Brazil 3383 225828776 2008-07-15T16:18:14Z SpuriousQ 288643 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/OrgasGirl|OrgasGirl]] ([[User talk:OrgasGirl|talk]]) to last version by ClaudioMB {{sprotect|small=yes}} {{otheruses1|the country}} {{Infobox Country |native_name = ''República Federativa do Brasil'' |conventional_long_name = Federative Republic of Brazil |common_name = Brazil |image_flag = Flag of Brazil.svg |image_coat = Coat of arms of Brazil.svg |symbol_type = Coat of arms |national_motto = ''"Ordem e Progresso"''</br><small>{{pt icon}}</br>"Order and Progress"</small> |national_anthem = [[Hino Nacional Brasileiro]]</br><small>{{pt icon}}</br>"National Anthem of Brazil"</small> |other_symbol_type = [[Seal|National seal]] |other_symbol = [[National Seal of Brazil|Selo Nacional do Brasil]] [[Image:National Seal of Brazil (color).svg|15px]]</br><small>{{pt icon}}</br>"National Seal of Brazil"</small> |image_map = Location Brazil.svg |capital = [[Brasília]] |latd=15 |latm=45 |latNS=S |longd=47 |longm=57 |longEW=W |largest_city = [[São Paulo]] |official_languages = [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] |demonym = Brazilian |government_type = [[Presidential system|Presidential]] [[Federal republic|Federal&nbsp;republic]] |leader_title1 = [[President of Brazil|President]] |leader_name1 = [[Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva]] |leader_title2 = [[Vice-President of Brazil|Vice-President]] |leader_name2 = [[José Alencar Gomes da Silva|José Alencar]] |leader_title3 = [[Chamber of Deputies of Brazil|President of the Chamber of Deputies]] |leader_name3 = [[Arlindo Chinaglia]] |leader_title4 = [[President of the Senate of Brazil|President of the Senate]] |leader_name4 = [[Garibaldi Alves Filho]] |leader_title5 = [[Supreme Federal Court (Brazil)#Chief Justice|Chief Justice]] |leader_name5 = [[Gilmar Mendes]] |sovereignty_type = [[Independence of Brazil|Independence]] |sovereignty_note = from [[Portugal]] |established_event1 = [[Empire of Brazil|Declared]] |established_date1 = [[September 7]], [[1822]] |established_event2 = [[Empire of Brazil|Recognized]] |established_date2 = [[August 29]], [[1825]] |established_event3 = [[History of Brazil (1889–1930)|Republic]] |established_date3 = [[November 15]], [[1889]] |area_rank = 5th |area_magnitude = 1 E12 |area_km2 = 8514877 |area_sq_mi = 3287597 |percent_water = 0.65 |area_label = Total |population_estimate = 186,757,608 |population_estimate_rank = 5th |population_estimate_year = 2008 |population_census = 183,987,291 |population_census_year = 2007 |population_density_km2 = 22 |population_density_sq_mi = 57 |population_density_rank = 182nd |GDP_PPP = [[USD]] 1,804 trillion |GDP_PPP_rank = 9th |GDP_PPP_year = 2007 |GDP_PPP_per_capita = [[USD]] 11,873 |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 65 |GDP_nominal = [[USD]] 1,313 trillion |GDP_nominal_rank = 10th |GDP_nominal_year = 2007 |GDP_nominal_per_capita = [[USD]] 6,842 |GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 61st |Gini = <span style="color: #0c0; font-size: larger;">▼</span> 50.5 <!-- http://economia.uol.com.br/ultnot/bbc/2008/06/23/ult2283u1279.jhtm --> |Gini_year = 2008 |Gini_category = <font color="#e0584e">high</font> |HDI = {{increase}} 0.800 |HDI_rank = 70th |HDI_year = 2005 |HDI_category = <font color="#009900">high</font> |currency = [[Brazilian real|Real]] (R$) |currency_code = BRL |time_zone = [[Time in Brazil|BRT]] {{ref|time1|N1}} |utc_offset = [[UTC-2|-2]] to [[UTC-4|-5]] |time_zone_DST = [[Time in Brazil|BRST]] {{ref|time2|N2}} |utc_offset_DST = [[UTC-2|-2]] to [[UTC-5|-5]] |cctld = [[.br]] |calling_code = 55 |footnotes = {{Collapsible list |state=uncollapsed |title='''Footnotes:''' |{{note|time1|N1}} Officially [[UTC-3]] (Brasília time). From [[June 24]], [[2008]], timezone change into [[UTC-2]] to [[UTC-4]].| {{note|time2|N2}} Officially [[UTC-2]] (Brasília time). From [[June 24]], [[2008]], DST will change into [[UTC-2]] to [[UTC-3]].}} }} '''Brazil''' ({{lang-pt|Brasil}}), officially the '''Federative Republic of Brazil''' ({{lang-pt|República Federativa do Brasil}}) {{Audio|Brazil.ogg|listen}}, is a country in [[South America]].<ref name="CIA Geo">{{cite web | title = Geography of Brazil | booktitle = The World Factbook | publisher = Central Intelligence Agency | date = 2008 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html#Geo | accessdate = 2008-06-03 }}</ref> It is the [[List of countries and outlying territories by total area|fifth largest]] country by geographical area, the [[List of countries by population|fifth most populous]] country, and the fourth most populous [[democracy]] in the world.<ref name="CIA Geo"/><ref name="CIA People">{{cite web | title = People of Brazil | booktitle = The World Factbook | publisher = Central Intelligence Agency | date = 2008 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html#People | accessdate = 2008-06-03 }}</ref> Bounded by the [[Atlantic Ocean]] on the east, Brazil has a coastline of over {{km to mi|7491|abbrev=yes|precision=0}}.<ref name="CIA Geo"/> It is bordered on the north by [[Venezuela]], [[Suriname]], [[Guyana]] and the overseas department of [[French Guiana]]; on the northwest by [[Colombia]]; on the west by [[Bolivia]] and [[Peru]]; on the southwest by [[Argentina]] and [[Paraguay]] and on the south by [[Uruguay]]. Numerous [[archipelago]]s are part of the Brazilian territory, such as [[Fernando de Noronha]], [[Rocas Atoll]], [[Saint Peter and Paul Rocks]], and [[Trindade and Martim Vaz]].<ref name="CIA Geo"/> Brazil was a colony of [[Portugal]] from the landing of [[Pedro Álvares Cabral]] in 1500 until its independence in 1822.<ref name="CIA Intro">{{cite web | title = Introduction of Brazil | booktitle = The World Factbook | publisher = Central Intelligence Agency | date = 2008 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html#Intro | accessdate = 2008-06-03 }}</ref> Initially independent as the [[Brazilian Empire]], the country has been a [[republic]] since 1889, even though its [[bicameral]] legislature (now called [[National Congress of Brazil|Congress]]) dates back to 1824, when the first constitution was ratified.<ref name="CIA Intro"/> Its current [[Constitution of Brazil|Constitution]] defines Brazil as a [[Federal Republic]].<ref name="Constituição">{{cite web | title = Brazilian Federal Constitution | publisher = Presidency of the Republic | date = 1988 | url = http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/Constituicao/Constituiçao.htm | language = Portuguese | accessdate = 2008-06-03 }} {{cite web | title = Brazilian Federal Constitution | publisher = v-brazil.com | date = 2007 | url = http://www.v-brazil.com/government/laws/titleI.html | quote = Unofficial translate | accessdate = 2008-06-03 }}</ref> The Federation is formed by the union of the [[Federal District of Brazil|Federal District]], the 26 [[States of Brazil|States]], and the 5,564 [[Municipality|Municipalities]].<ref name="Constituição"/><ref>{{cite web | title = Territorial units of the municipality level | publisher = Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics | date = 2008 | url = http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/territorio/tabunit.asp?n=6&t=2&z=t&o=4 | language = Portuguese | accessdate = 2008-06-03 }}</ref> Brazil is the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|world's tenth largest economy]] at market exchange rates and the [[List of countries by GDP (PPP)|ninth largest]] in [[Purchasing power parity|purchasing power]].<ref name="CIA Econ">{{cite web | title = Economy of Brazil | booktitle = The World Factbook | publisher = Central Intelligence Agency | date = 2008 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html#Econ | accessdate = 2008-06-03 }}</ref> Economic reforms have given the country new international projection.<ref>{{cite web | last = Penner | first = Andre | title = Booming Brazil could be world power soon | pages = 2 | publisher = The Associated Press | date = 2008-04-17 | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24185233/ | accessdate = 2008-06-03 }}</ref> It is a founding member of the [[United Nations]] and of the [[Union of South American Nations]]. A predominantly [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]], [[Languages of Brazil|Portuguese]]-speaking and [[multiethnic society]],<ref name="CIA People"/> Brazil is also home to a diversity of [[Fauna of Brazil|wildlife]], [[natural environment]]s, and extensive [[natural resource]]s in a variety of [[Protected areas of Brazil|protected habitats]].<ref name="CIA Geo"/> ==History== {{main|History of Brazil}} ===Origins=== {{main|Indigenous peoples in Brazil}} [[Image:Debret37.jpg|left|thumb|[[Indigenous peoples in Brazil|Brazilian natives]], by [[Jean-Baptiste Debret]].]] Within Brazil's current borders, most native [[tribe]]s who were living in the land by the year 1500 are thought to have descended from the first wave of migrants from North Asia ([[Siberia]]), who are believed to have crossed the [[Bering Land Bridge]] at the end of the last [[Ice Age]], around 9000&nbsp;BC. At the time of European discovery, the territory of modern Brazil had as many as 2,000&nbsp;nations and tribes, an estimated total population of nearly 3 million [[Amerindians]]. A somewhat dated linguistic survey found 188&nbsp;living [[Languages of Brazil|indigenous languages]] with 155,000&nbsp;total speakers. On [[18 January]] [[2007]], [[Fundação Nacional do Índio]] ([[English language|English]]: National Indian Foundation) reported that it had confirmed the presence of 67&nbsp;different uncontacted tribes in Brazil, up from 40 in 2005. With this addition, Brazil is now confirmed as having the largest number of [[uncontacted peoples]] in the world, even more than the island of [[New Guinea]]. When the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] arrived in 1500, the Amerindians were mostly semi-[[nomadic]] tribes, living mainly on the coast and along the banks of major rivers. Unlike [[Christopher Columbus]] who thought he had reached the [[East Indies]], the [[Portugal|Portuguese]], best known for [[Vasco da Gama]], had already reached [[India]] via the Indian Ocean route when they reached Brazil. Nevertheless, the word ''índios'' ("Indians") was by then established to designate the peoples of the [[New World]] and stuck being used today in the Portuguese language, while the people of India are called ''indianos'' in order to distinguish the two peoples. Initially, the Europeans saw the natives as [[noble savage]]s, and [[miscegenation]] of the population began right away. Tribal warfare, [[cannibalism]], and the pursuit of [[brazilwood]] for its treasured red dye convinced the Portuguese that they should "[[enculturation|civilize]]" the Amerindians.<ref>Megan Mylan, [http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/brazil501/indians_trade.html Indians of the Amazon], Jewel of the Amazon, FRONTLINE/World, [[Public Broadcasting Service]] (PBS), ([[24 January]] [[2006]])</ref> ===Colonization=== {{main|Colonial Brazil}} [[Image:Brazil-16-map.jpg|left|thumb|Map of Brazil issued by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] [[explorer]]s in 1519.]] Initially Portugal had little interest in Brazil, mainly because of high profits gained through commerce with [[Indochina]]. After 1530, the Portuguese Crown devised the [[Hereditary Captaincies]] system to effectively occupy its new colony, and later took direct control of the failed captaincies.<ref>Fundação Maria e Oscar Americano website, [http://www.fundacaooscaramericano.org.br/eng/Collection/Colonial_Brazil/colonial_brazil.html "Colonial Brazil"], retrieved [[12 June]] [[2007]].</ref><ref>CasaHistória website, [http://www.casahistoria.net/Brazil.htm#Colonial_Brazil "Colonial Brazil"], retrieved [[12 June]] [[2007]].</ref> Although temporary trading posts were established earlier to collect [[brazilwood]], used as a dye, with permanent settlement came the establishment of the sugar cane industry and its intensive labor. Several early settlements were founded across the coast, among them the colonial capital, [[Salvador, Brazil|Salvador]], established in 1549 at the [[Bay of All Saints]] in the north, and the city of [[Rio de Janeiro]] on March 1567, in the south. The Portuguese colonists adopted an economy based on the production of agricultural goods that were exported to Europe. Sugar became by far the most important Brazilian colonial product until the early 18th century.<ref>[http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0013-0117(1963)2%3A16%3A2%3C219%3AAT1%3E2.0.CO%3B2-Q JSTOR: Anglo-Portuguese Trade, 1700-1770]. [[JSTOR]]. Retrieved on [[August 16]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Janick, Jules. [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/history/lecture34/lec34.html Lecture 34]. Retrieved on [[August 16]], [[2007]]</ref> Even though Brazilian sugar was reputed as being of high quality, the industry faced a crisis during the 17th and 18th centuries when the Dutch and the French started producing sugar in the [[Antilles]], located much closer to Europe, causing sugar prices to fall. During the 18th century, private explorers who called themselves the [[Bandeirantes]] found gold and diamond deposits in the state of Minas Gerais. The exploration of these mines were mostly used to finance the Portuguese Royal Court's expenditure with both the preservation of its [[Global Empire]] and the support of its luxurious lifestyle at mainland. The way in which such deposits were exploited by the Portuguese Crown and the powerful local elites, however, burdened colonial Brazil with excessive taxes. Some popular movements supporting independence came about against the taxes established by the colonial government, such as the [[Tiradentes]] in 1789, but the secessionist movements were often dismissed by the authorities of the ruling colonial regime. Gold production declined towards the end of the 18th century, starting a period of relative stagnation of the Brazilian hinterland.<ref>Maxwell, Kenneth R. ''Conflicts and Conspiracies: Brazil and Portugal 1750-1808''. Cambridge University Press: 1973.</ref> Both [[Indigenous peoples in Brazil|Amerindian]] and [[Afro-Brazilian|African]] [[slave]]s' man power were largely used in Brazil's colonial economy.<ref>[http://www.labhstc.ufsc.br/pdf2007/16.16.pdf Slavery in Brazil] retrieved on [[August 19]], [[2007]].</ref> In contrast to the neighbouring Spanish possessions in South America, the Portuguese colony of Brazil kept its territorial, political and linguistic integrity due to the action of the Portuguese administrative effort. Although the colony was threatened by other nations across the era of Portuguese rule, in particular by [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and [[France|French]] powers, the authorities and the people ultimately managed to protect its borders from foreign attacks. Portugal even had to send bullion to Brazil, a spectacular reversal of the colonial trend, in order to protect the integrity of the colony.<ref>Kenneth R. Maxwell, [http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0003-1615(197410)31%3A2%3C221%3ACACBAP%3E2.0.CO%3B2-L Conflicts and Conspiracies: Brazil and Portugal 1750-1808 (p. 216)], [[JSTOR]]</ref> ===Empire=== {{main|Empire of Brazil}} [[Image:Fala do trono.jpg|right|thumb|[[Imperial Family of Brazil|Emperor]] [[Pedro II of Brazil|Dom Pedro II of Brazil]] in 1873.]] In 1808, the Portuguese court, fleeing from [[Napoleon]]’s troops who had invaded Portugal, established themselves in the city of [[Rio de Janeiro]], which thus became the seat of government of Portugal and the entire [[Portuguese Empire]], even though being located outside of Europe. Rio de Janeiro was the capital of the Portuguese empire from 1808 to 1815. After that, the [[United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves]] (1815-1825) was created with [[Lisbon]] as its capital. After João VI returned to Portugal in 1821, his heir-apparent [[Pedro I of Brazil|Pedro]] became regent of the Kingdom of Brazil, within the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves. Following a series of [[Brazilian Declaration of Independence|political incidents and disputes]], Brazil achieved its independence from Portugal on [[September 7]], [[1822]]. On [[October 12]], [[1822]], Dom Pedro became the first Emperor of Brazil, being crowned on [[December 1]], [[1822]]. Portugal would recognize Brazil as an independent country in 1825. In 1824, Pedro closed the Constituent Assembly, stating that the body was "endangering liberty". Pedro then produced a constitution modeled on that of Portugal (1822) and France (1814). It specified indirect elections and created the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government; however, it also added a fourth branch, the "moderating power", to be held by the Emperor. Pedro's government was considered economically and administratively inefficient. Political pressures eventually made the Emperor step down on [[April 7]], [[1831]]. He returned to Portugal leaving behind his five-year-old son [[Pedro II of Brazil|Pedro II]]. Until Pedro II reached maturity, Brazil was governed by regents from 1831 to 1840. The regency period was turbulent and marked by numerous local revolts including the [[Male Revolt]], the largest urban [[slave rebellion]] in the Americas, which took place in Bahia in 1835.<ref>Reis, João José. ''Slave Rebellion in Brazil - The Muslim Uprising of 1835 in Bahia''. Translated by Arthur Brakel. Johns Hopkins University Press.</ref> On [[July 23]], [[1840]], Pedro II was crowned Emperor. His government was marked by a substantial rise in coffee exports, the [[War of the Triple Alliance]], and the end of [[slave trade]] from Africa in 1865, although [[slavery]] in Brazilian territory would only be abolished in 1888. By the Eusébio de Queirós law,<ref>Leslie Bethell, [http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0022-1953(197122)2%3A1%3C198%3ATAOTBS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-5 The Abolition of the Brazilian Slave Trade: Britain, Brazil, and the Slave Trade Question, 1807-1969], [[JSTOR]]</ref>Brazil stopped [[Atlantic slave trade|trading slaves from Africa]] in 1850. Slavery was abandoned altogether in 1888, thus making Brazil the last country of the Americas to ban slavery.<ref>[http://forests.org/articles/reader.asp?linkid=9263 Brazil's Prized Exports Rely on Slaves and Scorched Land] Larry Rohter (2002) New York Times, March 25</ref><ref>Anstey, Roger: The Atlantic Slave Trade and British abolition, 1760-1810. London: Macmillan, 1975.</ref> When slavery was finally abolished, a large influx of European immigrants took place.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/latam/SLAVERY-ABOLITION.html |title=Slavery and Abolition |date= |quote=A Journal of Comparative Studies |accessdate=2007-07-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://http.gogobrazil.com/angloirishpress.html |title=Links between Brazil & Ireland |date=2004 |quote= Aspects of an Economic and Political Controversy between Great Britain and Brazil, 1865-1870. |accessdate=2007-07-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0022-216X(196911)1%3A2%3C115%3ATIOBAT%3E2.0.CO%3B2-S |title=JSTOR |date= |quote=The Independence of Brazil and the Abolition of the Brazilian Slave Trade: Anglo-Brazilian Relations, 1822-1826 |accessdate=2007-07-19}}</ref> By the 1870s, the Emperor's control of domestic politics had started to deteriorate in the face of crises with the Catholic Church, the Army and the slaveholders. The Republican movement slowly gained strength. The dominant classes no longer needed the empire to protect their interests and deeply resented the abolition of slavery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ciaonet.org/atlas/countries/br_data_loc.html#a4 |title=CIAO Atlas |date= |quote=The Empire, 1822-89 |accessdate=2007-06-23}}</ref>Indeed, imperial centralization ran counter to their desire for local autonomy. By 1889 Pedro II had stepped down and the Republican system had been adopted in Brazil. In the end, the empire really fell because of a [[coup d'etat]]. ===Republic=== {{main|History of Brazil (1889–1930)|History of Brazil (1930–1945)|History of Brazil (1945–1964)|History of Brazil (1964–1985)|History of Brazil (1985–present)}} [[Image:Chamber of Deputies of Brazil 2.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Chamber of Deputies of Brazil]] the lower house of the [[Congresso Nacional|National Congress]].]] Pedro II was deposed on [[November 15]], [[1889]] by a Republican military coup led by general [[Deodoro da Fonseca]],<ref>U.S. Library of Congress, Federal Research Division, Country Studies: Brazil, [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+br0022) "The Republican Era, 1889-1985"]. Library of Congress. Retrieved on [[August 16]], [[2007]].</ref> who became the country’s first ''de facto'' president through military ascension. The country’s name became the ''Republic of the United States of Brazil''. From 1889 to 1930, the dominant states of [[São Paulo (state)|São Paulo]] and [[Minas Gerais]] alternated control of the presidency.<ref name=casahist>{{cite web| url=http://www.casahistoria.net/Brazil.htm#Republic_1889-1964| title=CasaHistória "Republic 1889-1964"| accessdate=2007-06-12}}</ref><ref name=uscongress>U.S. Library of Congress, Federal Research Division, Country Studies: Brazil, [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+br0022) "The Era of Getúlio Vargas, 1930-54"]</ref> A [[military junta]] took control in 1930. [[Getúlio Vargas]] took office soon after, and would remain as dictatorial ruler until 1945. He was re-elected in 1951 and stayed in office until his suicide in 1954. After 1930, successive governments continued industrial and agricultural growth and the development of the vast interior of Brazil.<ref name=uscongress/><ref>Valença, Márcio M. [http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/geographyAndEnvironment/research/Researchpapers/rp58.pdf "Patron-Client Relations and Politics in Brazil: A Historical Overview"]. Retrieved [[16 June]] [[2007]]</ref> [[Juscelino Kubitschek]]'s office years (1956-1961) were marked by the political campaign motto of plunging ''"50 anos em 5"'' ([[English language|English]]: fifty years of development in five).<ref>{{cite web |title=Plano de Metas criado por JK foi um marco da economia brasileira |date=2006-02-17 |url=http://aol.universiabrasil.net/materia/materia.jsp?materia=10094 |author=Renato Marques |language=Portuguese |accessdate=2007-08-12 }}</ref> The [[military]] took office in Brazil in a [[1964 Brazilian coup d'état|coup d'état in 1964]], and remained in power until March 1985, when it fell from grace because of political struggles between the regime and the Brazilian elites. In 1967 the name of the country was changed to ''Federative Republic of Brazil''. Just as the Brazilian regime changes of 1889, 1930, and 1945 unleashed competing political forces and caused divisions within the military, so too did the 1964 regime change.<ref>CasaHistória website, [http://www.casahistoria.net/Brazil.htm#Military_Rule "Military Rule"], retrieved [[June 12]], [[2007]]</ref> Democracy was re-established in 1988 when the current Federal Constitution was enacted.<ref>{{cite web |title=Election Resources on the Internet: Federal Elections in Brazil |url=http://electionresources.org/br/index_en.html |date=2006-10-30 |author=Manuel Álvarez-Rivera |accessdate=2007-06-20}}</ref> [[Fernando Collor de Mello]] was the first president truly elected by popular vote after the military regime.<ref name=Gover>{{cite web |url=http://www.brasil.gov.br/ingles/about_brazil/history/xx_cent/ | publisher=Brazilian Government website |title=20th century (1990-1992 The Collor Government) |accessdate=2007-06-20}}</ref> Collor took office in March 1990. In September 1992, the National Congress voted for Collor's impeachment after a sequence of scandals were uncovered by the media.<ref name=Gover/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0022-1937(1993)35%3A1%3C1%3ATRAFOP%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0 |title=The Rise and Fall of President Collor and Its Impact on Brazilian Democracy | publisher=JSTOR | accessdate=2007-07-19}}</ref> The vice-president, [[Itamar Franco]], assumed the presidency. Assisted by the Minister of Finance at that time, [[Fernando Henrique Cardoso]], Itamar Franco's administration implemented the [[Plano Real]] economic package,<ref name=Gover/> which included a new currency temporarily pegged to the U.S. dollar, the [[Brazilian real|''real'']]. In the elections held on [[October 3]], [[1994]], Fernando Henrique Cardoso ran for president and won, being reelected in 1998. Brazil's current president is [[Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva]], elected in 2002 and reelected in 2006. ==Government and politics== {{main|Government of Brazil|Politics of Brazil}} [[Image:National Congress of Brazil.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Congresso Nacional|National Congress]] in [[Brasília]], the [[capital]] of Brazil.]] The Brazilian Federation is based on the union of three autonomous political entities: the States, the Municipalities and the Federal District.<ref name="Constituição"/> A fourth entity originated in the aforementioned association: the Union.<ref name="Constituição"/> There is no hierarchy among the political entities. The Federation is set on six fundamental principles:<ref name="Constituição"/> [[sovereignty]], [[citizenship]], [[dignity]] of the people, social value of [[labor]], freedom of [[Organization|enterprise]], and [[political pluralism]]. The classic tripartite branches of government ([[Executive (government)|executive]], [[Legislature|legislative]], and [[Judiciary|judicial]] under the [[checks and balances]] system), is formally established by the Constitution.<ref name="Constituição"/> The executive and legislative are organized independently in all four political entities, while the judiciary is organized only in the federal and state levels. All members of the executive and legislative branches are directly-elected.<ref name=embassy>{{cite web |url=http://www.brasembottawa.org/en/brazil_in_brief/political_institution.html |title=Embassy of Brazil - Ottawa |date= |quote=Political Institutions - The Executive |accessdate=2007-07-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.citymayors.com/government/brazil_government.html |title=City Mayors |date= |quote=Brazil federal, state and local government |accessdate=2007-07-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0024-7413(196424)1%3A2%3C29%3ABP%3E2.0.CO%3B2-W |title=JSTOR |date= |quote=Brazilian Politics |accessdate=2007-07-19}}</ref> Judges and other judicial officials are appointed after passing entry [[exams]].<ref name=embassy/> [[Voting]] is compulsory for those aged 18 or older.<ref name="Constituição"/> Four political parties stand out among several small ones: [[Workers' Party (Brazil)|Workers' Party]] (PT), [[Brazilian Social Democracy Party]] (PSDB), [[Brazilian Democratic Movement Party]] (PMDB), and [[Democrats (Brazil)|Democrats]] (formerly Liberal Front Party - PFL). Practically all governmental and administrative functions are exercised by [[authorities]] and [[agencies]] affiliated to the Executive. The [[form of government]] is that of a [[Democracy|democratic]] [[republic]], with a [[presidential system]].<ref name="Constituição"/> The president is both [[head of state]] and [[head of government]] of the Union and is [[elected]] for a four-year term,<ref name="Constituição"/> with the possibility of re-election for a second successive term. The current president is [[Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva]]. He was elected on [[October 27]], [[2002]],<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2367025.stm "Leftist Lula wins Brazil election"] BBC News. Accessed [[May 17]], [[2007]]</ref> and re-elected on [[October 29]], [[2006]].<ref> [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6095820.stm "Brazil re-elects President Lula"] BBC News. Accessed [[May 17]], [[2007]]</ref> The President appoints the [[Ministers of State]], who assist in governing.<ref name="Constituição"/> Legislative houses in each political entity are the main source of laws in Brazil. The [[National Congress of Brazil|National Congress]] is the Federation’s [[bicameral]] legislature, consisting of the [[Chamber of Deputies of Brazil|Chamber of Deputies]] and the [[Senate of Brazil|Federal Senate]]. Judiciary authorities exercise [[jurisdiction]]al duties almost exclusively. ===Law=== {{main|Law of Brazil|Crime in Brazil}} [[Image:Ellen Gracie e Guido Mantega.jpg|right|thumb|The finance minister, [[Guido Mantega]], and the former president of the [[Supreme Federal Court (Brazil)|Supreme Federal Court]], [[Ellen Gracie Northfleet]].]] Brazilian Law is based on [[Roman law|Roman]]-[[Germania|Germanic]] traditions.<ref>[http://www.oas.org/juridico/mla/en/bra/en_bra-int-des-ordrjur.html "The Brazilian Legal System"], Organization of American States. Accessed [[May 17]], [[2007]].</ref> Thus, [[Civil law (legal system)|civil law]] concepts prevail over common law practices. Most of Brazilian law is [[codified]], although non-codified statutes also represent a substantial part of the system, playing a complementary role. Court decisions set out interpretive guidelines; however, they are not binding on other specific cases except in a few situations. Doctrinal works and the works of academic jurists have strong influence in law creation and in law cases. The legal system is based on the Federal Constitution, which was promulgated on [[October 5]], [[1988]], and is the fundamental law of Brazil. All other legislation and court decisions must conform to its rules.<ref>Silva, José Afonso da; ''Curso de Direito Constitucional Positivo''; Malheiros, 2004, p. 46, ISBN 85-7420-559-1</ref> As of April 2007, it has been through 53 Amendments. States adopt their own Constitutions, but they must also not contradict the Federal Constitution.<ref>Silva, José Afonso da; ''Curso de Direito Constitucional Positivo''; Malheiros, 2004, p. 592, ISBN 85-7420-559-1</ref> Municipalities and the Federal District do not have their own Constitutions; instead, they adopt "organic laws" ({{lang|pt|''leis orgânicas''}}).<ref name="Constituição"/><ref>[http://www.brasil.gov.br/ingles/about_brazil/government_structure/loren/ "Government structure"] Brazilian Government. Accessed [[May 17]], [[2007]].</ref> Legislative entities are the main source of statutes, although in certain matters judiciary and executive bodies may enact legal norms.<ref name="Constituição"/> [[Jurisdiction]] is administered by the judiciary entities, although in rare situations the Federal Constitution allows the Federal Senate to pass on legal judgments.<ref name="Constituição"/> There are also specialized military, labor, and electoral courts.<ref name="Constituição"/> The highest court is the [[Supreme Federal Tribunal]]. This system has been criticised over the last decades due to the slow pace at which final decisions are issued. Lawsuits on appeal may take several years to resolve, and in some cases more than a decade to see definitive rulings.<ref>Glugoski, Miguel; Medauar, Odete. [http://www.usp.br/jorusp/arquivo/2003/jusp667/pag0304.htm "Nossos direitos nas suas mãos"], [[University of São Paulo|USP]] Journal, 24–30 November, 2003. Retrieved [[May 17]], [[2007]].</ref> ===Foreign relations and the military=== {{main|Foreign relations of Brazil|Brazilian Armed Forces}} [[Image:EB Haiti.jpg|right|thumb|[[Brazilian Army]] troops before boarding for [[MINUSTAH]] [[peacekeeping]] mission in [[Haiti]].]] Brazil is sought to be a political and economic leader in Latin America<ref>Lima, Maria Regina Soares; Hirst, Mônica. [http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-2346.2006.00513.x "Brazil as a regional power"] Blackwell Synergy Journal. Accessed [[June 22]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Bandeira, Luiz Alberto Moniz. [http://lap.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/33/3/12 "Brazil as a regional power"] Sage Journals Online. Accessed [[June 22]], [[2007]]. </ref>, even though this claim is partially contested by Argentina and Mexico, who oppose the country's aim of obtaining a permanent seat as the representative of the region in the [[UN Security Council]]. Social and economic problems prevent Brazil from effectively exerting global power.<ref>Zibechi, Raúl [http://www.fntg.org/fntg/docs/BrazilMultilateralism.pdf "Difficult Path"] Funder's Network on Trade and Globalization. Accessed [[June 22]], [[2007]].</ref> Between [[World War II]] and 1990, both democratic and [[military government|military]] governments sought to expand Brazil's influence in the world by pursuing a state-led industrial policy and an independent [[foreign policy]]. More recently, the country has aimed to strengthen ties with other [[South America]]n countries, engage in multilateral diplomacy through the [[United Nations]] and the [[Organization of American States]].<ref> Universia Knowledge at Wharton website, [http://www.wharton.universia.net/index.cfm?fa=viewfeature&id=1087&language=english "Can Brazil Play a Leadership Role in the Current Round of Global Trade Talks?"]. Wharton School, Pennsylvania. Accessed [[June 22]], [[2007]]. </ref> Brazil's current foreign policy is based on the country's position as a [[regional power]] in [[Latin America]], a leader among [[developing countries]], and an emerging [[world power]].<ref>Ribando, Clare[http://www.wilsoncenter.org/news/docs/RL33456.pdf US-Brazil relations]. [[Congressional Research Service]]. Retrieved on [[August 16]], [[2007]].</ref> Brazilian foreign policy has generally reflected [[multilateralism]], peaceful dispute settlement, and nonintervention in the affairs of other countries.<ref>Georges D. Landau, "The Decisionmaking Process in Foreign Policy: The Case of Brazil," Center for Strategic and International Studies: Washington DC: March 2003</ref> The Brazilian Constitution also determines the country shall seek the [[economic]], [[political]], [[social]] and [[cultural]] [[economic integration|integration]] of the nations of Latin America.<ref name="Constituição"/><ref>Zibechi, Raul. [http://www.fntg.org/fntg/docs/BrazilMultilateralism.pdf Brazil and the Difficult Path to Multilateralism]. IRC Americas. Retrieved on [[August 16]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>De Lima, Maria Regina Soares. Hirst, Monica. [http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-2346.2006.00513.x Brazil as an intermediate state and regional power: action, choice and responsibilities]. International Affairs 82 (1), 21–40. Retrieved on [[August 16]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Bandeira, Luiz Alberto Moniz.[http://lap.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/33/3/12 Brazil as a Regional Power and Its Relations with the United States] [[University of Brasília]]. Retrieved on [[August 16]], [[2007]].</ref> The [[Military of Brazil|Armed forces of Brazil]] comprise the [[Brazilian Army]], the [[Brazilian Navy]], and the [[Brazilian Air Force]].<ref name="Constituição"/> The [[Military Police (Brazil)|Military Police]] (States' Military Police) is described as an ancillary force of the Army by constitution, but under the control of each state's governor.<ref name="Constituição"/> The Brazilian armed forces are the largest in Latin America. The Brazilian Air Force is the aerial warfare branch of the Brazilian armed forces, being the largest air force in Latin America, with about 700 manned aircraft in service.<ref>[http://www.fab.mil.br/imprensa/html/efetivo.htm Sala de imprensa - FAB em números]. Força Aérea Brasileira. Retrieved on [[August 16]], [[2007]].</ref> The Brazilian Navy is responsible for naval operations and for guarding Brazilian territorial waters. It is the oldest of the Brazilian Armed forces and the only navy in [[Latin America]] that operates an aircraft carrier, the [[NAeL São Paulo|NAeL ''São Paulo'']] (formerly [[FS Foch|FS ''Foch'']] of the [[French Navy]]).<ref>[https://www.mar.mil.br/menu_v/ccsm/perguntas/perguntas_mais_frequentes.htm#44.44 FAQ]. Brazilian Navy Website. Retrieved on [[August 16]], [[2007]].</ref> Finally, the Brazilian Army is responsible for land-based military operations, with a strength of approximately 190,000 soldiers. ==Subdivisions== {{main|Subdivisions of Brazil}} {| float="left" class="infobox" |{{Brazil Labelled Map|float=left}} |} Politically, Brazil is a [[federation]] of 26&nbsp;[[States of Brazil|states]] ({{lang|pt|''estados''}}) and one [[Brazilian Federal District|federal district]] ({{lang|pt|''Distrito Federal''}}) which contains the [[capital city]], [[Brasília]].<ref name="Constituição"/> The states are subdivided into [[List of cities in Brazil|municipalities]]. States are based on historical, conventional borders and have developed throughout the centuries; though some boundaries are arbitrary. The federal district is not a state on its right, but shares some characteristics of a state and some of a [[municipality]]. The national territory was divided in 1969 by the [[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics]] (IBGE), for demographic and statistical purposes, into five main regions: [[North Region, Brazil|North]], [[Northeast Region, Brazil|Northeast]], [[Central-West Region, Brazil|Central-West]], [[Southeast Region, Brazil|Southeast]] and [[Southern Region, Brazil|South]]. In 1943, with the entrance of Brazil into the [[Second World War]], the [[Getulio Vargas|Vargas regime]] detached seven strategic territories from the border of the country in order to administrate them directly: Amapá, [[Roraima|Rio Branco]], [[Acre]], [[Rondônia|Guaporé]], [[Ponta Porã]], [[Iguaçu]] and the [[archipelago]] of [[Fernando de Noronha]]. After the war, the first three territories were retained as states, with Rio Branco and Guaporé being renamed [[Roraima]] and [[Rondônia]], respectively. Ponta Porã and Iguaçu resorted to territorial status. In 1988, Fernando de Noronha became part of [[Pernambuco]]. In 1960, the square-shaped ''Distrito Federal'' was carved out of [[Goiás]] in preparation for the new capital, [[Brasília]]. The previous federal district became the state of [[Guanabara]] until in 1975 it was merged with the state of [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]], becoming the [[Rio de Janeiro|municipality of Rio de Janeiro]]. In 1977, [[Mato Grosso]] was split into two states. The northern area retained the name Mato Grosso while the southern area became the state of [[Mato Grosso do Sul]], with [[Campo Grande]] as its capital. The new Mato Grosso do Sul incorporated the territory of Ponta Porã and the northern part of Iguaçu. Central Iguaçu went to [[Paraná (state)|Paraná]], and southern Iguaçu went to [[Santa Catarina (state)|Santa Catarina]]. In 1988, the northern portion of [[Goiás]] became the state of [[Tocantins]], with [[Palmas, Tocantins|Palmas]] as its capital. ===Regions=== {{main|Regions of Brazil}} [[Image:Regions of Brazil.svg|thumb|right|The five [[regions of Brazil]].]] The North region [[List of Brazilian states by area|covers 45.27% of the land area]] of Brazil, and has the [[List of Brazilian states by population|lowest number of inhabitants]]. With the exception of [[Manaus]], which hosts a tax-free industrial zone, and [[Belém]], the biggest metropolitan area of the region, it is fairly unindustrialized and undeveloped. It accommodates most of the rainforest vegetation of the world and many indigenous tribes. The Northeast region is inhabited by about 30% of Brazil's population.<ref>{{cite web |title=IBGE - Estatísticas da população |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/populacao/estimativa2006/POP_2006_DOU.pdf |date=2006-07-01 |language=Portuguese |accessdate=2007-06-19 }}</ref> It is culturally diverse, with roots set in the Portuguese colonial period, and in Amerindian and Afro-Brazilian elements. It is also the poorest region of Brazil,<ref name=statesgdppc>{{cite web|title=In 2004, North and Northeast gain participation in the GDP of the country|url=http://www1.ibge.gov.br/english/presidencia/noticias/noticia_impressao.php?id_noticia=734|date=2006-11-16|author=IBGE|accessdate=2007-08-22}} See also, [[List of Brazilian states by GDP per capita]]</ref> and suffers from long periods of dry climate.<ref>{{PDFlink|[http://gemini.dpi.inpe.br/col/cptec.inpe.br/adm_conf/2005/07.12.16.33/doc/1191-1196.pdf Dry Periods over Eastern Brazil]|464&nbsp;KB}} [[INPE]]. Retrieved [[August 16]], [[2007]]</ref> The Central-West region has low demographic density when compared to the other regions,<ref name=popden>See [[List of Brazilian states by population density]]</ref> mostly because a part of its territory is covered by the world's largest marshlands area, the [[Pantanal]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mre.gov.br/cdbrasil/itamaraty/web/ingles/divpol/centro/regiao/apresent/index.htm |title=Brazilian Ministry of External Relations |date= |quote=Centre-West Region |accessdate=2007-06-20}}</ref> as well as a small part of the [[Amazon Rainforest]] in the northwest. However, much of the region is also covered by [[Cerrado]], the largest [[savanna]] in the world. The central-west region contributes significantly towards agriculture.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cerrado |url=http://www.mre.gov.br/cdbrasil/itamaraty/web/port/meioamb/ecossist/cerrado/apresent.htm |author=Vânia R. Pivello |accessdate=2007-06-22 |language=Portuguese }}</ref> The Southeast region is the richest and most densely populated.<ref name=popden/> It has more inhabitants than any other South American country, and hosts one of the largest [[megalopolis (term)|megalopolises]] of the world, and has the country's two largest cities; [[São Paulo]] and [[Rio de Janeiro]]. The region is very diverse, including the major business center of São Paulo, the historical cities of Minas Gerais and its capital [[Belo Horizonte]], the third-largest metropolitan area in Brazil, the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, and the coast of Espírito Santo. The South region is the wealthiest by GDP per capita,<ref name=statesgdppc/> and has the highest [[standard of living]] in the country.<ref>See [[List of Brazilian states by HDI]]</ref> It is also the coldest region of Brazil,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mre.gov.br/cdbrasil/itamaraty/web/ingles/divpol/apresent/apresent/index.htm |title=Brazilian Ministry of External Relations |date= |quote=Brazil and Its Regions |accessdate=2007-06-20}}</ref> with occasional occurrences of frost and snow in some of the higher altitude areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mre.gov.br/cdbrasil/itamaraty/web/ingles/divpol/sul/regiao/apresent/index.htm |title=Brazilian Ministry of External Relations |date= |quote=South Region |accessdate=2007-06-20}}</ref> It has been settled mainly by European immigrants, mostly of [[italy|Italian]], [[Germany|German]] and Portuguese ancestry, being clearly influenced by these cultures. ===States=== {{main|States of Brazil}} [[Image:States of Brazil.svg|thumb|right|The twenty-six [[states of Brazil|states]] and the [[Brazilian Federal District|Federal District]] of Brazil.]] The Equatorial line cuts through the state of [[Amapá]] in the north, and the Tropic of Capricorn line cuts through the state of São Paulo. The southernmost state of [[Rio Grande do Sul]] is further to the south than the entire [[Europe|European continent]] is to the north.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.v-brazil.com/information/geography/Brazilian-states.html |publisher=Brazil Travel |title=States of Brazil |accessdate=2008-03-10}}</ref> [[Acre]] is in the far west side of the country, covered by the Amazon forest; [[Paraíba]] is the easternmost state of Brazil; Cabo Branco, in the city of João Pessoa, is the easternmost point of Brazil and the [[Americas]]. The states of [[Paraná (state)|Paraná]], [[Rio Grande do Sul]], and [[Santa Catarina (state)|Santa Catarina]] all have a [[temperate climate]]. [[São Paulo (state)|São Paulo]] is the economic center of Brazil. Agriculture, industry, commerce, and services are the most diversified of Brazil. Although a large proportion is exported to other states and other countries, the consumer market of the state is also the biggest in the country. Different from other states, where settlement started in the coast and moved inwards, in São Paulo the center of the economy was in a non-coastal city. [[Rio de Janeiro]], the most well known Brazilian city and with many famous landmarks, is the capital of the [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|state of Rio de Janeiro]]. Older books may still reference the [[state of Guanabara]]: after the Federal District (capital of the Republic) was moved to Brasília in 1960, the city of Rio de Janeiro was elevated to the condition of state of Guanabara (name of the large bay which washes the city or Rio); however, in 1975, Guanabara was incorporated to the state of Rio and returned to the condition of municipality, with the old name of city of Rio de Janeiro. ==Geography== {{main|Geography of Brazil}} [[Image:River in the Amazon rainforest.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Amazon Rainforest]] comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of [[tropical rainforest]] in the world.]] Brazil occupies an immense area along the eastern coast of [[South America]] and includes much of the continent's interior region,<ref name="Encarta 6">{{cite encyclopedia | title = Land and Resources | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342/Brazil.html#s1 | accessdate = 2008-06-11 }}</ref> sharing land borders with [[Uruguay]] to the south; [[Argentina]] and [[Paraguay]] to the southwest; [[Bolivia]] and [[Peru]] to the west; [[Colombia]] to the northwest; [[Venezuela]], [[Suriname]], [[Guyana]] and the overseas department of [[French Guiana]] to the north; stretching from the [[Northern Hemisphere|North]] to the [[Southern Hemisphere]].<ref name="CIA Geo"/> The factors of size, relief, climate, and natural resources make Brazil geographically diverse.<ref name="Encarta 6"/> Brazil is the [[List of countries and outlying territories by total area|fifth largest]] country in the world&mdash;after [[Russia]], [[Canada]], the [[People's Republic of China]] and the [[United States]]&mdash;and third largest on the Americas; with a total area of {{km to mi|8511965|abbrev=yes|precision=0}}, include {{km to mi|55455|abbrev=yes|precision=0}} of water.<ref name="CIA Geo"/> It spans three [[time zone]]s; from [[UTC-4]], in the [[North Region, Brazil|North]] (except [[Pará]]) and [[UTC-4]], in the central states;<ref>{{cite web | title = Law No. 11.662/2008| publisher = Brazilian Government website | url = http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_Ato2007-2010/2008/Lei/L11662.htm | accessdate = 2008-06-25 }}</ref> to [[UTC-3]], in the eastern states, the official time of Brazil, and [[UTC-2]], in the [[List of islands of Brazil|Atlantic islands]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Brazil Time Zones | publisher = Greenwich Mean Time | url = http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/time-zone/america/brazil/time.htm | accessdate = 2008-06-11 }}</ref> Brazilian topography is also diverse, including [[hill]]s, [[mountain]]s, [[plain]]s, [[Highland (geography)|highland]]s, and [[scrubland]]s. Much of Brazil lies between {{convert|200|m}} and {{convert|800|m}} in elevation.<ref name="Encarta 7">{{cite encyclopedia | title = Natural Regions | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342/Brazil.html#s1 | accessdate = 2008-06-11 }}</ref> The main upland area occupies most of the southern half of the country.<ref name="Encarta 7"/> The northwestern parts of the plateau consist of broad, rolling terrain broken by low, rounded hills.<ref name="Encarta 7"/> The southeastern section is more rugged, with a complex mass of ridges and mountain ranges reaching elevations of up to {{convert|1200|m}}.<ref name="Encarta 7"/> These ranges include the [[Mantiqueira Mountains]], the [[Espinhaço Mountains]], and the [[Serra do Mar]].<ref name="Encarta 7"/> In north, the [[Guiana Highlands]] form a major drainage divide, separating rivers that flow south into the [[Amazon Basin]] from rivers that empty into the [[Orinoco river]] system, in Venezuela, to the north. The highest point in Brazil is the [[Pico da Neblina]] with {{convert|3014|m}}, and the lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean with {{convert|0|m}}.<ref name="CIA Geo"/> Brazil has a dense and complex [[Drainage system|system of rivers]], one of the world's most extensive, with eight major drainage basins, all of which drain into the Atlantic Ocean.<ref name="Encarta 8">{{cite encyclopedia | title = Rivers and Lakes | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-11 }}</ref> Major rivers include the [[Amazon River|Amazon]], the largest river in terms of volume of water, and the second-longest in the world; the [[Paraná River|Paraná]] and its major tributary, the [[Iguaçu]] River, where the [[Iguaçu Falls]] are located; the [[Rio Negro (Amazon)|Negro]], [[São Francisco River|São Francisco]], [[Xingu River|Xingu]], [[Madeira river|Madeira]] and the [[Tapajós]] rivers.<ref name="Encarta 8"/> ===Climate=== {{main|Climate of Brazil}} [[Image:Cyclone Catarina from the ISS on March 26 2004.JPG|right|thumb|[[Cyclone Catarina]], the first tropical cyclone in the [[South Atlantic Ocean]], formed in 2004.]] The climate of Brazil comprises a wide range of weather conditions across a large geographic scale and varied topography, but the largest part of the country is tropical and covered by the [[Amazon Rainforest]].<ref name="CIA Geo"/> Analysed according to the [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen system]], Brazil hosts five major climatic subtypes: equatorial, tropical, semiarid, highland tropical, and temperate; ranging from [[equatorial]] [[rainforest]]s in the north and [[semiarid]] [[desert]]s in the northeast, to [[temperate]] [[coniferous forest]]s in the south and [[tropical]] [[savanna]]s in central Brazil.<ref name="BBC Weather">{{cite web | title = Brazil | work = Country Guide | publisher = BBC Weather | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/country_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT005220 | accessdate = 2008-06-11 }}</ref> Many regions have starkly different [[microclimate]]s.<ref name="Encarta 9">{{cite encyclopedia | title = Natural Regions | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_2/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-11 }}</ref><ref name="BT">{{cite web | title = Temperature in Brazil | publisher = Brazil Travel | url = http://www.v-brazil.com/information/geography/temperature-graphs.html | accessdate = 2008-06-11 }}</ref> A [[equatorial climate]] characterizes much of northern Brazil. There is no real [[dry season]] but there are some variations in the period of the year when most rain falls.<ref name="BBC Weather"/> Temperatures average {{convert|25|°C}},<ref name="BT"/> with more significant temperature variations between night and day than between seasons.<ref name="Encarta 9"/> Over central Brazil rainfall is more seasonal, characteristic of a savanna climate.<ref name="Encarta 9"/> This region is as large and extensive as the [[Amazon basin]] but, lying farther south and being at a moderate altitude, it has a very different climate.<ref name="BBC Weather"/> In the interior Northeast, seasonal rainfall is even more extreme. The [[semiarid climate]] region receives less than {{convert|800|mm}} of rain, which falls in a period of two or three months.<ref name="Encarta 9"/> From the south of Bahía, near São Paulo, the distribution of rainfall changes, here some appreciable rainfall occurs in all months.<ref name="BBC Weather"/> The South has [[temperate zone|temperate conditions]], with average temperatures below {{convert|18|°C}} and cool winters,<ref name="BT"/> [[frost]]s are quite common, with occasional [[snowfall]]s in the higher areas.<ref name="BBC Weather"/><ref name="Encarta 9"/> ===Wildlife=== {{main|Wildlife of Brazil}} [[Image:Ara ararauna -Blue-and-gold Macaw -head and neck.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Blue-and-yellow Macaw|Macaw]] is a typical animal of Brazil. The country has one of the world's most diverse [[List of birds of Brazil|populations of birds]] and [[List of amphibians in Brazil|amphibians]].]] Brazil's large territory comprises different [[ecosystem]]s, such as the [[Amazon Rainforest]], recognized as having the greatest biological diversity in the world;<ref name="WWF">{{cite web | title = One fifth of the world's freshwater | work = Amazon | publisher = World Wide Fund for Nature | date = 2007-08-06 | url = http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/freshwater/about_freshwater/rivers/amazon/index.cfm | accessdate = 2008-06-12 }}</ref> the [[Atlantic Forest]] and the [[Cerrado]], which together sustain some of the world's greatest [[biodiversity]].<ref name="Encarta 10">{{cite encyclopedia | title = Plant and Animal Life | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_2/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-12 }}</ref> In the South, the [[Araucaria]] [[Coniferous forest|pine forest]] grows under temperate conditions.<ref name="Encarta 10"/> The rich wildlife of Brazil reflects the variety of natural habitats; however, remains largely unknown, and new species are found on nearly a daily basis.<ref>{{cite web | title = Forests as Habitats | work = Importance of Forests | publisher = World Wide Fund for Nature | date = 2006-01-16 | url = http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/forests/about_forests/importance/habitats/index.cfm | accessdate = 2008-06-12 }}</ref> Scientists estimate that the total number of [[Flora of Brazil|plant]] and [[Fauna of Brazil|animal species]] in Brazil could approach two million.<ref name="Encarta 10"/> Larger mammals include [[puma]]s, [[jaguar]]s, [[ocelot]]s, rare [[bush dog]]s, and [[fox]]es. [[Peccary|Peccaries]], [[tapir]]s, [[anteater]]s, [[sloth]]s, [[opossum]]s, and [[armadillo]]s are abundant. [[Deer]] are plentiful in the south, and [[monkey]]s of many species abound in the northern rain forests.<ref name="Encarta 10"/><ref>{{cite web | title = Atlantic Forest, Brazil | work = Map: Biodiversity hotspots | publisher = BBC News | date = 2004-10-01 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3707888.stm#brazil | accessdate = 2008-06-12 }}</ref> Concern for the environment in Brazil has grown in response to global interest in [[List of environmental issues|environmental issue]]s.<ref name="Encarta 11">{{cite encyclopedia | title = Environmental Issues | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_2/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-12 }}</ref> It's natural heritage is extremely threatened due to cattle ranching and [[agriculture]], [[logging]], [[mining]], [[resettlement]], [[Extraction of petroleum|oil]] and [[Natural gas|gas extraction]], over-[[fishing]], expansion of urban centres, [[wildlife trade]], [[fire]], [[climate change]], [[dam]]s and infrastructure, [[water contamination]], and [[invasive species]].<ref name="WWF"/> In many areas of the country, the natural environment is threatened by development.<ref>{{cite web | title = Under threat | publisher = Greenpeace | url = http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/forests/south-america/under-threat | accessdate = 2008-06-12 }}</ref> Construction of [[highway]]s has opened up previously remote areas for agriculture and [[settlement]]; dams have flooded valleys and inundated wildlife habitats; and mines have scarred and polluted the landscape.<ref name="Encarta 11"/><ref>{{cite web | title = Amazon destruction: six football fields a minute | publisher = Greenpeace | url = http://www.greenpeace.org/international/news/amazon-destruction | accessdate = 2008-06-12 }}</ref> ==Economy== {{main|Economy of Brazil|Economic history of Brazil}} [[Image:CENU commercial complex.jpg|left|thumb|[[São Paulo]], the wealthiest and largest city in South America.]] Brazil is the largest national economy in [[Latin America]], the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|world's tenth largest economy]] at market exchange rates<ref>{{cite conference | title = Report for Selected Countries and Subjects | booktitle = World Economic Outlook Database | publisher = International Monetary Fund | date = 2008-04-17 | url = http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2007&ey=2007&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C446%2C914%2C666%2C612%2C668%2C614%2C672%2C311%2C946%2C213%2C137%2C911%2C962%2C193%2C674%2C122%2C676%2C912%2C548%2C313%2C556%2C419%2C678%2C513%2C181%2C316%2C682%2C913%2C684%2C124%2C273%2C339%2C921%2C638%2C948%2C514%2C943%2C218%2C686%2C963%2C688%2C616%2C518%2C223%2C728%2C516%2C558%2C918%2C138%2C748%2C196%2C618%2C278%2C522%2C692%2C622%2C694%2C156%2C142%2C624%2C449%2C626%2C564%2C628%2C283%2C228%2C853%2C924%2C288%2C233%2C293%2C632%2C566%2C636%2C964%2C634%2C182%2C238%2C453%2C662%2C968%2C960%2C922%2C423%2C714%2C935%2C862%2C128%2C716%2C611%2C456%2C321%2C722%2C243%2C942%2C248%2C718%2C469%2C724%2C253%2C576%2C642%2C936%2C643%2C961%2C939%2C813%2C644%2C199%2C819%2C184%2C172%2C524%2C132%2C361%2C646%2C362%2C648%2C364%2C915%2C732%2C134%2C366%2C652%2C734%2C174%2C144%2C328%2C146%2C258%2C463%2C656%2C528%2C654%2C923%2C336%2C738%2C263%2C578%2C268%2C537%2C532%2C742%2C944%2C866%2C176%2C369%2C534%2C744%2C536%2C186%2C429%2C925%2C178%2C746%2C436%2C926%2C136%2C466%2C343%2C112%2C158%2C111%2C439%2C298%2C916%2C927%2C664%2C846%2C826%2C299%2C542%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698%2C941&s=NGDPD&grp=0&a=&pr.x=63&pr.y=7 | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite conference | title = Total GDP 2006 | publisher = World Bank | date = 2007-07-01 | url = http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DATASTATISTICS/Resources/GDP.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> and the [[List of countries by GDP (PPP)|ninth largest]] in [[purchasing power parity]] (PPP),<ref>{{cite conference | title = Report for Selected Countries and Subjects (PPP) | booktitle = World Economic Outlook Database | publisher = International Monetary Fund | date = 2008-04-17 | url = http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2007&ey=2007&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C446%2C914%2C666%2C612%2C668%2C614%2C672%2C311%2C946%2C213%2C137%2C911%2C962%2C193%2C674%2C122%2C676%2C912%2C548%2C313%2C556%2C419%2C678%2C513%2C181%2C316%2C682%2C913%2C684%2C124%2C273%2C339%2C921%2C638%2C948%2C514%2C943%2C218%2C686%2C963%2C688%2C616%2C518%2C223%2C728%2C516%2C558%2C918%2C138%2C748%2C196%2C618%2C278%2C522%2C692%2C622%2C694%2C156%2C142%2C624%2C449%2C626%2C564%2C628%2C283%2C228%2C853%2C924%2C288%2C233%2C293%2C632%2C566%2C636%2C964%2C634%2C182%2C238%2C453%2C662%2C968%2C960%2C922%2C423%2C714%2C935%2C862%2C128%2C716%2C611%2C456%2C321%2C722%2C243%2C942%2C248%2C718%2C469%2C724%2C253%2C576%2C642%2C936%2C643%2C961%2C939%2C813%2C644%2C199%2C819%2C184%2C172%2C524%2C132%2C361%2C646%2C362%2C648%2C364%2C915%2C732%2C134%2C366%2C652%2C734%2C174%2C144%2C328%2C146%2C258%2C463%2C656%2C528%2C654%2C923%2C336%2C738%2C263%2C578%2C268%2C537%2C532%2C742%2C944%2C866%2C176%2C369%2C534%2C744%2C536%2C186%2C429%2C925%2C178%2C746%2C436%2C926%2C136%2C466%2C343%2C112%2C158%2C111%2C439%2C298%2C916%2C927%2C664%2C846%2C826%2C299%2C542%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698%2C941&s=PPPGDP&grp=0&a=&pr.x=48&pr.y=17 | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite conference | title = PPP GDP 2006 | publisher = World Bank | date = 2007-07-01 | url = http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DATASTATISTICS/Resources/GDP_PPP.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> according to the [[International Monetary Fund]] and the [[World Bank]]; with large and developed [[Agriculture|agricultural]], [[mining]], [[manufacturing]] and [[service sector]]s, as well as a large labor pool.<ref name="CIA Econ"/> The country has been expanding its presence in international financial and [[commodities market]]s, and is regarded as one of the group of four emerging economies called [[BRIC]].<ref>{{cite web | last = O'Neill | first = Jim | authorlink = Jim O'Neill | title = BRICs | publisher = Goldman Sachs | url = http://www2.goldmansachs.com/ideas/brics/index.html | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> Brazilian exports are booming, creating a new generation of tycoons.<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite news | last = Phillips | first = Tom | title = The country of the future finally arrives | publisher = The Guardian | date = 2008-05-10 | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/10/brazil.oil | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> Major export products include [[Fixed-wing aircraft|aircraft]], [[coffee]], [[automobile]]s, [[soybean]], [[iron ore]], [[orange juice]], [[steel]], [[ethanol fuel|ethanol]], [[textiles]], [[footwear]], [[corned beef]] and [[electrical equipment]].<ref>{{cite news | title = The economy of heat | publisher = The Economist | date = 2007-04-12 | url = http://www.economist.com/surveys/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8952496 | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> The biggest investment boom in history is under way; in 2007, Brazil launched a four-year plan to spend $300 billion to modernise its [[road network]], [[power plant]]s and [[port]]s.<ref>{{cite news | title = Building BRICs of growth | publisher = The Economist | date = 2008-06-05 | url = http://www.economist.com/finance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11488749 | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> Brazil's booming economy is shifting into overdrive, with [[biofuel]]s and [[oil|deep-water oil]] providing energy independence and the government collecting enough cash to irrigate the desert and pave highways across the Amazon Rainforest.<ref>{{cite news | last = Clendenning | first = Alan | title = Booming Brazil could be world power soon | publisher = The Associated Press | date = 2008-04-17 | url = http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080417/brazil_good_times.html?.v=2 | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> Brazil had pegged its currency, the [[Brazilian real|real]], to the U.S. dollar in 1994. However, after the [[1997 Asian Financial Crisis|East Asian financial crisis]], the [[Russia]]n default in 1998<ref>{{cite conference | first = Taimur | last = Baig | first2 = Ilan | last2 = Goldfajn | title = The Russian default and the contagion to Brazil | booktitle = IMF Working Paper | publisher = International Monetary Fund | date = 2000 | url = http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2000/wp00160.pdf | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> and the series of adverse financial events that followed it, the Brazilian central bank temporarily changed its monetary policy to a managed-float scheme while undergoing a currency crisis, until definitively changing the exchange regime to free-float in January 1999.<ref>{{cite conference | first = Arminio | last = Fraga | title = Monetary Policy During the Transition to a Floating Exchange Rate: Brazil's Recent Experience | publisher = International Monetary Fund | date = 2000 | url = http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2000/03/fraga.htm | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> Brazil received an International Monetary Fund rescue package in mid-2002 in the amount of $30.4&nbsp;billion,<ref>{{cite news | last = Wheatley | first = Jonathan | title = Brazil: When an IMF Bailout Is Not Enough | publisher = Bussines Week | date = 2002-09-02 | url = http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/02_35/b3797071.htm | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> a record sum at that time. The IMF loan was paid off early by Brazil's central bank in 2005 (the due date was scheduled for 2006).<ref>{{cite news | title = Brazil to pay off IMF debts early | publisher = BBC News | date = 2005-12-14 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4527438.stm | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> One of the issues the [[Central Bank of Brazil|Brazilian central bank]] is currently dealing with is the excess of speculative short-term capital inflows to the country in the past few months, which might explain in part the recent downfall of the U.S. dollar against the real in the period.<ref>{{cite conference | title = Economic Quarterly | pages = 171 | publisher = Institute of Applied Economic Research | date = 2007-03-01 | url = http://www.ipea.gov.br/sites/000/2/publicacoes/eqb/ieq11.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> Nonetheless, [[foreign direct investment]] (FDI), related to long-term, less speculative investment in production, is estimated to be $193.8&nbsp;billion for 2007.<ref>{{cite press release | title = Capital Flows to Emerging Markets Set at Close to Record Levels | publisher = The Institute of International Finance | date = 2007-05-31 | url = http://www.iif.com/press/press+32.php | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> Inflation monitoring and control currently plays a major role in Brazil's Central Bank activity in setting out short-term interest rates as a monetary policy measure.<ref>{{cite conference | title = IPCA, IPC-FIPE and IPC-BR: Methodological and Empirical Differences | publisher = Central Bank of Brazil | date = 2004 | url = http://www.bcb.gov.br/htms/relinf/ing/2004/06/ri200406b2i.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> ===Components=== {{main|Agriculture in Brazil|Industry in Brazil|Energy policy of Brazil}} [[Image:Itaipu Dam.jpg|right|thumb|[[Itaipu Dam]], the world's largest [[hydroelectric plant]] by energy generation.]] Brazil's "[[investment grade]]" economy is diverse,<ref>{{cite news | title = Brazil's shares at all-time high | publisher = BBC News | date = 2008-04-30 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7376539.stm | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref> encompassing [[agriculture]], [[industry]], and a multitude of services.<ref>{{cite news | last = Alves | first = Fabio | last2 = Caminada | first2 = Carlos | title = Brazilian Debt Raised to Investment Grade by S&P | publisher = Reuters | date = 2008-04-30 | url = http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=a86v4f6_W2Jg | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref><ref name="Independent Jeremy">{{cite news | last = Warner | first = Jeremy | title = Jeremy Warner's Outlook: Brazil secures investment grade | publisher = The Independent | date = 2008-05-02 | url = http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/jeremy-warner/jeremy-warners-outlook-brazil-secures-investment-grade-819744.html | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref> Brazil is finally punching its weight with a booming economy and stronger global leadership.<ref name="Reuters 1">{{cite news | last = Colitt | first = Raymond | title = Sleeping giant Brazil wakes, but could stumble | publisher = Reuters | date = 2008-05-13 | url = http://www.reuters.com/article/managerViews/idUSNOA33289320080513 | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref><ref name="The Guardian"/> The recent economic strength has been due in part to a global boom in [[commodities]] prices with exports from [[beef]] to [[soybean]]s soaring.<ref name="Independent Jeremy"/><ref name="Reuters 1"/> Its prospects have been helped by huge [[Petroleum|oil]] and [[gas]] discoveries.<ref>{{cite news | title = An economic superpower, and now oil too | publisher = The Economist | date = 2008-04-17 | url = http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11052873 | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref> A global power in agriculture and natural resources, Brazil unleash the greatest burst of prosperity has witnessed in three decades.<ref>{{cite news | title = Brazil Joins Front Rank Of New Economic Powers | publisher = The Wall Street Journal | url = http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121063846832986909.html | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref> [[Agriculture in Brazil|Agriculture]] and allied sectors like [[forestry]], [[logging]] and [[fishing]] accounted for 5.1% of the gross domestic product in 2007.<ref name="CIA GDP">{{cite web | title = Field Listing - GDP - composition by sector | booktitle = The World Factbook | publisher = Central Intelligence Agency | date = 2008 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2012.html | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref> A performance that puts [[agribusiness]] in a position of distinction in terms of Brazil's [[trade balance]], in spite of trade barriers and subsidizing policies adopted by the developed countries.<ref>{{cite web | title = Agriculture and Cattle-raising | work = Brazil by Topics | publisher = Brazilian Government official website | url = http://www.brasil.gov.br/ingles/about_brazil/brasil_topics/ | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia | title = Agriculture | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_6/Brazil.html | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref> The [[Industry in Brazil|industry]]; from [[automobile]]s, [[steel]] and [[petrochemical]]s to [[computer]]s, [[aircraft]], and [[consumer durable]]s; accounted for 30.8% of the gross domestic product.<ref name="CIA GDP"/> Industry is highly concentrated geographically, with the leading concentrations in metropolitan São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, [[Campinas]], [[Porto Alegre]], and [[Belo Horizonte]]. Technologically advanced industries are also highly concentrated in these locations.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | title = Manufacturing | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_6/Brazil.html | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref> Brazil is the world's [[List of countries by electricity consumption|tenth largest]] energy consumer. It's energy comes from [[renewable source]]s, particularly [[hydroelectricity]] and [[ethanol]]; and nonrenewable sources, mainly oil and [[natural gas]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | title = Energy | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_7/Brazil.html | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref> Brazil will become an oil superpower, with massive oil discoveries in recent times.<ref>{{cite news | title = Oil discovery rocks Brazil | publisher = CNN | date = 2007-11-09 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/11/08/brazil.oil.ap/index.html | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Schneyer | first = Joshua | title = Brazil, the New Oil Superpower | publisher = Business Week | date = 2007-11-09 | url = http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/nov2007/db20071115_045316.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_businessweek+exclusives | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = More bounty | publisher = The Economist | date = 2008-04-17 | url = http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11049391 | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref> ===Science and technology=== {{main|Science and technology in Brazil}} [[Image:Cirrus Airlines E170 D-ALIE.jpg|right|thumb|An [[Embraer E-Jets|Embraer E-175]] [[jet airliner]], developed in Brazil.]] Brazilian science effectively began in the first decades of the 19th century, when the [[List of Portuguese monarchs|Portuguese Royal Family]], headed by [[John VI of Portugal|John VI]], arrived in [[Rio de Janeiro]], escaping from the [[Napoleon]]'s army invasion of [[Portugal]] in 1807. Until then, Brazil was a [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] [[Colonial Brazil|colony]], without [[university|universities]], and a lack of cultural and scientific organizations, in stark contrast to the former American colonies of the [[Spanish Empire]], which although having a largely [[illiterate]] population like Brazil and Portugal, had, however, a number of universities since the 16th century. Technological research in Brazil is largely carried out in public [[university|universities]] and research institutes. Nonetheless, more than 73% of funding for basic research still comes from government sources.<ref>{{cite web |title=Skills training for growth |url=http://www.brasil.gov.br/ingles/about_brazil/brasil_topics/science/categoria_view |author=Brazilian Government |accessdate=2007-08-10 }}</ref> Some of Brazil's most notables technological hubs are the [[Oswaldo Cruz Institute]], the [[Butantan Institute]], the Air Force's [[Brazilian General Command for Aerospace Technology (CTA)|Aerospace Technical Center]], the [[Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária|Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation]] and the [[INPE]]. Brazil has the most advanced space program in [[Latin America]], with significant capabilities to launch vehicles, launch sites and satellite manufacturing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-1826.html |title=Brazil - The Space Program |accessdate=2008-05-24 |year=1997 |month=April |work=country-data.com }}</ref> On [[October 14]], [[1997]], the [[Brazilian Space Agency]] signed an agreement with [[NASA]] to provide parts for the [[ISS]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.inpe.br/programas/iss/ingles/default.htm |title=Brazilian International Space Station Program |accessdate=2008-05-24 |work=Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espacias }}</ref> [[Uranium]] is enriched at the [[Resende Nuclear Fuel Factory]] to fuel the country's [[energy]] demands. Plans are on the way to build the country's first [[nuclear submarine]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Brazil to revive nuclear project |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6290234.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=2007-07-11 |accessdate=2008-05-24 }}</ref> Brazil is one of the three countries in [[Latin America]]<ref>[http://www-elsa.physik.uni-bonn.de/accelerator_list.html Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität]</ref> with an operational [[Synchrotron]] Laboratory, a research facility on [[physics]], [[chemistry]], [[material science]] and [[life sciences]]. ==Demographics== {{main|Demographics of Brazil}} [[Image:Boa viagem.jpg|thumb|left|[[Boa Viagem, Recife|Boa Viagem]] beach in [[Recife]]. Much of Brazil's population is concentrated across the coastline.]] Brazil's population comes from many [[Race (classification of human beings)|racial]] and [[ethnic group]]s.<ref name="Encarta 2">{{cite encyclopedia | title = Population | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_3/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref> The last [[National Research for Sample of Domiciles]] (PNAD) census revealed the following: 49.7% of the population are [[White Brazilian|White]], about 93 million; 42.6% are [[Pardo]] ([[brown people|brown]]), about 79 million; 6.9% are [[Afro-Brazilian|Black]], about 13 million; 0.5% are [[Asian Brazilian|Asian]], about 1 million; and 0.4% are [[Indigenous peoples in Brazil|Amerindian]], about 519,000.<ref name="PNAD 2005">{{cite conference | title = National Research for Sample of Domiciles | pages = Table 1.2 | publisher = Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics | date = 2006 | url = http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/populacao/trabalhoerendimento/pnad2006/brasilpnad2006.pdf | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref> Most Brazilians can trace their [[ancestry]] to the country's Indigenous peoples, [[Portuguese Brazilian|Portuguese]] colonists, and [[Afro-Brazilian|African slaves]]. Since 1500, with the arrival of the Portuguese, [[miscegenation]] between these three groups took place. Over three centuries of Portuguese colonization, Brazil received more than 700,000 Portuguese settlers and 4 million African slaves.<ref name="Encarta">{{cite encyclopedia | title = People and Society | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_3/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref> Starting in the late 19th century, Brazil opened its doors to [[Immigration in Brazil|immigration]]: people of over 60&nbsp;nationalities immigrated to Brazil. About 5&nbsp;million [[Europe]]an and [[Asia]]n immigrants arrived from 1870 to 1953, most of them from [[Italy]], [[Portugal]], [[Spain]], and [[Germany]]. In the early 20th century, people from [[Japan]] and the [[Middle-East]] also arrived.<ref name="Encarta 2"/> The immigrants and their descendants had an important impact in the ethnic composition of the Brazilian population, and many [[diaspora]]s are present in the country. Brazil has the largest population of [[Italians|Italian]] origin outside of Italy, with over 25&nbsp;million [[Italian Brazilian]]s,<ref>{{cite web | last = Valensise | first = Michele | title = Mensagem do Embaixador da Itália | publisher = Italian Embassy in Brazil | language = Portuguese | url = http://www.italian-embassy.org.ae/Ambasciata_Brasilia/Menu/Ambasciata/ambasciatore/Messaggio=italian-embassy.org.ae | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref> the largest [[Japanese people|Japanese]] population outside of Japan, with 1.6&nbsp;million [[Japanese Brazilian]]s,<ref>{{cite web | last = Nakamura | first = Akemi | title = Japan, Brazil mark a century of settlement, family ties | work = Brazil emigration centennial in Japan | publisher = The Japan Times | date = 2008-01-15 | url = http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080115i1.html=search.japantimes.co.jp | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref> as well the second largest [[Germans|German population]] outside of [[Germany]], with 12&nbsp;million [[German Brazilian]]s.<ref>{{cite web | title = Germans | publisher = Ministry of External Relations of Brazil | url = http://www.mre.gov.br/cdBrasil/itamaraty/web/ingles/consnac/imigra/alemaes/index.htm | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref> A characteristic of Brazil is the [[mixed-race Brazilian|race mixing]]. [[Genetics|Genetically]], most Brazilians have some degree of European, African, and Amerindian ancestry.<ref>{{cite web | title = Color and genomic ancestry in Brazilians | publisher = National Academy of Sciences of the United States | date = 2003-01-07 | url = http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=140919 | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref> The entire population can be considered a single "Brazilian" ethnic group, with highly varied racial types and backgrounds, but without clear [[ethnicity|ethnic sub-divisions]].<ref name="Encarta">{{cite encyclopedia | title = Ethnic Groups | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_3/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref> The [[List of largest cities in Brazil|largest metropolitan areas in Brazil]] are São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte, respectively with 19.7, 11.4, and 5.4&nbsp;million inhabitants.<ref>{{cite web | title = Cidades@ | publisher = Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics | url = http://www.ibge.gov.br/cidadesat/default.php | accessdate = 2008-06-11}}</ref> Almost all the capitals are the largest city in their corresponding state, except for [[Vitória]], the capital of [[Espírito Santo]], and [[Florianópolis]], the capital of Santa Catarina. There are also non-capital metropolitan areas in the states of São Paulo ([[Campinas]], [[Santos (São Paulo)|Santos]] and the [[Paraíba Valley]]), [[Minas Gerais]] ([[Vale do Aço|Steel Valley]]), Rio Grande do Sul ([[Porto Alegre|Sinos Valley]]), and Santa Catarina ([[Vale do Itajaí|Itajaí Valley]]).<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | title = Principal Cities | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_3/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref> {{Largest cities of Brazil}} ===Education and health=== {{main|Education in Brazil|Health in Brazil}} [[Image:Universidade Federal do Parana 4 Curitiba Parana.jpg|right|thumb|[[Universidade Federal do Paraná|Federal University of Paraná]], in [[Curitiba]], is regarded as the oldest [[List of universities in Brazil|Brazilian university]].]] The Federal Constitution and the 1996 ''[[Education in Brazil|General Law of Education in Brazil]]'' (LDB) determine how the Federal Government, States, Federal District, and Municipalities will manage and organize their respective education systems.<ref name="Constituição"/> Each of these public educational systems is responsible for its own maintenance, which manages funds as well as mechanisms and sources for financial resources. The new Constitution reserves 25% of state and municipal taxes and 18% of federal taxes for education.<ref name="JBIC">{{cite conference | title = Sector Study for Education in Brazil | booktitle = | publisher = Japan Bank for International Cooperation | date = 2005 | url = http://www.jbic.go.jp/english/oec/environ/report/pdf/brazil.pdf | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref><ref name="BGOW Edu">{{cite web | title = Education | work = Brazil by Topics | publisher = Brazilian Government official website | url = http://www.brasil.gov.br/ingles/about_brazil/brasil_topics/education/categoria_view | accessdate = 2008-06-11 }}</ref> [[Private school]] programs are available to complement the public school system. In 2003, the literacy rate was 88% of the population, and the youth literacy rate (ages 15–19) was 93.2%.<ref name="JBIC"/> Illiteracy is highest in the Northeast, around 27%, which has a high proportion of rural poor.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | title = Education | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_4/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref> Although at same year, Brazil's education had low levels of efficiency by 15-year-old students, particularly in the [[public school]] network.<ref>{{cite web | last = Werthein | first = Jorge | title = A Pobre Educação dos Pobres | publisher = [[UNESCO]] | date = 2005-04-28 | url = http://www.unesco.org.br/noticias/opiniao/artigow/artigosRepresentante2005/pobreeducacaodospobres/mostra_documento | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref> [[Higher education]] starts with undergraduate or sequential courses, which may offer different specialist choices such as academic or vocational paths. Depending on choice, students may improve their educational background with ''Stricto Sensu'' or ''Lato Sensu'' postgraduate courses.<ref>{{cite news | title = Universidades públicas ganham das particulares no Enade 2006 | language = Portuguese | publisher = UOL | date = 2007-05-31 | url = http://educacao.uol.com.br/ultnot/2007/05/31/ult1812u126.jhtm | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref><ref name="BGOW Edu"/> The [[public health]] system is managed and provided by all levels of government, whilst private healthcare fulfills a complementary role.<ref name="Constituição"/><ref name="BGOW Health">{{cite web | title = Health | work = Brazil by Topics | publisher = Brazilian Government official website | url = http://www.brasil.gov.br/ingles/about_brazil/brasil_topics/health/categoria_view | accessdate = 2008-06-11 }}</ref> There are several problems in the Brazilian health system. In 2006, these were [[infant mortality]], [[child mortality]], [[maternal mortality]], [[mortality]] by non-transmissible illness and mortality caused by external causes: [[transportation]], [[violence]] and [[suicide]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Saúde | work = Radar social | language = Portuguese | publisher = Ministry of Planning, Budget and Management | url = http://www.planejamento.gov.br/planejamento_investimento/conteudo/radarsocial/saude.htm | accessdate = 2008-06-10 }}</ref><ref name="BGOW Health"/> ===Language=== {{main|Languages of Brazil|Brazilian Portuguese}} [[Image:Museu da Língua Portuguesa.jpg|right|thumb|[[Museum of the Portuguese Language]] in [[São Paulo]], the first language museum in the world.]] Portuguese is the official language of Brazil.<ref name="CIA People"/> It is spoken by nearly the entire population and is virtually the only language used in [[newspaper]]s, [[radio]], [[television]], and for all business and administrative purposes, with the exception of [[Nheengatu]], an indigenous language of [[South America]] which has gained the co-official status alongside Portuguese in the municipality of [[São Gabriel da Cachoeira]].<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/28/international/americas/28amazon.html?ex=1282881600&en=2dbb31357d010164&ei=5090 Language Born of Colonialism Thrives Again in Amazon ] ''New York Times''. Retrieved [[2008-07-14]]</ref> Moreover, Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking nation in the [[the Americas|Americas]], making the language an important part of Brazilian national identity and giving it a national culture distinct from its Spanish-speaking neighbors.<ref name="BGOW Port">{{cite web | title = Portuguese Language | work = About Brazil | publisher = Brazilian Government offical website | url = http://www.brasil.gov.br/ingles/about_brazil/portuguese_language/ | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref> [[Brazilian Portuguese]] has had its own development, influenced by the [[Indigenous languages of the Americas|Amerindian]] and [[African languages]].<ref name="Portuguese"/> Due to this, the language is somewhat different from that spoken in [[Portugal]] and other Portuguese-speaking countries, mainly for phonological and orthographic differences. These differences are somewhat greater than those of [[American English|American]] and [[British English]].<ref name="Portuguese">{{cite web | title = Languages of Brazil | publisher = Ethnologue | url = http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=br | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref> Portugal may have to recognize the inevitable by bowing to the economic and cultural supremacy of Brazil, its [[Colonial Brazil|former colony]]; it is considering reforming its own language to accommodate linguistic developments in the Brazilian Portuguese since the two languages diverged.<ref>{{cite news | last = Nash | first = Elizabeth | title = Portugal pays lip service to Brazil's supremacy | publisher = The Independent | date = 2008-05-02 | url = http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/portugal-pays-lip-service-to-brazils-supremacy-819728.html | accessdate = 2008-06-09 }}</ref> Minority languages are spoken throughout the vast national territory. Some of these are spoken by indigenous peoples: 180 [[Amerindian language]]s are spoken in remote areas. Others are spoken by immigrants and their descendants.<ref name="Portuguese"/> There are important communities of speakers of [[German language|German]] (mostly the [[Hunsrückisch]], part of the [[High German languages]]) and [[Italian language|Italian]] (mostly the [[Talian]] [[dialect]], of [[Venetian language|Venetian]] origin) in the south of the country, both largely influenced by the Portuguese language.<ref name="Portuguese"/><ref name="BGOW Port"/> ==Culture== {{main|Culture of Brazil}} [[Image:Brazilian Carnival.jpg|left|thumb|[[Brazilian Carnival]] parade in [[Rio de Janeiro]], considered one of the greatest shows on Earth.]] A wide variety of elements create a [[Brazilian society|society]] with considerable ethnic complexity.<ref name="Encarta"/> Brazilian culture has historically been influenced by [[European people|European]], [[African people|African]], and [[Indigenous peoples in Brazil|Indigenous]] cultures and traditions.<ref name="Encarta"/> Its major early influence derived from [[Culture of Portugal|Portuguese culture]] because of strong colonial ties with the [[Portuguese empire]]. Among other inheritances, the Portuguese introduced the [[Portuguese language]], the [[Catholic church|Catholic religion]], and the [[Manueline|colonial architectural styles]].<ref>{{cite web | title = 15th-16th Century | work = History | publisher = Brazilian Government offical website | url = http://www.brasil.gov.br/ingles/about_brazil/history/xvi_cent/ | accessdate = 2008-06-08 }}</ref> Other aspects of Brazilian culture are contributions of [[Italian Brazilian|Italian]], [[German Brazilian|German]], and other [[European Brazilian|European immigrants]] who came in large numbers, and their influences are felt closer to the South and Southeast of Brazil.<ref name="Encarta 2"/> [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Amerindian peoples]] influenced Brazil's language and [[Cuisine of Brazil|cuisine]]; and the [[Afro-Brazilian|Africans]], brought to Brazil as slaves, influenced language, cuisine, [[Music of Brazil|music]], dance, and religion.<ref>{{cite news | last = Freyre | first = Gilberto | title = The Afro-Brazilian experiment - African influence on Brazilian culture | publisher = [[UNESCO]] | date = 1986 | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1310/is_1986_May-June/ai_4375022 | accessdate = 2008-06-08 }}</ref><ref name="Encarta 2"/> [[Literature of Brazil|Literature]] in Brazil dates back to the 16th century, to the writings of the first Portuguese explorers in Brazil, such as [[Pêro Vaz de Caminha]], writer of the fleet of navigator [[Pedro Álvares Cabral]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | title = Literature | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url =http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_5/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-08 }}</ref> [[Cuisine of Brazil|Cuisine]] varies greatly by region and reflects the country's mix of native and immigrants. This has created a national cooking style marked by the preservation of regional differences.<ref name="Encarta 4">{{cite encyclopedia | title = Way of Life | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_4/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-08 }}</ref> Brazil's cultural tradition extends to its music styles which include [[samba (music)|samba]], [[bossa nova]], [[forró]], [[frevo]], [[pagode]], and many others.<ref name="Encarta 3">{{cite encyclopedia | title = Music and Dance | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_5/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-08 }}</ref> Brazil has also contributed to classical music, which can be seen in the works of many composers.<ref name="Encarta 3"/> In arts, important modern artists [[Anita Malfatti]] and [[Tarsila do Amaral]] were both early pioneers in [[Brazilian art]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | title = Art and Architecture | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_5/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-08 }}</ref> The [[Cinema of Brazil|Cinema]] has a long tradition, reaching back to the birth of the medium in the late 19th century, and gained a new level of international acclaim in recent years.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | title = Theater and Film | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_5/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-08 }}</ref> The festival of [[Brazilian carnival|Carnival]] ({{lang-pt|Carnaval}}), with its spectacular street parades and vibrant music, has become one of the most potent images of Brazil;<ref name="Encarta 4"/> an annual celebration held forty days before [[Easter]] and marks the beginning of [[Lent]]. Carnival is celebrated throughout Brazil with distinct regional characteristics, but the most spectacular celebrations outside Rio de Janeiro take place in [[Salvador, Bahia|Salvador]], [[Recife]], and [[Olinda]], although the nature of the events varies.<ref name="Encarta 4"/> Other regional festivals include the [[Bumba Meu Boi|Boi Bumbá]] and [[Festa Junina]] (''June Festivals'').<ref name="Encarta 3"/><ref name="Encarta 4"/> ===Religion=== {{main|Religion in Brazil}} [[Image:CorcovadofotoRJ.jpg|right|thumb|[[Christ the Redeemer (statue)|Christ the Redeemer]], one of the [[New Seven Wonders of the World|Seven Wonders of the World]] and symbol of Brazilian Christianity.]] Religion is very diversified in Brazil; the constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the government generally respects this right in practice.<ref name="Constituição"/> The [[Roman Catholic Church]] is dominant, making Brazil the largest Catholic nation in the world.<ref name="USDS">{{cite conference | title = Brazil | booktitle = International Religious Freedom Report | publisher = U.S. Department of State | date = 2005-11-08 | url = http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2005/51629.htm | accessdate = 2008-06-08 }}</ref> The formal link between the state and the Roman Catholicism was severed in the late 19th century; however, the Catholic Church has continued to exert an influence on national affairs.<ref name="Encarta 5">{{cite encyclopedia | title = Religion | encyclopedia = Encarta | publisher = MSN | url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554342_4/Brazil.html | accessdate = 2008-06-08 }}</ref> Adepts of Protestantism are rising in number. Until 1970, the majority of Brazilian Protestants were members of "traditional churches", mostly [[Lutheran]]s, [[Presbyterian]]s and [[Baptist]]s. Since then, numbers of [[Pentecostal]] and Neopentecostal members have increased significantly.<ref name="Encarta 5"/> Traditional African beliefs, brought by slaves, have blended with Catholicism to create Afro-Brazilian religions such as [[Macumba]], [[Candomblé]], and [[Umbanda]].<ref name="USDS"/> Amerindians practice a wide variety of indigenous religions that vary from group to group.<ref name="Encarta 5"/> [[Islam in Brazil]] was first practiced by African slaves. Today, the Muslim population in Brazil is made up of mostly [[Arab]] immigrants. There are approximately fifty-five mosques and Muslim religious centers. A recent trend has been the increase in conversions to Islam among non-Arab citizens.<ref>http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71451.htm</ref> According to the 2000 Demographic Census, 73.9% of the population is [[Roman Catholicism in Brazil|Roman Catholic]]; 15.4% is [[Protestantism in Brazil|Protestant]]; 0.91% from other Christian denominations; 1.33% follows [[Kardecist spiritism]]; 0.31% follows African traditional religions; 0.01% follows Amerindian traditions; 7.35% consider themselves [[Agnosticism|agnostics]], [[Atheism|atheists]] or without a religion; and 0.81% are members of other religions such as [[Buddhism]], [[Judaism]], [[Islam in Brazil|Islam]], and some practice a mixture of different religions.<ref>{{cite conference | title = Religion in Brazil | booktitle = 2000 Demographic Census | publisher = Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics | date = 2000 | url = http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/populacao/censo2000/populacao/religiao_Censo2000.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2008-06-08 }}</ref><ref name="CIA People"/> ===Sport=== {{main|Sport in Brazil}} [[Image:Maracanã Stadium Rio.jpg|thumb|right|[[Estádio do Maracanã|Maracanã Stadium]], at the [[Campeonato Brasileiro Série A|Brazilian Championship]], highest division of [[Football in Brazil|Brazilian football]].]] [[Association football|Football]] ({{lang-pt|futebol}}) is the most popular sport in Brazil.<ref name="Encarta 4"/> The [[Brazilian national football team]] (''Seleção'') have been victorious in the [[FIFA World Cup]] tournament a record five times, in [[1958 FIFA World Cup|1958]], [[1962 FIFA World Cup|1962]], [[1970 FIFA World Cup|1970]], [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994]] and [[2002 FIFA World Cup|2002]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Football in Brazil | work = Goal Programme | publisher = International Federation of Association Football | date = 2008-04-15 | url = http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/goalprogramme/index.html | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> [[Basketball]], [[volleyball]], [[auto racing]], and [[martial arts]] also attract large audiences. Though not as regularly followed or practiced as the previously mentioned sports, [[tennis]], [[team handball]], [[swimming]], and [[gymnastics]] have found a growing number of enthusiasts over the last decades. Some sport variations have their origins in Brazil. [[Beach soccer|Beach football]],<ref>{{cite web | title = Beach Soccer | publisher = International Federation of Association Football | url = http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/developing/beachsoccer/index.html | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> [[futsal]] (official version of indoor football)<ref>{{cite web | title = Futsal | publisher = International Federation of Association Football | url = http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/developing/futsal/index.html | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> and [[footvolley]] emerged in the country as variations of football. In martial arts, Brazilians have developed [[Capoeira]],<ref>{{cite web | title = The art of capoeira | publisher = BBC | date = 2006-09-20 | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/northyorkshire/content/articles/2005/09/13/capoeira_feature.shtml | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> [[Vale tudo]],<ref>{{cite web | title = Brazilian Vale Tudo | publisher = I.V.C | url = http://valetudo.com.br/ | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> and [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Official Website | publisher = International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation | url = http://www.ibjjf.org/index.htm | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> In auto racing, Brazilian drivers have won the [[Formula 1]] world championship eight times: [[Emerson Fittipaldi]] in [[1972 Formula One season|1972]] and [[1974 Formula One season|1974]];<ref>{{cite web | last = Donaldson | first = Gerald | title = Emerson Fittipaldi | work = Hall of Fame | publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website | url = http://www.formula1.com/teams_and_drivers/hall_of_fame/282/ | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> [[Nelson Piquet]] in [[1981 Formula One season|1981]], [[1983 Formula One season|1983]] and [[1987 Formula One season|1987]];<ref>{{cite web | last = Donaldson | first = Gerald | title = Nelson Piquet | work = Hall of Fame | publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website | url = http://www.formula1.com/teams_and_drivers/hall_of_fame/181/ | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> and [[Ayrton Senna]] in [[1988 Formula One season|1988]], [[1990 Formula One season|1990]] and [[1991 Formula One season|1991]].<ref>{{cite web | last = Donaldson | first = Gerald | title = Ayrton Senna | work = Hall of Fame | publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website | url = http://www.formula1.com/teams_and_drivers/hall_of_fame/45/ | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> Brazil has undertaken the organization of large-scale sporting events: the country organized and hosted the [[1950 FIFA World Cup]]<ref>{{cite web | title = 1950 FIFA World Cup Brazil | work = Previous FIFA World Cups | publisher = International Federation of Association Football | url = http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=7/index.html | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> and is chosen to host the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]] event.<ref>{{cite web | title = 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil | publisher = International Federation of Association Football | url = http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/brazil2014/index.html | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> The circuit located in [[São Paulo]], [[Autódromo José Carlos Pace]], hosts the annual [[Brazilian Grand Prix|Grand Prix of Brazil]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Formula 1 Grande Premio do Brasil 2008 | publisher = The Official Formula 1 Website | url = http://www.formula1.com/races/in_detail/brazil_804/circuit_diagram.html | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> São Paulo organized the [[1963 Pan American Games|IV Pan American Games]] in 1963,<ref name="PASO">{{cite web | title = Chronological list of Pan American Games | publisher = Pan American Sports Organization | url = http://odepapaso.org/paso/chrono.html | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> and Rio de Janeiro hosted the [[2007 Pan American Games|XV Pan American Games]] in 2007.<ref name="PASO"/> Brazil also tried for the fourth time to host the [[Summer Olympics]] with [[Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic bid|Rio de Janeiro candidature]] in [[2016 Summer Olympics|2016]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic bid official website | publisher = Brazilian Olympic Committee | url = http://www.rio2016.org.br/en/Default.aspx | accessdate = 2008-06-06 }}</ref> ==References== {{reflist|3}} == Further reading == *{{cite book |author=Alves, Maria Helena Moreira |title=State and Opposition in Military Brazil |location=Austin, TX |publisher=University of Texas Press |year=1985}} *{{cite book |author=Amann, Edmund |title=The Illusion of Stability: The Brazilian Economy under Cardoso |publisher=World Development (pp. 1805–1819) |year=1990}} *{{cite web |title=Background Note: Brazil |publisher= US Department of State |url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35640.htm}} *{{cite book |author=Bellos, Alex |title=Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life |location=London |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing plc |year=2003}} *{{cite book |author=Bethell, Leslie |title=Colonial Brazil |location=Cambridge |publisher=CUP |year=1991}} *{{cite book |author=Costa, João Cruz |title=A History of Ideas in Brazil |location=Los Angeles, CA |publisher=University of California Press |year=1964}} *{{cite book |author=Fausto, Boris |title=A Concise History of Brazil |location=Cambridge |publisher=CUP |year=1999}} *{{cite book |author=Furtado, Celso |title=The Economic Growth of Brazil: A Survey from Colonial to Modern Times |location=Berkeley, CA |publisher=University of California Press}} *{{cite book |author=Leal, Victor Nunes |title=Coronelismo: The Municipality and Representative Government in Brazil |location=Cambridge |publisher=CUP |year=1977}} *{{cite book |author=Malathronas, John |title=Brazil: Life, Blood, Soul |location=Chichester |publisher=Summersdale |year=2003}} *{{cite book |author=Martinez-Lara, Javier |title=Building Democracy in Brazil: The Politics of Constitutional Change |publisher=Macmillan |year=1995}} *{{cite book |author=Prado Júnior, Caio |title=The Colonial Background of Modern Brazil |location=Los Angeles, CA |publisher=University of California Press |year=1967}} *{{cite book |author=Schneider, Ronald |title=Brazil: Culture and Politics in a New Economic Powerhouse |publisher=Boulder Westview |year=1995}} *{{cite book |author=Skidmore, Thomas E. |title=Black Into White: Race and Nationality in Brazilian Thought |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1974}} *{{cite book |author=Wagley, Charles |title=An Introduction to Brazil |location=New York, New York |publisher=Columbia University Press |year=1963}} *{{cite book |title=The World Almanac and Book of Facts: Brazil |location=New York, NY |publisher=World Almanac Books |year=2006}} ==External links== {{sisterlinks|Brazil}} {{wikisource|CIA World Fact Book, 2004/Brazil}} {{portal|Brazil}} '''Government and administration''' *[http://www.brasil.gov.br/ingles/ Brazilian Federal Government] *[http://www2.camara.gov.br/english Chamber of Deputies] *{{pt icon}} [http://www.senado.gov.br/ Federal Senate] *[http://www.presidencia.gov.br/ingles Presidency of Brazil] '''Information and statistics''' *[http://www.ibge.gov.br/english/ Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics] *{{CIA World Factbook link|br|Brazil}} *{{pt icon}} [http://www.ipea.gov.br/default.jsp Institute of Applied Economics Research] *[http://www.bndes.gov.br/english/# National Bank for Social and Economical Development] *[http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/brtoc.html U.S. Library of Congress] '''Economy and business''' *[http://www.bcb.gov.br/?english Brazilian Central Bank] *[http://www.brazilcham.com/ Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce] *[http://www.britcham.com.br/default.asp?idioma=1 Britcham in Brazil] *[http://www.bovespa.com.br/indexi.asp São Paulo Stock Exchange] '''Tourism and sports''' *[http://www.brazil.org.uk/tourism/accommodation.html Accommodation in Brazil] *{{wikitravel}} *{{pt icon}} [http://portal.esporte.gov.br/ Sport in Brazil] *[http://www.braziltour.com/site/en/home/index.php Tourism in Brazil] {{Brazil topics}} {| width="100%" class="collapsible collapsed" style="background:transparent; margin:1em 0 0;" !style="background:#f0f0f0; border:1px solid silver; padding:0.2em 1em 0.2em 6.5em; <!--to reduce size of "[show]" link:-->font-size:90%;"| {{resize|130%|Templates}}</tr> | {{Template group |title = {{resize|105%|Geographic locale}} |list = {{Countries of South America}} }} {{Template group |title = {{resize|105%|International membership}} |list = {{Latin Union}} {{Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP)|state=collapsed}} {{Union of South American Nations (Unasur\Unasul)}} {{Mercosur\Mercosul (Southern Common Market)}} {{Organization of American States (OAS)}} {{G8+5}} {{G15 nations}} {{BRIC}} {{South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone}} }} {{Template group |title = {{resize|105%|History}} |list = {{Portuguese overseas empire}} }} |} <!--Categories--> [[Category:Brazil| ]] [[Category:Federal countries]] [[Category:Former Portuguese colonies]] [[Category:Portuguese-speaking countries]] [[Category:1822 establishments]] [[Category:G15 nations]] {{Link FA|af}} {{Link FA|he}} {{Link FA|kn}} {{Link FA|pt}} {{Link FA|uk}} {{Link FA|vi}} <!--Other languages--> [[af:Brasilië]] [[als:Brasilien]] [[am:ብራዚል]] [[ar:البرازيل]] [[an:Brasil]] [[frp:Brèsil]] [[ast:Brasil]] [[gn:Vrasil]] [[ay:Wrasil]] [[az:Braziliya]] [[bn:ব্রাজিল]] [[zh-min-nan:Pa-se]] [[ba:Бразилия]] [[be:Бразілія]] [[be-x-old:Бразылія]] [[bcl:Brasil]] [[bar:Brasilien]] [[bo:པུ་རུ་ཟིལ]] [[bs:Brazil]] [[br:Brazil]] [[bg:Бразилия]] [[ca:Brasil]] [[cv:Бразили]] [[ceb:Brasil]] [[cs:Brazílie]] [[co:Brasile]] [[cy:Brasil]] [[da:Brasilien]] [[de:Brasilien]] [[dv:ބުރެޒިލް]] [[dsb:Brazilska]] [[dz:བཱརཱ་ཛིལ་]] [[et:Brasiilia]] [[el:Βραζιλία]] [[es:Brasil]] [[eo:Brazilo]] [[eu:Brasil]] [[fa:برزیل]] [[ext:Brasil]] [[fo:Brasil]] [[fr:Brésil]] [[fy:Brazylje]] [[ga:An Bhrasaíl]] [[gv:Yn Vrasseel]] [[gd:Braisil]] [[gl:Brasil]] [[hak:Pâ-sî]] [[ko:브라질]] [[hy:Բրազիլիա]] [[hi:ब्राज़ील]] [[hsb:Brazilska]] [[hr:Brazil]] [[io:Brazilia]] [[ilo:Brazil]] [[bpy:ব্রাজিল]] [[id:Brasil]] [[ia:Brasil]] [[os:Бразили]] [[is:Brasilía]] [[it:Brasile]] [[he:ברזיל]] [[jv:Brasil]] [[pam:Brazil]] [[kn:ಬ್ರೆಜಿಲ್]] [[ka:ბრაზილია]] [[kaa:Braziliya]] [[ks:ब्रासील]] [[kk:Бразил]] [[kw:Brasil]] [[ky:Бразилия]] [[sw:Brazil]] [[ht:Brezil]] [[lad:Brasil]] [[la:Brasilia]] [[lv:Brazīlija]] [[lb:Brasilien]] [[lt:Brazilija]] [[lij:Brasî]] [[li:Braziel]] [[ln:Brazil]] [[jbo:razgu'e]] [[hu:Brazília]] [[mk:Бразил]] [[ml:ബ്രസീല്‍]] [[ms:Brazil]] [[mn:Бразил]] [[nah:Brasil]] [[na:Brazil]] [[nl:Brazilië]] [[nds-nl:Brazilië]] [[ne:ब्राजिल]] [[ja:ブラジル]] [[no:Brasil]] [[nn:Brasil]] [[nrm:Brési]] [[nov:Brasilia]] [[oc:Brasil]] [[uz:Braziliya]] [[pap:Brazil]] [[ps:برازيل]] [[km:ប្រេស៊ីល]] [[pms:Brasil]] [[nds:Brasilien]] [[pl:Brazylia]] [[pt:Brasil]] [[ro:Brazilia]] [[rm:Brasilia]] [[qu:Brasil]] [[ru:Бразилия]] [[se:Brasil]] [[sa:ब्रासील]] [[sc:Brasile]] [[sq:Brazili]] [[scn:Brasili]] [[simple:Brazil]] [[sk:Brazília]] [[sl:Brazilija]] [[sr:Бразил]] [[sh:Brazil]] [[stq:Brasilien]] [[fi:Brasilia]] [[szl:Brazylijo]] [[sv:Brasilien]] [[tl:Brazil]] [[ta:பிரேசில்]] [[kab:Brazil]] [[tet:Brazíl]] [[th:ประเทศบราซิล]] [[vi:Brasil]] [[tg:Бразилия]] [[tr:Brezilya]] [[tk:Braziliýa]] [[uk:Бразилія]] [[ur:برازیل]] [[vec:Braxil]] [[vo:Brasilän]] [[fiu-vro:Brasiilia]] [[wa:Braezi]] [[wo:Bereesil]] [[wuu:葡拉极勒]] [[yi:בראזיל]] [[yo:Brasil]] [[zh-yue:巴西]] [[cbk-zam:Brasil]] [[diq:Brezilya]] [[bat-smg:Brazilėjė]] [[zh:巴西]]