Brazil

Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America. It is also the world's fifth-largest country by area and the seventh-largest by population, with over 213 million people. Brazil is a federation made up of 26 states and a Federal District, where the capital, Brasília, is located. The most populous city is São Paulo, followed by Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil has the most Portuguese speakers in the world and is the only country in the Americas where Portuguese is an official language. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and has a very long coastline, one of the longest in the world. Brazil shares borders with all other countries on the continent except Ecuador and Chile.

Brazil contains most of the Amazon basin, including the world's largest river system and the biggest tropical forest. It is one of the 17 megadiverse countries and has many different kinds of wildlife and ecological systems.

Long ago, various indigenous peoples lived in Brazil before Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral arrived in 1500. Brazil became independent from Portugal in 1822. It started as an empire and later became a republic. Today, Brazil is a regional and middle power with a complex and diversified economy. It is an important member of groups like the United Nations, the G20, and BRICS.

Etymology

Main article: Name of Brazil

The name "Brazil" likely comes from the Portuguese word for brazilwood, a tree that grew along the coast. This wood was prized for its deep red color, used for making dyes. Because of this trade, the land became known as the "Land of Brazil." Over time, this name became more common. In another language, Guarani, Brazil is called Pindorama, meaning "land of the palm trees."

History

Main article: History of Brazil

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Brazilian history.

Pre-Cabraline era

Main article: Pre-Cabraline history of Brazil

See also: Indigenous peoples in Brazil and Marajoara culture

Some of the earliest human remains found in the Americas, Luzia Woman, were found in the area of Pedro Leopoldo, Minas Gerais, and show people lived there at least 11,000 years ago. The earliest pottery found in the Western Hemisphere was discovered in the Amazon basin of Brazil and radiocarbon dated to over 8,000 years ago (6000 BC). The pottery was found near Santarém and shows the area had a complex prehistoric culture. The Marajoara culture lived on Marajó in the Amazon delta from AD 400 to 1400, making pottery, large communities, mound building, and complex social groups.

Around the time the Portuguese arrived, Brazil had about 7 million Indigenous people, mostly semi-nomadic, who hunted, fished, gathered, and farmed. They included several large groups such as the Tupis, Guaranis, Gês, and Arawaks. The Tupi people were split into the Tupiniquins and Tupinambás.

European colonization and Colonial Brazil

Main articles: Colonial Brazil and Portuguese Empire

See also: Portuguese colonization of the Americas and Dutch Brazil

After the 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas, the land now called Brazil was claimed for the Portuguese Empire on 22 April 1500, when the arrival of the Portuguese fleet led by Pedro Álvares Cabral landed. Along the coast, the Portuguese met various Indigenous communities, most speaking languages of the Tupi–Guarani family. The first settlement, São Vicente, was founded in 1532, but colonization truly began in 1534 when King John III of Portugal divided the land into fifteen regions.

However, this system did not work well, and in 1549 the Portuguese king created the Governorate General of Brazil in the city of Salvador, which became the capital of a single colony in South America. In the first two centuries, Indigenous and European groups often fought, forming alliances to gain advantages.

By the mid-16th century, cane sugar became Brazil's most important export, and many slaves from Africa were brought in to work on sugarcane plantations to meet the growing demand for sugar. Brazil received more than 2.8 million slaves from Africa between 1500 and 1800.

By the late 1600s, sugar exports fell, and the discovery of gold in the 1690s became the colony's main economic driver, causing a gold rush that brought many new settlers to Brazil. This led to some conflicts between new and old settlers.

Portuguese expeditions called bandeiras expanded Brazil's borders to its current size. Other European powers tried to take parts of Brazil, but the Portuguese defended it, including against the French in Rio during the 1560s, in Maranhão during the 1610s, and the Dutch in Bahia and Pernambuco, during the Dutch–Portuguese War, after the end of Iberian Union.

Kingdom of Brazil

Main article: United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves

See also: Invasion of Portugal (1807) and Transfer of the Portuguese court to Brazil

In late 1807, Spanish and Napoleonic forces threatened continental Portugal, so Prince Regent John, for Queen Maria I, moved the royal court to Rio de Janeiro. They set up Brazil's first financial institutions, such as local stock exchanges and its National Bank, ending the Portuguese monopoly on trade and opening Brazil's ports to other nations. In 1809, the Prince Regent ordered the conquest of French Guiana as a response.

After the Peninsular War ended in 1814, European courts wanted Queen Maria I and Prince Regent John to return to Portugal, since they thought it was wrong for a monarchy's leader to live in a colony. In 1815, to stay in Brazil, the Crown created the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, forming a pluricontinental state. But leaders in Portugal wanted the court back in Lisbon (see Liberal Revolution of 1820). In 1821, John VI returned to Portugal and left his son, Prince Pedro de Alcântara, as Regent of the Kingdom of Brazil.

Empire of Brazil

Main articles: Independence of Brazil and Empire of Brazil

Tensions grew between Portuguese and Brazilians, and the Portuguese Cortes tried to make Brazil a colony again. The Brazilians refused, and Prince Pedro decided to support them, declaring the country's independence from Portugal on 7 September 1822. A month later, Prince Pedro became the first Emperor of Brazil, Dom Pedro I, starting the Empire of Brazil.

The Brazilian War of Independence continued through the north and northeast, and in the Cisplatina region. The last Portuguese soldiers surrendered on 8 March 1824; Portugal officially recognized Brazilian independence on 29 August 1825.

On 7 April 1831, Pedro I left Portugal to reclaim his daughter's crown after abdicating the Brazilian throne in favor of his young son, Dom Pedro II.

Since the new Emperor was too young to rule, a regency was set up by the General Assembly. Without a strong leader, several local uprisings happened, like the Cabanagem in Grão-Pará, the Malê Revolt in Salvador, the Balaiada in Maranhão, the Sabinada in Bahia, and the Ragamuffin War in Rio Grande do Sul, supported by Giuseppe Garibaldi. These revolts came from provinces being unhappy with central rule and old social tensions. This time of trouble ended in the late 1840s, after Pedro II became Emperor in 1841.

During the last part of the monarchy, the big debate was about slavery. The Atlantic slave trade ended in 1850, but slavery itself was only ended in May 1888 with the Golden Law after many years of discussion.

The foreign policies of the monarchy dealt with issues with Brazil's neighbors. Brazil fought three wars after the Cisplatine War: the Platine War, the Uruguayan War, and the big Paraguayan War.

Even though most Brazilians did not want to change the government, the monarchy was overthrown in 1889 by a military coup. A few days later, the national flag was changed to include the motto "Ordem e Progresso", influenced by positivism. 15 November became Republic Day, a national holiday.

Early Republic

Main articles: First Brazilian Republic, Vargas Era, and Fourth Brazilian Republic

The early republican government was ruled by the military, with the army controlling Rio de Janeiro and the states. Freedom of the press ended, and elections were controlled. Civilians took power in 1894 after an economic crisis and a military one, and stayed until October 1930.

In this time, Brazil tried to settle border disputes, except during the Acre War (1899–1902) and its involvement in World War I (1914–1918). There were also many financial, political, and social problems until the 1920s, with many rebellions.

Eventually, a cycle of general instability led to the Revolution of 1930 led by Getúlio Vargas, who was supported by the military. Vargas and the military planned to rule temporarily, but they closed Congress, ended the Constitution, took control with emergency powers, and replaced state governors with their supporters.

Military dictatorship

Main article: Military dictatorship in Brazil

The new rule was meant to be short, but it became a full dictatorship with the Fifth Institutional Act in 1968. Economic problems and public pressure led to a return to democracy, guided by Generals Ernesto Geisel and Golbery do Couto e Silva. With the Amnesty Law in 1979, Brazil started a slow return to democracy, finished in the 1980s.

Contemporary era

Main article: History of Brazil (1985–present)

Civilians took power again in 1985 with José Sarney as president. His time was unpopular because he could not fix the economic problems or hyperinflation. This led to the 1989 election of Fernando Collor, who was later impeached by the National Congress in 1992. He was replaced by his vice-president, Itamar Franco, who hired Fernando Henrique Cardoso as Minister of Finance. In 1994, Cardoso created the successful Plano Real to end hyperinflation after many failed economic plans. Cardoso was elected in 1994 and again in 1998.

The peaceful transition of power from Cardoso to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006, showed Brazil had achieved political stability. However, during the term of Dilma Rousseff, who became president in 2010 and again in 2014, protests happened because of anger about corruption, police brutality, and problems with the government and public services.

Rousseff was impeached by the Brazilian Congress in 2016 and replaced by her vice-president Michel Temer. There were large protests for and against her during the impeachment. The charges came from political and economic problems and links to a big political scandal.

In the hard-fought 2018 elections, Jair Bolsonaro from the Social Liberal Party (PSL) became president, beating Fernando Haddad from the Workers Party (PT). In the early 2020s, Brazil was badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a very high number of deaths. In May 2021, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he would run again in the 2022 Brazilian general election against Bolsonaro. In October 2022, Lula won the election. On 8 January 2023, after Lula's inauguration, supporters of Bolsonaro attacked Brazil's federal government buildings in Brasília.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America. It covers almost half of the continent. Brazil borders many countries, including Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and France through French Guiana. It also has islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

Brazil has many climates, from tropical in the north to subtropical in the south. The country has rainforests, savannas, and even deserts. It has mountains, plains, and many rivers. The Amazon River is the largest river in the world. Brazil’s landscapes support many plants and animals, making it very rich in nature.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Brazil, Federal government of Brazil, and Elections in Brazil

Brazil is a democratic republic. The president is the leader of the country and is elected for a four-year term. The president can serve two terms. The current president is Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Brazil has a legislature called the National Congress. It has two parts: the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate. The Senate represents the 26 states and the Federal District. The Chamber of Deputies represents the people. The country's laws are based on civil law, with the Federal Constitution as the most important law.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Brazil

See also: Brazilian real, Agriculture in Brazil, Mining in Brazil, and Industry in Brazil

Brazil has a big and different economy with many natural resources. It is the biggest economy in Latin America and the tenth biggest in the world. After a slow time in 2014, the economy started to grow again in 2024. Brazil’s economy has farming, factories, and many services. Farming is important. Brazil grows a lot of coffee, soybeans, and many other crops. The country also mines a lot and sells things like iron ore and soybeans to other countries.

Tourism is getting bigger in Brazil. People like to visit the Amazon Rainforest, beautiful beaches, and cultural places. Brazil is also good at science and technology, with important research centers and a growing space program. The country uses clean energy from hydroelectric power and ethanol.

Main article: Tourism in Brazil

Main article: Science and technology in Brazil

Main article: Energy in Brazil

Main article: Transport in Brazil

Demographics

See also: Immigration to Brazil and List of Brazilian states by population density

Brazil has more than 213 million people, making it the fifth-largest country in the world. Most people live in the Southeast and Northeast parts. The country has many different races and ethnicities, including Pardo (mixed), White, Black, Indigenous, and East Asian groups.

The official language is Portuguese, and most people speak it. Brazil also has many minority languages, including several Indigenous languages and languages brought by immigrants. Christianity is the most common religion, with Catholicism being the largest group, followed by Protestantism. The country has many different faiths.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Brazil

The culture of Brazil comes mainly from Portuguese culture. The Portuguese brought the Portuguese language, the religion of Roman Catholicism, and many building styles. Brazil’s culture was also shaped by people from Africa, indigenous groups, and other European countries.

Brazilian art has grown since the 1500s. It includes many styles such as Baroque, Romanticism, Modernism, and more. Brazilian cinema began in the late 1800s and has gained attention around the world since the 1960s.

Architecture

Main article: Architecture of Brazil

Brazil’s architecture has been influenced mostly by Europe, especially Portugal. It began 500 years ago when Portuguese explorers arrived. In the 1800s, during the Empire of Brazil, styles like Neoclassical and Gothic Revival architecture were popular. In the 1950s, the capital city of Brasília was built with modernist architecture.

Visual arts

Brazilian painting started in the late 1500s and includes many styles like Baroque, Romanticism, and Modernism. In 1816, a group of French artists came to Brazil to help start an art school. Famous Brazilian painters include Tarsila do Amaral and Candido Portinari.

Music

Main article: Music of Brazil

Brazilian music mixes European, Native Indigenous, and African influences. Popular types include samba, bossa nova, and forró. Music is a big part of festivals like the Brazilian Carnivals.

Literature

Brazilian writing began in the 1500s with Portuguese explorers. Famous writers include Machado de Assis, who wrote many kinds of stories, and Jorge Amado, known for his novels. Brazil has its own academy to protect its language and literature.

Theatre

The theatre in Brazil started in the 1500s with performances spread by Jesuit priests. In the 1800s, famous playwrights such as Luís Carlos Martins Pena appeared. In the 1900s, new groups brought fresh ideas to Brazilian theatre.

Cinema

Main article: Cinema of Brazil

Brazil’s film industry started in the late 1800s. Some early films were not successful at first but are valued today. In the 1960s, a new film style called Cinema Novo became popular. Brazil has produced many respected films and has hosted important film festivals.

Media

Main articles: Telecommunications in Brazil and Television in Brazil

See also: Concentration of media ownership § Brazil, and Mass media regulation in Brazil

Newspapers in Brazil began in 1808. Television started in 1950. Today, Brazil has many TV networks and uses computers and the internet widely.

Cuisine

See also: List of Brazilian dishes

Food in Brazil varies by region. Popular dishes include feijoada, a national dish, and churrasco, a type of barbecue. Brazil also enjoys many snacks, desserts, and fruits such as açaí and mango.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Brazil

See also: Brazil at the Olympics and Brazil at the Paralympics

The most popular sport in Brazil is football. The national team has won the World Cup five times. Other popular sports include volleyball, auto racing, and martial arts. Brazil has hosted major events such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.