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 composed of 26 states and a Federal District, which hosts the capital, Brasília. Its 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. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of 7,491 kilometers (4,655 mi), among the longest in the world. It borders all other countries and territories on the continent except Ecuador and Chile.

Brazil contains most of the Amazon basin, including the world's largest river system and the most extensive virgin tropical forest. It is one of the 17 megadiverse countries and has a rich variety of wildlife and ecological systems.

Brazil was inhabited by various indigenous peoples before Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral arrived in 1500. It became independent from Portugal in 1822 and established itself as an empire, later evolving into a presidential republic. Today, Brazil is a regional and middle power with a complex and highly diversified economy, and it plays an important role in international organizations such as 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 once grew along the coast. This wood was prized for its deep red color, which made it valuable for making dyes. Because of this trade, the land became known as the "Land of Brazil." Over time, this name became more common than the official name used by Portuguese explorers. 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 provide evidence of human habitation going back at least 11,000 years. The earliest pottery ever found in the Western Hemisphere was excavated in the Amazon basin of Brazil and radiocarbon dated to over 8,000 years ago (6000 BC). The pottery was found near Santarém and provides evidence that the region supported a complex prehistoric culture. The Marajoara culture flourished on Marajó in the Amazon delta from AD 400 to 1400, developing sophisticated pottery, large populations, mound building, and complex social formations such as chiefdoms.

Around the time of the Portuguese arrival, the territory of present day Brazil had an estimated indigenous population of 7 million people, mostly semi-nomadic, who subsisted on hunting, fishing, gathering, and migrant agriculture. The population comprised several large indigenous ethnic groups (e.g., the Tupis, Guaranis, Gês, and Arawaks). The Tupi people were subdivided 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

Following the 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas, the land now called Brazil was claimed for the Portuguese Empire on 22 April 1500, with the arrival of the Portuguese fleet commanded by Pedro Álvares Cabral. Along the coast, the Portuguese encountered various Indigenous communities, most of whom spoke languages of the Tupi–Guarani family. Though the first settlement, São Vicente, was founded in 1532, colonization effectively began in 1534, when King John III of Portugal divided the territory into the fifteen private and autonomous captaincies.

However, the decentralized and unorganized captaincy system proved unsuccessful, and in 1549 the Portuguese king restructured them into the Governorate General of Brazil in the city of Salvador, which became the capital of a single and centralized Portuguese colony in South America. In the first two centuries of colonization, Indigenous and European groups lived in constant war, establishing opportunistic alliances in order to gain advantages against each other.

By the mid-16th century, cane sugar had become Brazil's most important export, while slaves purchased in Sub-Saharan Africa in the slave market of Western Africa (not only those from Portuguese allies of their colonies in Angola and Mozambique), had become its largest import, to cope with sugarcane plantations, due to increasing international demand for Brazilian sugar. Brazil received more than 2.8 million slaves from Africa between the years 1500 and 1800.

By the end of the 17th century, sugar exports began to decline and the discovery of gold by bandeirantes in the 1690s would become the new backbone of the colony's economy, fostering a gold rush which attracted thousands of new settlers to Brazil from Portugal and all Portuguese colonies around the world. This increased level of immigration in turn caused some conflicts between newcomers and old settlers.

Portuguese expeditions known as bandeiras gradually expanded Brazil's original colonial frontiers in South America to its approximately current borders. In this era, other European powers tried to colonize parts of Brazil, in incursions that the Portuguese had to fight, notably 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 the security of continental Portugal, causing Prince Regent John, in the name of Queen Maria I, to move the royal court from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro. There they established some of Brazil's first financial institutions, such as its local stock exchanges and its National Bank, additionally ending the Portuguese monopoly on Brazilian trade and opening Brazil's ports to other nations. In 1809, in retaliation for being forced into exile, the Prince Regent ordered the conquest of French Guiana.

With the end of the Peninsular War in 1814, the courts of Europe demanded that Queen Maria I and Prince Regent John return to Portugal, deeming it unfit for the head of an ancient European monarchy to reside in a colony. In 1815, to justify continuing to live in Brazil, where the royal court had thrived for six years, the Crown established the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, thus creating a pluricontinental transatlantic monarchic state. However, the leadership in Portugal, resentful of the new status of its larger colony, continued to demand the return of the court to Lisbon (see Liberal Revolution of 1820). In 1821, acceding to the demands of revolutionaries who had taken the city of Porto, John VI departed for Lisbon. There he swore an oath to the new constitution, leaving 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 between Portuguese and Brazilians increased and the Portuguese Cortes, guided by the new political regime imposed by the Liberal Revolution, tried to re-establish Brazil as a colony. The Brazilians refused to yield, and Prince Pedro decided to side with them, declaring the country's independence from Portugal on 7 September 1822. A month later, Prince Pedro was proclaimed the first Emperor of Brazil, with the royal title of Dom Pedro I, resulting in the founding of the Empire of Brazil.

The Brazilian War of Independence, which had already begun along this process, spread through the northern, northeastern regions and in the Cisplatina province. The last Portuguese soldiers surrendered on 8 March 1824; Portugal officially recognized Brazilian independence on 29 August 1825.

On 7 April 1831, worn down by years of administrative turmoil and political dissent with both liberals and conservatives, including an attempt of republican secession and unreconciled to the way that absolutists in Portugal had given in the succession of King John VI, Pedro I departed for Portugal to reclaim his daughter's crown after abdicating the Brazilian throne in favor of his five-year-old son and heir (Dom Pedro II).

As the new Emperor could not exert his constitutional powers until he came of age, a regency was set up by the General Assembly. In the absence of a charismatic figure who could represent a moderate face of power, a series of localized rebellions took place, such as the Cabanagem in Grão-Pará, the Malê Revolt in Salvador, the Balaiada (Maranhão), the Sabinada (Bahia), and the Ragamuffin War, which began in Rio Grande do Sul and was supported by Giuseppe Garibaldi. These emerged from the provinces' dissatisfaction with the central power, coupled with old and latent social tensions peculiar to a vast, slaveholding and newly independent nation state. This period of internal political and social upheaval, which included the Praieira revolt in Pernambuco, was overcome only at the end of the 1840s, years after the end of the regency, which occurred with the premature coronation of Pedro II in 1841.

During the last phase of the monarchy, internal political debate centered on the issue of slavery. The Atlantic slave trade was outlawed in 1850, as a result of the British Aberdeen Act and the Eusébio de Queirós Law, but only in May 1888, after a long process of internal mobilization and debate for an ethical and legal dismantling of slavery in the country, was the institution formally abolished with the approval of the Golden Law.

The foreign-affairs policies of the monarchy dealt with issues pertaining Brazil's neighboring countries in the Southern Cone. Long after the Cisplatine War that resulted in the independence of Uruguay, Brazil won three international wars during the 58-year reign of Pedro II: the Platine War, the Uruguayan War and the devastating Paraguayan War, the largest war effort in Brazilian history.

Although there was no desire among the majority of Brazilians to change the country's form of government, on 15 November 1889, in disagreement with the majority of the Imperial Army officers, as well as with rural and financial elites, the monarchy was overthrown by a military coup. A few days later, the national flag was replaced with a new design that included the national motto "Ordem e Progresso", influenced by positivism. 15 November is now Republic Day, a national holiday.

Early Republic

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

The early republican government was a military dictatorship, with the army dominating affairs both in Rio de Janeiro and in the states. Freedom of the press disappeared and elections were controlled by those in power. Not until 1894, following an economic crisis and a military one, did civilians take power, remaining there until October 1930.

In this first republican period, Brazil maintained a relative balance characterized by a success in resolving border disputes with neighboring countries, only broken by the Acre War (1899–1902) and its involvement in World War I (1914–1918), followed by a failed attempt to exert a prominent role in the League of Nations; Internally, from the crisis of Encilhamento and the Navy Revolts, a prolonged cycle of financial, political and social instability began until the 1920s, keeping the country besieged by various rebellions, both civilian and military.

Little by little, a cycle of general instability sparked by these crises undermined the regime to such an extent that in the wake of the murder of his running mate, the defeated opposition presidential candidate Getúlio Vargas, supported by most of the military, successfully led the Revolution of 1930. Vargas and the military were supposed to assume power temporarily, but instead closed down Congress, extinguished the Constitution, ruled with emergency powers and replaced the states' governors with his own supporters.

Military dictatorship

Main article: Military dictatorship in Brazil

The new regime was intended to be transitory, but gradually closed in on itself and became a full dictatorship with the promulgation of the Fifth Institutional Act in 1968. The inability to deal with the economic crises of the period and popular pressure made a redemocratization policy inevitable, which from the regime side was led by Generals Ernesto Geisel and Golbery do Couto e Silva. With the enactment of the Amnesty Law in 1979, Brazil began a slow return to democracy, which was completed during the 1980s.

Contemporary era

Main article: History of Brazil (1985–present)

Civilians returned to power in 1985 when José Sarney assumed the presidency. He became unpopular during his tenure through failure to control the economic crisis and hyperinflation he inherited from the military regime. Sarney's unsuccessful government led to the election in 1989 of the almost-unknown Fernando Collor, who was subsequently impeached by the National Congress in 1992. Collor was succeeded by his vice-president, Itamar Franco, who appointed Fernando Henrique Cardoso as Minister of Finance. In 1994, Cardoso devised a highly successful Plano Real that, after decades of failed economic plans made by previous governments attempting to curb hyperinflation, finally stabilized the Brazilian economy. Cardoso won the 1994 election, and again in 1998.

The peaceful transition of power from Cardoso to his main opposition leader, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006), was seen as proof that Brazil had achieved a long-sought political stability. However, sparked by discontent accumulated over decades from corruption, police brutality, inefficiencies of the political establishment and public service, numerous peaceful protests erupted in Brazil in the middle of the first term of Dilma Rousseff, who had succeeded Lula after winning election in 2010 and again in 2014 by narrow margins.

Rousseff was impeached by the Brazilian Congress in 2016, halfway into her second term, and replaced by her vice-president Michel Temer, who assumed full presidential powers after Rousseff's impeachment was accepted on 31 August. Large street protests for and against her took place during the impeachment process. The charges against her were fueled by political and economic crises along with evidence of involvement with politicians from all the primary political parties. In 2017, the Supreme Court requested the investigation of 71 Brazilian lawmakers and nine ministers of President Michel Temer's cabinet who were allegedly linked to the Petrobras corruption scandal. President Temer himself was also accused of corruption.

In the fiercely contested 2018 elections, the controversial conservative candidate Jair Bolsonaro of the Social Liberal Party (PSL) was elected president, winning in the second round against Fernando Haddad, of the Workers Party (PT), with the support of 55.13% of the valid votes. In the early 2020s, Brazil became one of the hardest hit countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, receiving the second-highest death toll worldwide after the United States. In May 2021, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that he would run for a third term in the 2022 Brazilian general election against Bolsonaro. In October 2022, Lula was in first place in the first round, with 48.43% of the support from the electorate, and received 50.90% of the votes in the second round. On 8 January 2023, a week after Lula's inauguration, a mob of Bolsonaro's supporters attacked Brazil's federal government buildings in the capital, Brasília, after several weeks of unrest.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America, taking up almost half of the continent’s land area. It shares borders with many countries, including Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and France through French Guiana. It also includes several islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

Brazil has many different climates, ranging from tropical in the north to subtropical in the south. The country has vast rainforests, savannas, and even deserts. Its geography includes mountains, plains, and many rivers, with the Amazon River being the largest in the world. Brazil’s diverse landscapes support an amazing variety of plants and animals, making it one of the most biologically rich countries on Earth.

Government and politics

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

Brazil is a democratic republic, where the president is both the head of state and government. The president is elected for a four-year term and can serve a second term. The current president is Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Brazil has a bicameral legislature called the National Congress, which includes the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate. The Senate represents the 26 states and the Federal District, while the Chamber of Deputies represents the people. The country's legal system is based on civil law, with the Federal Constitution as the highest law.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Brazil

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

Brazil has a large and diverse economy, rich in natural resources. It is the largest economy in Latin America and the tenth largest in the world. After a recession in 2014, the economy began growing again in 2024. Brazil’s economy includes agriculture, industry, and many services. Agriculture is important, with Brazil being a top producer of coffee, soybeans, and many other crops. The country also has a strong mining sector and is a major exporter of products like iron ore and soybeans.

Tourism is growing in Brazil, with popular destinations including the Amazon Rainforest, beautiful beaches, and cultural sites. Brazil also has strong areas in science and technology, with important research centers and a developing space program. The country gets much of its energy from renewable sources like 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's population is over 213 million, making it the fifth-largest country in the world. Most people live in the Southeast and Northeast regions. The country has a rich mix of 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 a diverse religious landscape with 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, such as City of God, 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.