Brazil Brazil is the largest country in South America, the fifth largest in the world and sixth largest in terms of population. Brazil’s northern and southeastern Atlantic coastlines are 7,400 kilometres long. Inland, it shares borders with almost every other Southern American state. It is thus no surprise that for the gauchos of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay life without the South American national beverage – mate tea – is almost unimaginable. Brazil’s highest mountain is Pico da Neblina, at 3,014 metres, the longest river is the Amazon, at 6,570 kilometres. Brazil is divided into two main regions, the great Amazon basin in the north with the world’s greatest river system, and the densely populated highland areas of the south and east. The climate is usually warm, humid, and tropical, with distinct rainy seasons, which sap the energy of the local people. In order to tank up on energy, South Americans resort to the old, traditional ways of the Indians and take part in mate ceremonies. Mate tea cannot be drunk in a hurry. Sipping it ushers in a feeling of peace and tranquillity. Its many benefits for the body have established this tea-like drink as an integral part of daily life in Germany, too.