ABSTRACT
Over the past decade, Brazil has assumed a growing role on the world stage as a major economy and a leader in South America and the developing world. Economic growth has been strong, the economy has been stable, and the country has achieved substantial reductions in poverty. Brazil is now the world’s eighthlargest economy and a top producer of agricultural products, energy, and manufactured goods. Poverty is down 24 percent since 2003 as a result of growth and strong social programs. These social gains have made Brazil a model for the developing world. Brazil has enormous natural resources, including land, water, minerals, and biodiversity. It is well known as the home of the Amazon, which is of great global value for its biodiversity and its role in storing carbon and regulating the global climate. With its vast territory, Brazil is also home to other critical ecosystems that play a central role in global food and energy production and sustainability.
