Dialing code +55
ISO 2 code BR
ISO 3 code BRA
Capital Brasilia
Main Language Brazilian Portuguese
Currency Real (BRL)
GDP $2.0 trillion 8th
Population 201,103,330 5th

Geography

Continent South America
Location Eastern South America bordering the Atlantic Ocean
Land 8,511,965 km2 5th
Terrain Mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains hills mountains and narrow coastal belt
Climate Mostly tropical but temperate in south
Natural Hazards Mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains hills mountains and narrow coastal belt
Note: Largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador

Neighbouring Countries

Argentina Bolivia Colombia French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela

History

Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule Brazil peacefully gained its independence in 1822 maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889. Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. By far the largest and most populous country in South America Brazil underwent more than half a century of populist and military government until 1985 when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader. Highly unequal income distribution and crime remain pressing problems.
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Demographics

Life Expectancy 71.99 years 109th
Median Age 28.6 years 95th
Birth Rate 18.43 births/1,000 population 103rd
Death Rate 6.35 births/1,000 population 137th
Sex Ratio 0.73 male(s)/female 133rd
Literacy 88.6% 123rd
Population

201.1 million

Transportation

Roadways 1.8 million km 4th
Railways 28857 km 9th
Airports 4176 2nd
Waterways 50000 km 3rd
Heliports 16 12th
Airports paved 7 15th

Economy

Currency Real (BRL)
GDP $2.0 trillion 8th
GDP per capita (PPP) $10100 93rd