Brazil Heads Into the Spotlight

Everything's coming up roses-and sporting events-for Brazil as it prepares to host both the FIFA 2014 World Cup soccer tournament and the 2016 Summer Olympics. More than 500,000 soccer fans from all over the world are expected to descend on Brazil's 12 host cities during the 2014 World Cup, prompting infrastructure improvements across the nation such as airport upgrades, new stadiums, better connections to the national grid, and a 4G wireless network-plus increased security for potentially rowdy post-match crowds.

Then it's on to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, with 34 competition venues clustered in four city districts: Barra, Copacabana, Deodoro, and Maracanã. Athletes and attendees will travel between venues on a new high-performance transportation ring combining Light Rail and Bus Rapid Transit. And the city is abuzz over some of the futuristic-looking structures being built for the Olympic Training Center and other venues.