World on my postcards

 Brazilian families are often large; having five or six siblings is not unusual. Nearly one-third of the population is under eighteen!

Following the creation of the Brazilian republic in 1889, which separated church and state, fear began to grow amongst Catholics that the nation was headed toward a precipice. After World War I, followers felt they needed a symbol to counteract what they saw as increasing "godlessness" throughout the country. In 1920, they selected engineer Heitor da Silva Costa’s design of a statue of Christ to be situated atop Mount Corcovado overlooking the city.

 Escadaria Selarón, also known as the 'Selaron Steps', is a set of world-famous steps in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They are the work of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón who claimed it as "my tribute to the Brazilian people".

Brazil is one of today’s most fashionable holiday choices and Praia do Forte one of the country’s most attractive destinations. White sandy beaches bathed by crystalline waters and lined by coconut trees, a whole host of water sports, luxury hotels, its exotic culture, the history of Portugal’s colonisation of America…Praia do Forte is all this and much, much more. But if there’s one particular thing that Praia do Forte is famous for, then it has to be its nature reserves that overflow with a wealth of flora and fauna – including the sea turtles. Visitors to Praia do Forte should take the time to visit the national headquarters of the project for the protection of sea turtles in Brazil – Tamar Project – to gain an insight into an initiative that plays a vital role in the survival of various species of sea turtles.