Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Brazil): O país é bonito durante a manhã.

In Portuguese, definite articles (o, a, os, as) are used much more frequently than in English. O país literally means the country, and it specifies a particular country already known in the context. Using um país (a country) would sound more general, without referring to a specific country.

Why do we say durante a manhã instead of na manhã?

Both expressions are correct, but durante a manhã emphasizes throughout the morning time, implying something that happens over the course of the morning. Na manhã is also possible in Brazilian Portuguese but often used in more formal or specific contexts. De manhã is another common informal way to say in the morning.

What is the difference between é bonito and está bonito?

É bonito is the present tense form of ser, which describes a permanent or inherent characteristic: It is (naturally) beautiful. Está bonito uses the verb estar, suggesting a temporary or changeable state: It looks (currently) beautiful. In this sentence, using é bonito implies that the country has the permanent trait of being beautiful.

Can I place durante a manhã at the beginning of the sentence?

Yes, you can say Durante a manhã, o país é bonito. It will slightly shift the emphasis to the time period first, but it remains grammatically correct. The original placement also sounds natural, so either option is fine in everyday speech.