Country Overview:

Brazil is the world's fifth-largest nation, and contains within it all the diversity one would expect: dazzling beaches, lavish forests, diverse and colorful communities. Brazil's cities offer a unique culture shaped not only by the religion, language, and European heritage of the Portuguese, but also by considerable African, Indigenous, non-Portuguese European, Arabic, and Asian influences.

Rio de Janeiro is among the most cosmopolitan centers in Brazil. The vast, modern metropolis perches between stunning beaches and graceful mountains. Magnificent views are everywhere, especially at sunrise.

Although Rio is also the headquarters to some of Brazil's largest national and multinational companies, the city is renowned for its festive atmosphere, especially the five days every year when Rio comes to a virtual standstill for Carnival. Then parties, dancing, dazzling arrays of costumes and floats, and parades of quick-footed samba dancers fill the streets.

The Training Center in Rio offers the best of old and new: fully modern facilities in a historic downtown building. The completely renovated Center includes nine classrooms with audiovisual equipment, central air conditioning, phone and fax services, and access to e-mail and the Internet. Close to many bus stops, only two blocks from the subway, and within walking distance of dozens of local attractions, the Center is perfectly located.

Rio de Janeiro is quite warm most of the year. Spring (September to November) tends to be dry, with temperatures ranging from 25º to 35º Celsius (77º to 95º Fahrenheit). Summer (December through February) is hot, with temperatures reaching above 35º Celsius (95º Fahrenheit) during the day, with hot and humid evenings. Fall (March through May) is quite nice, with temperatures from 20º to 30º Celsius (68º to 86º Fahrenheit) and occasional rain. Winter is also pleasant, though relatively wet. Daytime temperatures range between 15º and 25º Celsius (59º and 77º Fahrenheit).