Brazil is the largest of the Latin American countries. Covering nearly half of the South American continent, it occupies an area of 8 511 965 km2. It is the fifth largest country in the world after the Russian Federation, Canada, China, and the United States. It is larger than Europe or the continental USA. Except for a small number of islands, Brazil consists of a single, unbroken land mass. The Atlantic Ocean extends along the entire eastern side of the country, giving it a coastline of 7,367 km, with marvelous beaches, each region having its own peculiarities and beauties. The main cities are: Brasília, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Recife and Porto Alegre. Brasília is the capital and where the congress and president are placed. São Paulo is the main city for business and Rio de Janeiro and Foz do Iguaçu (where the huge waterfalls are placed) are the most famous tourist destinations.