History

Following three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazil became an independent nation in 1822 and a republic in 1889. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil overcame more then half a century of military intervention in the governance of the country when in 1985 the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers.

Climate

Mostly tropical, but temperatures in the south can drop near freezing.  In northeast Brazil it is typically 85-95 degrees year round, with a rainy season from January-April.

Natural Resources

Bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganeese, nickel, platinum, tin, uranium, petroleum, hydropower and timber.

Natural Hazards

Recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional

frost in south.

Geographical note:

Brazil is the largest country in South America and is

larger than the continental United States.  Brazil shares

common boundaries with every South American country

except Chile and Ecuador.

Population

174,468,575

Infant Mortality Rate

36.96 deaths per 1,000 live births (est. in 2001).  This

figure is lower than the 55 deaths per 1,000 live births

 in 1996.

Life Expectancy

Total population: 63.24 years

Male: 58.96 years

Female: 67.73 years

Ethnic Groups

White (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish,

             Polish) 55%

Mixed white and black 38%

Black 6%

Other (includes Japanese, Arab and Amerindian) 1%

RELIGIOUS

Roman Catholic (nominal) 80%

Language

Portuguese