ABSTRACT

Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America and the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area (with more than 8.5 million square kilometers) and by population (with more than 195 million people in 2011). It borders all other South American countries except Ecuador and Chile. Geographically, Brazil is mostly located between the two tropics, which gives a very stable climate throughout the year with a predominance of high temperatures. Brazil was a Portuguese colony from 1500 until 1815. It declared independence in 1822 and, in 1889, became a presidential republic, with the current Constitution dating back to 1988. It is also the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas and the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world. The Brazilian economy is the sixth largest in the world by nominal GDP and one of the world's fastest growing major economies. Economic reforms, mainly after 1994, have given the country more stability, inflation control, and international recognition. Brazil is a founding member of the United Nations, G20, Mercosul, and one of the most influential countries in South America.