Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest in the world by area, spanning about 8.5 million square kilometers. Officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, it borders every South American country except Ecuador and Chile and has a long Atlantic coastline. Its capital is Brasília, and its largest cities include São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The population is about 214 million, making it the region’s most populous nation. Portuguese is the official language, though numerous Indigenous and immigrant languages are spoken. The country operates as a federal presidential constitutional republic.

Geography and environment encompass a wide range of biomes and climates. The Amazon rainforest extends across the north, the Cerrado grassland dominates the central region, the Atlantic Forest lies along the coast, and the Pantanal wetlands lie in the west. The Amazon is a critical biodiversity reservoir and carbon sink. Brazil's river systems, including the Amazon, São Francisco, and Paraná basins, support extensive freshwater resources and hydroelectric potential.

History covers colonization by Portugal, independence in 1822, and the establishment of the Empire of Brazil under Dom Pedro I, followed by the transition to a republic in 1889. The 20th century saw industrialization and periods of political change, including a military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985 and a return to democracy with the 1988 Constitution. Brazil is a member of BRICS and various regional and international organizations.

Economy and society are diverse and resource-rich. The economy features large agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and services sectors. Major exports include soybeans, iron ore, crude petroleum, coffee, and sugar. The currency is the real (BRL). Brazilian society reflects Indigenous, African, European, and Asian influences, with Portuguese as the dominant language and Christianity as the major religion. Brazil is known for cultural expressions such as samba, Carnival, football, and a vibrant literary and artistic scene.