee

Explanation: Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, responsible for about one-third of global coffee production.

Correct answers: Toucan, Capybara, Jaguar

Explanation: Jaguars, capybaras, and toucans are all native to Brazil.

Correct answer: second

Explanation: The Amazon River is the second longest river in the world after the Nile, though it has the largest discharge volume of any river.

Correct answer: ice

Explanation: The Caipirinha is Brazil's national drink, made simply with cachaça (sugarcane liquor), sugar, lime, and ice. It's dangerously easy to drink!

Correct answer: True

Explanation: Most Brazilians consider eating pizza with hands unhygienic or barbaric. They use forks and knives, which shocks many foreign visitors!

Correct answer: Brasília

Explanation: Brasília is the capital of Brazil, officially inaugurated in 1960, designed to promote the development of the interior of the country.

Correct answer: Amazon River

Explanation: The Amazon River is the longest river in Brazil, and it is also considered one of the longest rivers in the world.

Correct answer: Portuguese

Explanation: Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, a result of colonization by Portugal in the 16th century.

Correct answer: Rio de Janeiro

Explanation: The Christ the Redeemer statue is located in Rio de Janeiro, overlooking the city from the Corcovado mountain.

Correct answer: Feijoada

Explanation: Feijoada, a hearty stew of beans with pork or beef, is considered the national dish of Brazil and is traditionally served with rice.

Correct answers: Samba, Bossa Nova, Forró

Explanation: Samba, Bossa Nova, and Forró all originated in Brazil. Tango originated in Argentina and Uruguay.

Correct answer: nostalgic longing

Explanation: "Saudade" describes a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone absent. It's considered uniquely Portuguese/Brazilian.

Correct answers: Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina

Explanation: Brazil shares borders with 10 countries, including Argentina, Venezuela, and Colombia. Chile is the only South American country (besides Ecuador) that does not border Brazil.

Correct answer: most

Explanation: São Paulo is the most populous city in the Southern Hemisphere with over 12 million people in the city proper and over 22 million in the metro area.

Correct answers: Bahia, Amazonas, Minas Gerais

Explanation: Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Amazonas are all Brazilian states. Córdoba is a province in Argentina.

Correct answer: 10

Explanation: Brazil shares land borders with 10 countries, more than any other nation except Russia and China.

Correct answers: Cassava, Açaí, Dendê oil

Explanation: Cassava (manioc), açaí berries, and dendê (palm) oil are staples in Brazilian cooking. Kimchi is Korean.

Correct answer: True

Explanation: Brazil has about 1.8 million people of Japanese descent, the largest Japanese population outside Japan, mainly concentrated in São Paulo.

Correct answer: Brazil

Explanation: Brazil has approximately 123 million Catholics, more than any other country, though the percentage is declining as evangelical churches grow.

Correct answer: prosperity

Explanation: Eating lentils at midnight on New Year's is believed to bring wealth. Brazilians also wear white for peace and colored underwear for specific wishes!

Correct answers: Brazilian wax, Brazil nuts

Explanation: Brazil nuts and Brazilian waxing are named after Brazil. Brazilium doesn't exist, but there are craters on the Moon (not Mars) named after Brazilian cities.

Correct answer: African descent

Explanation: Brazil has over 100 million people of African descent, the largest population outside Africa, due to the tragic history of the slave trade.

Correct answers: Coxinha, Brigadeiro, Açaí bowls

Explanation: Açaí bowls, brigadeiro (chocolate truffle), and coxinha (chicken croquette) are all Brazilian. Croissants are French!

Correct answer: 17

Explanation: Pelé was only 17 when Brazil won the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. He scored twice in the final and became an instant global sensation!

Correct answer: India

Explanation: Cabral was sailing to India but veered off course and landed in Brazil on April 22, 1500, claiming it for Portugal. Some historians debate if it was truly accidental!

Correct answer: Portuguese

Explanation: The treaty gave Portugal the eastern part of South America (Brazil), while Spain got the rest. That's why Brazil is Portuguese-speaking while neighbors speak Spanish!

Correct answer: Michel Temer

Explanation: Dilma Rousseff was impeached in 2016 for fiscal irregularities. Her vice president Michel Temer took over amid massive political controversy and protests.

Correct answer: working-class

Explanation: Lula, a former metalworker and union leader, became Brazil's first working-class president in 2002. He served until 2010 and was re-elected in 2022.

Correct answer: Hydropower

Explanation: Brazil relies heavily on hydropower, which accounts for a significant portion of its electricity generation, due to its vast river systems.

Correct answer: Rio de Janeiro

Explanation: Rio de Janeiro is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, earning it the nickname 'Cidade Maravilhosa.'

Correct answer: Recife

Explanation: Recife is often called the "Venice of Brazil" because it's built on several islands connected by over 50 bridges and has numerous waterways.

Correct answer: 60

Explanation: The Amazon Rainforest covers about 60% of Brazil's territory, making Brazil home to the largest portion of this vital ecosystem.

Correct answer: tropical

Explanation: The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland, covering approximately 150,000 square kilometers across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay.

Correct answers: Piranha Fishing Tournament, Mud Football Championship

Explanation: Brazil hosts a Mud Football Championship in Paraty and Piranha Fishing Tournaments in the Pantanal. Cockroach racing is Australian and cheese rolling is British.

Correct answer: True

Explanation: The Trans-Amazonian Highway was constructed in the 1970s during Brazil's military dictatorship as part of a plan to colonize the Amazon region.

Correct answers: Strawberries with chocolate, Green peas

Explanation: Brazilians love pizza with green peas, and dessert pizzas with strawberries and chocolate. São Paulo has more pizza places per capita than anywhere outside Italy!

Correct answer: Cerrado

Explanation: The Cerrado is Brazil's second-largest biome, covering about 21% of the country. It's a vast tropical savanna with incredible biodiversity.

Correct answer: Oscar Niemeyer

Explanation: Oscar Niemeyer designed most of Brasília's major government buildings in a distinctive modernist style. The city was inaugurated in 1960.

Correct answer: 80

Explanation: Brazil produces about 80% of the world's orange juice, mostly from São Paulo state. You've probably drunk Brazilian orange juice without knowing it!

Correct answers: Backwards underwear on New Year brings love, Sweeping someone's feet prevents marriage, Dropping a fork means a woman will visit

Explanation: All except the mirror one are real Brazilian superstitions. Wearing new underwear backwards on New Year's is believed to bring love in the coming year!

Correct answer: 4

Explanation: Brazil spans 4 time zones due to its massive size, though it used to have 3 before Fernando de Noronha's zone was added back.

Correct answer: 2002

Explanation: Ronaldo's triangular haircut in the 2002 World Cup was intentionally ugly to distract from his injury concerns. Brazil won and it became legendary!

Correct answer: mashed potatoes and corn

Explanation: Brazilian hot dogs are loaded with toppings including mashed potatoes, corn, peas, mayo, ketchup, mustard, tomato sauce, and more. They're eaten with a fork!

Correct answer: True

Explanation: Making a fist with your thumb between the index and middle fingers (a "fig") is one of Brazil's most vulgar gestures, equivalent to giving the middle finger.

Correct answer: True

Explanation: While not universal, it's common in Brazil for the birthday person to bring cake to work/school to share, rather than expecting to receive things.

Correct answer: Cry of Ipiranga

Explanation: Prince Pedro shouted "Independence or Death!" by the Ipiranga River, declaring Brazil independent from Portugal. It's celebrated on September 7th annually.

Correct answer: 21

Explanation: Brazil's military dictatorship lasted from 1964 to 1985. This period saw censorship, torture, and repression, but also economic growth called the "Brazilian Miracle."

Correct answer: 21

Explanation: Brazil's transition to democracy in 1985 ended 21 years of military dictatorship. The first civilian president was Tancredo Neves, who died before taking office.

Correct answer: the Catholic Church

Explanation: Brazil legalized divorce in 1977, very late due to Catholic Church opposition. Before this, Brazilians could only separate but not remarry legally.

Correct answer: impeached

Explanation: Collor was impeached for corruption in 1992 after massive protests. Millions wore black and protested with painted faces, called "Caras Pintadas."

Correct answer: 1822

Explanation: Brazil declared independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822, making it one of the few countries to gain independence peacefully.

Correct answer: 47

Explanation: The Rio Carnival officially begins 47 days before Easter Sunday, ending on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.

Correct answer: True

Explanation: Pomerode and other towns in Santa Catarina speak Riograndenser Hunsrückisch, a German dialect preserved since 19th-century immigration.

Correct answer: 27

Explanation: The Brazilian flag has 27 stars representing the 26 states plus the Federal District. The position of the stars in the flag represents the sky viewed from Rio de Janeiro in 15th November, 1889, the day when the republic is declared.

Correct answer: 1888

Explanation: Brazil abolished slavery on May 13, 1888, with the Lei Áurea (Golden Law), making it the last country in the Americas to end the practice.

Correct answer: True

Explanation: Praia do Rosa in Santa Catarina has "singing sand" that squeaks when you walk on it due to the unique shape and composition of the quartz grains.

Correct answer: finger

Explanation: In 2014, lightning struck Christ the Redeemer and broke off the tip of the statue's right middle finger. It's struck by lightning several times yearly.

Correct answer: 4

Explanation: In several Brazilian prisons, inmates can shave 4 days off their sentence for every book they read and write a report on, up to 48 days per year.

Correct answer: Don't Touch Me

Explanation: Não-Me-Toque is a real town in Rio Grande do Sul state. The name supposedly comes from a spiky local plant that says "don't touch me!"

Correct answers: Hippopotamuses, Wild boars, African bees

Explanation: African bees escaped in 1957 creating "killer bees," Pablo Escobar's hippos reached Brazil, and wild boars are invasive. Rabbits aren't a major issue there.

Correct answer: fourth

Explanation: Brazil has the fourth-largest road network globally at over 1.7 million kilometers, though only about 12% is paved.

Correct answers: "Eating bread that the devil kneaded", "Vai tomar banho" (go take a shower)

Explanation: "Vai tomar banho" means "get lost," and "eating bread the devil kneaded" means having a bad day. These are real Brazilian expressions!

Correct answer: a long time ago

Explanation: This gesture means "a long time ago" or "ages ago." Brazilians are very expressive with hand gestures that foreigners often misunderstand!

Correct answer: billboards

Explanation: Since 2007, São Paulo banned almost all outdoor advertising including billboards. The "Clean City Law" removed over 15,000 billboards!

Correct answer: 4,000

Explanation: Ilha da Queimada Grande (Snake Island) has about 4,000 golden lancehead vipers. It's so dangerous that the Brazilian navy prohibits visitors!

Correct answers: Headless mule with fire, Pink dolphin that seduces women

Explanation: The pink dolphin (boto) shapeshifts into a man to seduce women, and the headless mule is a cursed woman. Both are popular Brazilian legends!

Correct answer: 4

Explanation: Brasília was constructed in an incredible 41 months (about 3.5 years) under President Juscelino Kubitschek. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Correct answer: overthrown

Explanation: A military coup peacefully overthrew Emperor Pedro II in 1889. Interestingly, Pedro II was popular and accepted exile without resistance.

Correct answer: Maracanazo

Explanation: The "Maracanazo" saw Brazil lose 2-1 to Uruguay at home in front of 200,000 fans. It's considered Brazil's greatest national sporting tragedy.

Correct answer: Rio de Janeiro

Explanation: Rio de Janeiro became the colonial capital in 1763 because of the gold rush in Minas Gerais, making Rio strategically important for shipping wealth to Portugal.

Correct answer: German U-boats

Explanation: After German U-boats sank Brazilian merchant ships, Brazil declared war and sent 25,000 troops to fight in Italy alongside the Allies.

Correct answer: months

Explanation: About 15,000 Portuguese nobles and court members fled to Rio almost overnight, overwhelming the city's infrastructure and forever changing Brazilian society.

Correct answer: abroad

Explanation: Princess Isabel signed the Golden Law on May 13, 1888, while Pedro II was in Europe for health reasons. She's known as "The Redeemer" for this act.

Correct answer: a coup

Explanation: Vargas led a coup in 1930 after losing the election. He ruled until 1945, returned democratically in 1951, and died by suicide in office in 1954.

Correct answer: hanged and quartered

Explanation: Joaquim José da Silva Xavier (Tiradentes) was hanged, drawn, and quartered for conspiracy. He's now a national hero with a holiday on April 21.

Correct answer: Order and Progress

Explanation: The words written on the globe of the Brazilian flag are "Ordem e Progresso", which means "Order and Progress" in Portuguese. The words are derived from Auguste Comte's phrase: "Love as a principle, order as the basis, progress as the goal."

Correct answer: 1,283

Explanation: Pelé scored 1,283 goals in 1,363 games during his career, though FIFA officially recognizes 1,281 goals. He's the only player to win three World Cups.

Correct answer: 60

Explanation: The average Brazilian eats about 60kg of rice and beans yearly. Rice and beans (arroz e feijão) is eaten almost daily by most Brazilians.

Correct answer: OSAMA BIN LADEN

Explanation: Brazil has strict naming laws. Names that might cause embarrassment are banned, including "Osama Bin Laden." Someone actually tried to register this name!

Correct answer: None

Explanation: Despite having many renowned authors, no Brazilian writer has yet won the Nobel Prize in Literature, though several have been considered.

Correct answer: 254

Explanation: Praia do Cassino in Rio Grande do Sul is the world's longest uninterrupted beach at 254 kilometers, stretching to the Uruguayan border.

Correct answer: 2014

Explanation: Capoeira was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014.

Correct answer: Dindim

Explanation: Dindim the penguin swims 5,000 miles annually from Argentina to visit João Pereira de Souza, who saved him. They've been reunited every year since 2011!

Correct answers: Armpit sniffer, Professional queue stander

Explanation: Professional queue standers hold places in line, and deodorant companies hire armpit sniffers to test products. Both are real jobs in Brazil!

Correct answer: recycled trash

Explanation: Curitiba's "Green Exchange" program lets people exchange recyclable trash for bus tickets and food, helping both the environment and the poor.

Correct answer: primate

Explanation: Brazil has over 130 primate species, more than any other country. It also leads in amphibians and ranks high in birds, plants, and mammals.

Correct answer: 24

Explanation: The Dutch controlled parts of northeastern Brazil from 1630-1654. Their expulsion ensured Portuguese dominance and Brazil's eventual Portuguese-speaking identity.

Correct answer: speaking foreign languages in public

Explanation: During the Estado Novo, Vargas banned speaking German, Italian, and Japanese in public to force assimilation of immigrant communities. Schools were raided!

Correct answer: Zumbi

Explanation: Zumbi dos Palmares led the largest quilombo (fugitive slave community) in Brazil. He's now a national hero and symbol of Afro-Brazilian resistance.

Correct answer: slavery

Explanation: The Tailors' Revolt (Conjuração Baiana) of 1798 was led by mulattoes and blacks demanding independence, a republic, and the end of slavery. Leaders were executed.

Correct answer: a goat

Explanation: In 2013, a man in São Paulo married a goat in a mock ceremony to protest against gay marriage bans, though it wasn't legally binding.

Correct answer: 90

Explanation: The small town of Bom Jesus do Sul in Paraná produces about 90% of the world's wooden toothpicks. That's billions of toothpicks annually!

Correct answer: 1808

Explanation: When Napoleon invaded Portugal in 1808, the Portuguese royal family fled to Rio, making it the only European capital outside Europe!

Correct answer: Confederate Americans

Explanation: After the US Civil War, around 20,000 Confederates fled to Brazil. Their descendants still celebrate Southern culture and hold an annual festival!

Correct answer: erections

Explanation: The Brazilian wandering spider's venom can cause priapism (painful erections) in men. Scientists are studying it for erectile dysfunction treatments!

Correct answer: 3

Explanation: The Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932 lasted 3 months. São Paulo lost but the event forced a new constitution. July 9 is still a state holiday!

Correct answer: Antarctic France

Explanation: France Antarctique was a French colony attempt from 1555-1567 in Rio. The Portuguese expelled them, but some French influence remained in the region.