Introduction

Map of Brazil. (Source: CIA, The World Factbook)

Brazil is the largest country in South America. It is bounded oi the north by Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam, and French Guiana, in the northeast by the Atlantic Ocean, in the east by the Atlantic Ocean, in the south by Uruguay, and in the west by Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia.

Background

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 than half a century of military intervention in the governance of the country when in 1985 the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers.

Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader. Highly unequal income distribution remains a pressing problem

Editor's Notes

• A more detailed country profile on Brazil may be found at: The CIA World Fact Book.
• Website of the Government of Brazil