Recife and Olinda, Brazil

Geography:  Located in South America, Recife is the capital city of the State of Pernambuco and was built as a port city along tropical, white-sand beaches and surrounding coastal reef shoreline. Olinda one of the most beautiful towns in Brazil, located in the state of Pernambuco, a few miles north of Recife.

Currency:  Brazilian Real (Reais) BRL

National Symbol: Southern Cross constellation

National Anthem: "Hino Nacional Brasileiro"
Language: Portuguese

Distance from Pittsburgh: 7,106 km or 4,416 miles

Weather You Should Expect: Recife's climate is a tropical forest and therefore has warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year.  Trade winds blow in from the ocean, producing a light breeze.  

Average Temperature in January: Low of 77 and High of 88 

What You Must See: São Bento is a Benedict Monastery originally built at the end of the 16th century, burnt down by the Dutch, and rebuilt in the 17th century.  The beach of Porto de Galinhas has been awarded the title of best beach in Brazil. Music and dance shows are performed outside the Richardo Brennand Institute and Casa da Cultural center. 

Historical Fact: The city of Olinda received the recognition of the UNESCO in 1982, when its center was designated a World Heritage Site.  The historic downtown area, with its colored houses and churches, was declared a World Historical and Cultural Heritage Site of Humanity by UNESCO in 1982.

Science Trivia: A swarm of 47 shark attacks across a 12.5-mile stretch of the beach resulted in Recife outlawing surfing in 1995! 

Fun Fact: Canals, rivers, bridges, one-way streets and its resemblance to European cities have led Recife to be known as the ‘Venice of Brazil’. Its many islands and mangroves give it its unique identity.