# Brazil

> country in South America

**Wikidata**: [Q155](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q155)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brazil

## Summary

Brazil is a sovereign state.[1] It was established on September 7, 1822.[2]Its official languages are Brazilian Sign Language and Portuguese.[3][4] Its population is 213.4M (2025).[5]

## Summary

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest nation in the world by area, spanning approximately 8.5 million km². It is a federal republic with Portuguese as its official language, known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and significant global economic influence. Brazil declared independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822, and today serves as a major player in international affairs as a member of the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and numerous other global organizations.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name:** República Federativa do Brasil (Federative Republic of Brazil)
- **Capital:** Brasília (since April 22, 1960; previously Rio de Janeiro)
- **Official Language:** Portuguese (Brazilian Portuguese)
- **Area:** 8,515,767 km²
- **Population:** Approximately 213.4 million (2025 estimate)
- **Independence:** September 7, 1822 (from Portugal)
- **Government Type:** Federal republic, presidential system, representative democracy
- **Current President:** Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (since January 1, 2023)
- **Currency:** Brazilian real (BRL; in use since July 1, 1994)
- **Flag:** Green field with yellow diamond and blue celestial globe with white stars
- **Motto:** "Ordem e Progresso" (Order and Progress)
- **National Anthem:** Brazilian National Anthem
- **National Flower:** Ipê-amarelo
- **Patron Saint:** Our Lady of Aparecida
- **Driving Side:** Right-hand traffic
- **Mains Voltage:** 127V and 220V (60Hz)
- **International Calling Code:** +55
- **Internet TLD:** .br
- **ISO Codes:** BR (alpha-2), BRA (alpha-3), 076 (numeric)
- **Coordinates:** Latitude -14°, Longitude -53°
- **Highest Point:** Pico da Neblina (2,994 meters)
- **Lowest Point:** Atlantic Ocean (sea level)
- **Bordering Countries:** Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela
- **Time Zones:** UTC-02:00 to UTC-05:00
- **Constitution:** Constitution of Brazil (effective October 5, 1988)
- **Legislative Body:** National Congress of Brazil (Federal Senate and Chamber of Deputies)
- **Highest Judicial Authority:** Supreme Federal Court (STF)
- **Central Bank:** Central Bank of Brazil

## FAQs

**What is Brazil's form of government?**
Brazil is a federal republic with a presidential system, operating as a representative democracy. The government is divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with the President serving as both head of state and head of government.

**What languages are spoken in Brazil?**
Portuguese (specifically Brazilian Portuguese) is the official and most widely spoken language. Brazil also recognizes Brazilian Sign Language as an official language. The country is home to approximately 190 indigenous languages, including Hunsrik, Kreye, Pirahã, and many others spoken by indigenous peoples.

**What is Brazil's economic status?**
Brazil has the largest economy in Latin America and is one of the world's major economies. Its nominal GDP was approximately $1.92 trillion USD in 2022. The country is a member of the G20 and BRICS (which evolved from the BRIC grouping).

**What are Brazil's major cities?**
Brazil's most populous urban area is São Paulo, followed by Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, and Recife. The country has 26 states plus one Federal District.

**What organizations is Brazil a member of?**
Brazil is a member of the United Nations (since 1945), G20, BRICS, World Trade Organization, Organization of American States, Union of South American Nations, Community of Portuguese Language Countries, UNESCO, WHO, Interpol, and many others. It has held non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council multiple times.

**What is Brazil's demographic composition?**
According to 2010 census data, Brazil's ethnic composition includes White Brazilians (47.7%), Pardo Brazilians (43.1%), African Brazilians (7.6%), Asian Brazilians (1.1%), and indigenous peoples (0.4%). The literacy rate is approximately 93.22% (2018 data).

**What is Brazil's population growth and life expectancy?**
Brazil's population has grown from approximately 72.8 million in 1960 to over 213 million in 2025. Life expectancy at birth is approximately 75 years (2017 data). The total fertility rate is approximately 1.6 (2022 census data).

**What is Brazil's human development index?**
Brazil's Human Development Index (HDI) was 0.754 in 2021, placing it in the "high human development" category. The Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) for 2021 was 0.576.

**What are Brazil's major geographical features?**
Brazil occupies approximately half of South America's land area and shares the Amazon River basin (the world's largest drainage basin), the Paraná River, and the São Francisco River. The country spans multiple climate zones and contains the majority of the Amazon rainforest.

**What is Brazil's historical significance?**
Brazil was discovered by Pedro Álvares Cabral on April 22, 1500, and was a Portuguese colony until independence in 1822. It served as the seat of the Portuguese Empire from 1808 to 1821 when the royal court relocated to Rio de Janeiro. Brazil was the only Portuguese colony in the Americas to maintain continuous sovereignty since independence.

## Why It Matters

Brazil matters globally for several interconnected reasons. As the world's fifth-largest country by area and sixth-largest by population, Brazil represents one of the largest democratic nations and emerging markets globally. Its economy, the largest in Latin America, plays a critical role in global trade, agriculture, and industrial production.

The country's environmental significance cannot be overstated—Brazil contains approximately 60% of the Amazon rainforest, which plays a vital role in global climate regulation and biodiversity preservation. The Amazon represents the world's largest tropical rainforest and is home to an estimated 10% of all species on Earth.

Brazil's cultural influence extends far beyond its borders through music (samba, bossa nova, funk), literature, film, and sports—particularly football (soccer), where Brazil has won the World Cup a record five times. The country's cultural diplomacy and soft power are substantial, with Portuguese serving as a bridge language connecting Brazil to Lusophone Africa and Portugal.

In international affairs, Brazil serves as a key voice in global governance discussions, particularly on issues of sustainable development, climate change, and South-South cooperation. Its leadership in organizations like BRICS, G20, and various UN bodies gives it significant influence in shaping international policy. Brazil's diplomatic relations with over 160 countries demonstrate its extensive global integration.

The country's agricultural sector is a global powerhouse—Brazil is the world's largest producer of sugarcane, coffee, soybeans, and orange juice, among other commodities. This agricultural capacity positions Brazil as critical to global food security.

## Notable For

- **World Cup Championships:** Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002), more than any other nation
- **Amazon Rainforest:** Contains approximately 60% of the world's largest tropical rainforest
- **Itaipu Dam:** One of the world's largest hydroelectric power plants (located on the Paraná River)
- **Carnival:** The world's largest carnival celebration, held annually in Rio de Janeiro
- **Christ the Redeemer:** The iconic Art Deco statue in Rio de Janeiro, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- **Population Size:** Sixth-most populous country in the world
- **Biodiversity:** Home to approximately 10% of all species on Earth
- **Coffee Production:** Historically the world's largest coffee producer
- **Ethanol Program:** Pioneer in biofuel production from sugarcane
- **Space Program:** One of the few developing countries with an active space program
- **Telecommunications:** Extensive mobile phone penetration and internet connectivity
- **Oil Discovery:** Pre-salt oil reserves discovered in 2006-2007 positioned Brazil as a major potential oil producer
- **Football Legacy:** Produced legendary players including Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and many others
- **Samba and Bossa Nova:** Origin of globally influential music genres
- **Democratic Resilience:** One of the longest-running democracies in the developing world

## Body

### History and Political Development

Brazil's modern history began on April 22, 1500, when Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral landed on the Brazilian coast. The territory was initially a Portuguese colony known as the State of Brazil, established in 1549. The colony remained under Portuguese rule for over 300 years, becoming the seat of the Portuguese Empire from 1808 when the royal court fled Napoleon's invasion of Portugal until 1821.

Brazil declared independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822, when Prince Pedro I declared the country a sovereign empire. The Empire of Brazil lasted until 1889, when a military coup established the Republic of the United States of Brazil. The country underwent several name changes and political transformations before adopting its current name, Federative Republic of Brazil, with the 1988 constitution.

The country experienced military rule from 1964 to 1985 before returning to democratic governance. The current Constitution of Brazil, promulgated on October 5, 1988, established the current federal republic structure. Brazil transitioned capital administration from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília on April 22, 1960.

Recent presidential history includes: Fernando Collor de Mello (1990-1992), Itamar Franco (1992-1994), Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1995-2002), Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (2003-2010), Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016), Michel Temer (2016-2019), Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023), and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (2023-present, his third term).

### Geography and Environment

Brazil occupies a vast territory of 8,515,767 km², covering approximately 47% of South America's land area. The country's geography is remarkably diverse, encompassing the Amazon Basin, the Pantanal wetlands, the Cerrado savanna, the Atlantic Forest, and the Pampas grassland.

The Amazon River basin represents the world's largest drainage basin, covering about 5.5 million km². Brazil shares the Amazon with seven other countries, though the majority of the rainforest lies within Brazilian territory. The country's highest point is Pico da Neblina at 2,994 meters, while its lowest point is sea level at the Atlantic Ocean.

Brazil spans multiple time zones: UTC-02:00 (Fernando de Noronha and islands), UTC-03:00 (Brasília time, covering most states including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais), UTC-04:00 (Amazon region), and UTC-05:00 (Acre and parts of Amazonas, since 2013).

The country shares borders with ten nations: Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela—making it the country with the most neighboring nations in South America after Bolivia and Colombia.

### Economy and Trade

Brazil operates as the largest economy in Latin America and one of the world's major emerging markets. The country's nominal GDP reached approximately $1.92 trillion USD in 2022. The economy is diversified across agriculture, industry, and services sectors.

Key agricultural products include sugarcane (Brazil is the world's largest producer), coffee, soybeans, orange juice, beef, and poultry. The country is also a major producer of ethanol, derived from sugarcane, representing one of the world's most successful biofuel programs.

Brazil's currency, the Brazilian real, has been in circulation since July 1, 1994, as part of the Real Plan that controlled hyperinflation. The country has experienced various currency transitions throughout its history, including the cruzeiro, cruzado, and cruzeiro real.

The country is a member of Mercosur (Southern Common Market) and maintains extensive trade relationships with China, the United States, the European Union, and other major economies. Brazil's trade infrastructure includes numerous ports along its Atlantic coastline.

### Demographics and Society

Brazil's population reached approximately 213.4 million residents as of July 2025, making it the sixth-most populous nation globally. The population has grown dramatically from approximately 72.8 million in 1960, though growth rates have declined significantly in recent decades.

The 2010 census revealed Brazil's ethnic composition: White Brazilians (47.7%), Pardo Brazilians (multirial, 43.1%), African Brazilians (7.6%), Asian Brazilians (1.1%), and indigenous peoples (0.4%). This diverse composition reflects centuries of immigration, colonization, and the legacy of the Atlantic slave trade.

Brazil's literacy rate stands at approximately 93.22% (2018 data), with significant improvements from historical levels. The country maintains compulsory education requirements for children ages 7 to 14, with the maximum age being 14.

The country's population is highly urbanized, with approximately 188.5 million people living in urban areas (2022 data), compared to about 26.8 million in rural areas. São Paulo is the most populous metropolitan area, followed by Rio de Janeiro and Brasília.

### Culture and Society

Brazilian culture represents a unique blend of indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences, along with significant contributions from Italian, German, Japanese, and other immigrant communities. This cultural synthesis is evident in music, dance, cuisine, literature, and visual arts.

Music genres originating in Brazil have achieved global recognition: samba (associated with Carnival and Rio de Janeiro), bossa nova (popularized by João Gilberto and Tom Jobim), MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), forró, axé, and funk brasileiro. Brazil's football culture is legendary, with the national team winning five World Cup titles and producing players recognized globally as the best in the sport.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is the world's largest carnival celebration, featuring elaborate parades by samba schools, elaborate costumes, and street parties throughout the country. Other significant cultural events include São Paulo's Carnival, the Festival de Parintins, and various regional celebrations.

Brazilian cuisine varies by region but commonly features rice, beans, meat (particularly beef and chicken), fish in coastal areas, and tropical fruits. Regional dishes include feijoada (black bean stew), moqueca (seafood stew), and various churrasco (barbecue) traditions.

### International Relations and Memberships

Brazil maintains diplomatic relations with over 160 countries and holds membership in numerous international organizations. As a founding member of the United Nations, Brazil joined on October 24, 1945, and has served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council multiple times (1946-1947, 1951-1952, 1954-1955, 1963-1964, 1988-1989, 1993-1994, 1998-1999, 2004-2005, 2010-2011).

Brazil is a prominent member of the G20 (major economies), BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), and various regional organizations including the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), Organization of American States (OAS), and Mercosur. The country also participates in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI).

Brazil maintains significant bilateral relationships with major powers including the United States, China, Germany, Argentina, and Portugal. The country's foreign policy traditionally emphasizes South-South cooperation, democratic values, and peaceful conflict resolution.

### Infrastructure and Technology

Brazil's infrastructure includes an extensive road network, though railway development has been limited. The country operates numerous airports, with Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo being the busiest. Brazil's telecommunications sector is advanced, with extensive mobile phone coverage and growing internet penetration.

The country has invested significantly in hydroelectric power, with Itaipu Dam (jointly operated with Paraguay) being one of the world's largest power-generating facilities. Brazil's electrical system operates at 127V or 220V at 60Hz, with various plug types in use including Europlug and IEC 60906-1 standards.

Emergency telephone numbers include 190 (police), 192 (ambulance), 193 (fire department), and 188 (crisis hotline). The country's vehicle registration code is "BR," and aircraft registration prefixes include PP, PT, PR, PU, and PS.

### Education and Social Indicators

Brazil's education system has achieved significant progress, with literacy rates improving from historically lower levels to over 93% in recent years. The country maintains public universities and a growing private higher education sector. The e-MEC system manages the registry and accreditation of higher education institutions.

Health indicators show improvements in life expectancy, which reached approximately 75 years by 2017, though the COVID-19 pandemic affected recent mortality data. The country's birth rate has declined significantly, with the total fertility rate reaching approximately 1.6 children per woman by 2022.

Brazil's Human Development Index was 0.754 in 2021, ranking among the "high human development" countries. However, the country continues to face challenges with income inequality, reflected in a Gini coefficient of approximately 48.9 (2020 data).

### Sports and Recreation

Football (soccer) is Brazil's most popular sport, with the national team (Seleção) achieving unparalleled success, winning five FIFA World Cup championships. The country has produced legendary players including Pelé (widely considered one of the greatest footballers ever), Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Zico, Romário, and many others.

Other popular sports include volleyball (where Brazil's men's and women's teams are world champions), mixed martial arts (MMA), basketball, and motorsports. Brazil has hosted major international sporting events, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

### Media and Communication

Brazil's media landscape includes numerous television networks (including Rede Globo, the largest), newspapers (such as Folha de S.Paulo and O Globo), and digital platforms. The country has a vibrant blogosphere and social media presence, with significant user bases on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Official government information is disseminated through the portal gov.br. Brazil's media operates primarily in Portuguese, with some international outlets available. The country has developed its own digital ecosystem including platforms like Mercado Livre (e-commerce) and various fintech companies.

### Indigenous Peoples and Languages

Brazil is home to approximately 190 indigenous languages spoken by diverse indigenous peoples. These languages represent numerous language families and isolated language groups. Among the most well-known indigenous languages are Ticuna, Guarani, and Kaiapó, though many others are spoken by smaller communities.

The Constitution of Brazil recognizes indigenous peoples' rights to their traditional lands and languages. However, these communities face ongoing challenges related to land rights, environmental preservation, and cultural preservation. The indigenous population represents approximately 0.4% of the total population according to the 2010 census.

### Religion and Belief

Brazil's constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and the country is predominantly Christian (approximately 90% identifying as Catholic or Protestant). The Catholic Church played a significant role in Brazilian history, and the country maintains strong religious traditions including the celebration of various saints' days and the veneration of Our Lady of Aparecida (the nation's patron saint).

Brazil also has growing Protestant communities, particularly evangelical denominations, as well as practitioners of Afro-Brazilian religions (such as Candomblé and Umbanda), Spiritism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and other faiths. The country maintains a secular state according to its constitution.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/brazil)
2. [Source](https://www.state.gov/independent-states-in-the-world/)
3. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Brazil)
4. [Source](http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/2002/l10436.htm)
5. [Source](http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_Ato2007-2010/2008/Decreto/D6583.htm)
6. Constitution of Brazil
7. [Source](http://www.bcb.gov.br/htms/museu-espacos/refmone.asp?idpai=CEDMOEBR)
8. [Diario Official da União. 1988](http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/Constituicao/DOUconstituicao88.pdf)
9. The World Factbook
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. CiNii Research
12. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
13. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
14. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=9)
15. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
16. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Americas/BRAZIL)
17. [Source](http://mtcr.info/partners/)
18. [Nuclear Suppliers Group](http://www.nuclearsuppliersgroup.org/en/participants1)
19. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
20. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/brazil)
21. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
22. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
23. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/brazil)
24. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_states_of_BRICS#Member_states)
25. [Source](https://www.ats.aq/devAS/Parties?lang=e)
26. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
27. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
28. [Source](http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/sala-de-imprensa/notas-a-imprensa/2009/09/21/comunicado-conjunto-sobre-o-estabelecimento-de/)
29. [Source](http://www.brasil.gov.br/governo/2009/11/imperio)
30. [Source](http://www.brasil.gov.br/governo/2016/09/conheca-o-significado-do-7-de-setembro-data-que-marca-a-independencia-do-brasil)
31. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
32. Source
33. MusicBrainz
34. [2022](https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI)
35. [Source](https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html)
36. [Estamos crescendo: Brasil já tem 206 milhões de habitantes, diz IBGE. 2016](https://noticias.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/agencia-brasil/2016/08/30/ibge-brasil-ja-tem-206-milhoes-de-habitantes.htm)
37. [Source](http://pesquisa.in.gov.br/imprensa/jsp/visualiza/index.jsp?jornal=1&pagina=58&data=30/08/2017)
38. [Source](http://pesquisa.in.gov.br/imprensa/jsp/visualiza/index.jsp?jornal=515&pagina=55&data=29/08/2018)
39. [Brasil tem mais de 208,5 milhões de habitantes, diz IBGE. 2018](https://noticias.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/agencia-estado/2018/08/29/brasil-tem-mais-de-208-milhoes-de-habitantes-diz-ibge.htm)
40. [IBGE divulga as estimativas da população dos municípios para 2019. 2019](https://agenciadenoticias.ibge.gov.br/agencia-sala-de-imprensa/2013-agencia-de-noticias/releases/25278-ibge-divulga-as-estimativas-da-populacao-dos-municipios-para-2019)
41. [Portaria nº PR-254, de 25 de agosto de 2020. 2020](https://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/portaria-n-pr-254-de-25-de-agosto-de-2020-274382852)
42. [População do Brasil passa de 211,7 milhões de habitantes, estima IBGE. 2020](https://noticias.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/agencia-brasil/2020/08/27/populacao-do-brasil-passa-de-2117-milhoes-de-habitantes-estima-ibge.htm)
43. [Portaria nº PR-268, de 26 de agosto de 2021. 2021](https://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/portaria-n-pr-268-de-26-de-agosto-de-2021-341037196)
44. [IBGE: População brasileira cresce a 213,3 milhões de pessoas em 2021. 2021](https://noticias.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/agencia-brasil/2021/08/27/populacao-brasileira-chega-a-2133-milhoes-de-pessoas-em-2021.htm)
45. [De 2010 a 2022, população brasileira cresce 6,5% e chega a 203,1 milhões. 2023](https://agenciadenoticias.ibge.gov.br/agencia-noticias/2012-agencia-de-noticias/noticias/37237-de-2010-a-2022-populacao-brasileira-cresce-6-5-e-chega-a-203-1-milhoes)
46. [Brasil tem 212,6 milhões de habitantes em 2024, diz IBGE. 2024](https://www.poder360.com.br/brasil/brasil-tem-2126-milhoes-de-habitantes-em-2024-diz-ibge/)
47. [Brasil tem 213,4 milhões de habitantes em 2025, diz IBGE. 2025](https://noticias.uol.com.br/cotidiano/ultimas-noticias/2025/08/28/ibge-brasil-tem-2134-milhoes-de-habitantes-em-2025.htm)
48. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
49. [Source](http://www.udcsummary.info/php/index.php?id=1951&lang=en)
50. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)