Brazil is an enthralling country, of vast dimensions, with breathtaking landscapes and a richly diverse culture. However, it can be quite common to encounter misconceptions about the nation.
Brazilians are proud to say that they live in a blessed country. That’s due in fact — Brazil owns the largest oxygen reserve in the world, has one of the most ideal climates for agriculture, and is also located in the middle of a tectonic plate, protecting it from natural disasters such as earthquakes. The country is also very culturally diverse, with vast dimensions and a rich heritage.
All of this is true. However, there are several stereotypes when it comes to the way the world perceives Brazil. Let's demystify the most common misconceptions about the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest nation in the world.
Photo by Fernando Frazão for Agência Brasil
03 You’ll get mugged a lot
While the Brazilian crime rate is high in some areas, it can be safe to visit if you take the
necessary precautions. To reduce the likelihood of getting mugged in any big city (not only in Brazil), it’s advisable to be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking with your phone in your hand, keep away from isolated areas, prefer strolls in groups, and don’t display expensive items, such as jewellery, in public.
Relying on a local production company to support you during your stay is also an effective way to avoid unsafe situations.
04
Brazilians speak Spanish
Brazil’s official language is Portuguese, not Spanish, although there are some regions where Spanish is largely spoken. That happens in states bordering Spanish-speaking countries, such as Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. It’s also important to keep in mind that only 1 per cent of the population speaks fluent English, with 5 per cent at an intermediate level, according to a study released in 2022 by the British Council. Sometimes finding an English-speaking camera crew in Brazil can be a challenge.
05
Brazil is only famous for football
There’s a record number of football clubs in Brazil. In 2022, there were 1,153 registered clubs, of which 795 were professional and 358 were amateur. While football is a national passion, the country is also home to several gold medalist athletes in
other sports, as well as being home to influential artists, writers, musicians and philosophers.
Photo by Bianca Monteiro for Unsplash
While some of them may be more outgoing or flirtatious than others, it’s unfair and disrespectful to generalise or stereotype an entire group of people based on a few experiences or anecdotes. Additionally, Brazilian culture places a strong emphasis on family and community, despite the country's
festive atmosphere.
08
Brazil is a poor country
Although Brazil faces economic and political challenges, it has made significant progress in reducing poverty and inequality over the past two decades. Brazil is considered a developing nation, but in fact it's a major economic power, among the world’s 10 largest economies, with a diverse and growing economy that includes agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services.
These are just a few of the stereotypes and misconceptions about Brazil. It’s important to recognize them as such to gain a more accurate understanding of the country and its people. There is much more to discover and appreciate about this fascinating territory — understanding the local culture can help you to avoid barriers when you come to film in Brazil.
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