Brazil occupies about 75% of the
South American Platform
representing the oldest part of the
South American Continent.
Therefore and different from the much younger Andean mountain chain, Brazil´s topography can be described as relatively modest
(see
relief map).
The plateaus and highlands of the ancient
Precambrian shields
(e.g.
Atlantic Shield)
represent 60% of the countries territory and the younger
Phanerozoic
sedimentary basins
(e.g.
Paraná Basin)
about 40%.
Apart from a small area close to the border with Venezuela, the highest elevations (up to 3.000 m)
can be found along Brazil´s
southeast coast.