Portuguese is the official language and whilst accents vary from region to region, all Brazilians are able to communicate with each other using the same language.A knowledge of some Spanish is also useful for visitors as this is effectively the second language and has many common links with Portuguese. Whilst English is not widely spoken or understood, it is becoming noticeably more common in several of the key tourist areas,such as Natal, and certainly it is possible to order a meal or a drink in English in some of the larger and better known bars and restaurants. One of the very endearing qualities of the local people is that they will make every effort to communicate with foreign visitors and whilst language can sometimes be a barrier generally speaking, and with some patience, it is a very easy and enjoyable experience moving around both the urban and rural areas of the country.

Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world although there is wide diversity in how the faith is practised due to the range of different influences and cults that have been introduced into the country by various nationalities, particularly those from Africa. As in many other countries around the world the practice of religion is changing and while Catholicism remains an important influence, other forms of religion such as Evangelical Christianity, Afro-Brazilian cults and spiritual sects are becoming more common place.

The Brazilian people are extremely friendly and hospitable. They love to party, adore a wide range of different music, have a great sense of humour and of course love football and beach volley ball. This strong sense of "joie de vivre" is very apparent across all sectors of society, inspite of the wide diversity in income levels and styles of living, and ensures a high level of ambience and a welcoming attitude towards foreign visitors.

However, and in spite of the low stress environment, not all is rosy and like all countries there are inevitably problems as well. Crime can be an issue depending on where you are and what you happen to be doing. Generally speaking the more serious crime areas in Brazil are around the sprawling, metropolitan cities of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Salvador and certainly these cities receive the majority of the adverse publicity. However so long as visitors take the usual precautions and avoid any obvious signs of opulence they can generally move around without any problem or fear. Unfortunately tourists have become an inevitable target in many cities around the world and Brazilian cities are no different in this respect.

Natal, by contrast, is still considered safe and, in 2005, was voted the safest city in Brazil. The incidence of crime is still low although petty crime in the main tourist areas is reportedly on the increase. Whilst visitors should be vigilant and alert, there is no doubt that they can have an excellent time without worrying unduly. Outside of the main towns and cities, the local rural populations are warm and welcoming and it is highly unlikely that visitors will experience any crime/security problems in the more coastal/rural areas but the usual precautions should still be taken

Natal is the capital and principal city of Rio Grande do Norte and is rapidly developing into the beach capital of the North-East. The city has experienced extensive expansion and property development over the last five years, and coupled with the introduction of regular charter flights from several European cities, the number of both local and overseas visitors to the city/state has increased significantly. However, whilst the Rio Grande do Norte State Government is both supportive and keen for this expansion to occur, it is also eager for development to occur in an orderly and well-planned way in order to retain its style and charm. One key aspect of this policy is that, in future, there will be height restrictions imposed on all new beachfront developments, so that no building can exceed three floors, and there will be restrictions on the percentage of land that can be developed in each project - welcome developments for both the Brazilian real estate investor, holiday home maker and the environment. It is highly likely that the majority of new property developments will therefore occur outside of Natal/Ponta Negra, as these are now considered to be mature areas, although there is little doubt that Ponta Negra will continue to enjoy future growth albeit at a more controlled pace.

Aside from the tourism and property investment potential of this state, it is also a wonderfully attractive region in which to live and holiday. The sun shines just about every day of the year, rarely if ever do you need to wear anything more than a T-shirt and pair of shorts, recent NASA reports show that the area has the least pollution and highest quality air in the entire Americas (probably on this basis, the World!!) and as mentioned before is one of the safest areas in Brazil, and very reassuringly in this day and age given the depressing threat in Europe, is entirely free of terrorism. Link all these aspects with the friendly and welcoming local people and it is not difficult to appreciate why so many European and American investors are looking at Rio Grande do Norte as an excellent place in which to invest and live.

The principal resort areas of Ponta Negra and Pipa are awash with many good bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to suit all ages and tastes. There is also a huge variety of weekend entertainment both in and around the main centres ranging from live music, gigs and festas and there is something for everyone both by day and by night. The cost of living in Brazil is naturally an attraction for many tourists and foreign residents and it is still relatively inexpensive. A decent meal out will cost no more than EUR14/GBP10/USD20 per head, and although imported wines are freely available these can push the cost of a standard meal up quite considerably. For those on a tighter budget it is possible to eat a very tasty meal at a more local restaurant with 2-3 bottles of beer for as little as EUR5/GBP3/USD6 per head and often still receive some change!!

Many local tour operators offer a wide range of trips and activities, ranging from the popular buggy trips across the dunes, scuba diving, surfing, kite surfing, trips to local Artesan centres, city trips, traditional shows etc all with a distinct Brazilian flavour. There are also many different local foods and drinks to taste and savour, which the locals are delighted to tempt you with.