Continental in size, Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, occupying almost half of South America and responsible for about half of its population.

Government: Brazil is a democracy presently led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. A federalized country, it is divided into 23 states which in turn are divided into municipalities. We are in the state of Paraíba and the municipality of Conde.

Population:
Approximately 184 million people.

Area:
8.511.965 square kilometers

Coastline:
7.400 kilometers

Capital:
Brasília-DB (1,000,000 population)

Religion:
Approximately 90 percent are Roman Catholic

Declaration of Independence:
September 7, 1822

Important cities:
Rio de Janeiro         12 million
São Paulo               16 million
Recife                    3.5 million
Belo Horizonte         2.5 million
Salvador                 2 million
Fortaleza                2 million

The largest Catholic country, Brazil is also known for its Carnival and football. A recent study found that Brazilians are the most courteous people in the world. The country also is the world’s leading producer of alternative energy, the largest producer of fuel alcohol and one of the leaders in natural gas fueled vehicles. The country has rich natural beauty, resulting in an annual growth in tourism. Originally colonized by Portugal, Brazil is the only country in South America that speaks Portuguese.