While Brazil easily absorbs different peoples into its national melting pot, at the same time, historical and geographical specificities have led to the creation of some very distinctive regional cultures. Indeed, despite the shared language, national references, and a strong national identity as “Brazilians,” it’s not uncommon for a Paulistano or Catarinense visiting Bahia or Maranhão, for example, to suffer from some degree of “culture shock” when confronted with differences in lifestyle, mentality, language, and cuisine. The reverse is equally true.

While some of these regional stereotypes are somewhat clichéed—and Brazilians themselves have great fun in conflating and exaggerating them for their own mirth—as with any stereotype there often exists an underlying kernel of truth. As such, you will find that Bahians live up to their fame for being ultra laid-back, Paulistanos really are efficient workaholics, Cariocas have hedonism down to an art form, Mineiros are taciturn and reserved, Gaúchos exhibit a fierce pride, and inhabitants of the northeastern Sertão possess a tough and rough-edged temperament that reflects their surroundings.