Country Profile: Brazil

Brazil, the largest and most populous country in South America, boasts a diverse geography characterized by the vast Amazon rainforest and extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. With a population projected to exceed 221 million by 2025, Brazil is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, predominantly a mix of White and mixed-race individuals. The economy, classified as upper-middle-income, is primarily driven by strong domestic consumption, facing challenges such as inflation and inequality. Brazil operates as a federal presidential republic, with a democratic governance structure that has evolved significantly since its independence from Portugal in 1822.

Geography

Brazil is located in eastern South America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, and includes a diverse array of terrains and climates ranging from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. The country covers an area of approximately 8.5 million square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than the U.S.

Total area: 8,515,770 sq km
Coastline: 7,491 km
Elevation: Highest point at Pico da Neblina (2,994 m)
Natural resources: Rich in gold, iron ore, petroleum, and hydropower.

People and Society

The population of Brazil is estimated at 221,359,387 in 2025, with a youthful demographic where 19.6% are aged 0-14 years. The country is predominantly urban, with 87.8% of its inhabitants living in cities.

Ethnic composition: 45.3% mixed, 43.5% White, 10.2% Black
Languages: Primarily Portuguese; also includes Spanish, German, and Indigenous languages.
Religions: Mainly Roman Catholic (56.8%) and Evangelical (26.9%).
Literacy rate: 94.8% of the population (2024).

Economy

Brazil's economy is the largest in Latin America, characterized by a robust agricultural and industrial sector that underpins growth. As of 2024, the real GDP (purchasing power parity) is estimated at $4.165 trillion.

GDP growth rate: Projected at 3.4% for 2024.
Unemployment rate: Expected to be 7.7% in 2024.
Key industries: Textiles, chemicals, and aircraft manufacturing.
Poverty rate: Approximately 4.2% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Government

Brazil operates as a federal presidential republic with a multi-tiered government structure. The current president, Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva, has held office since January 2023, following his election victory in October 2022.

Capital: Brasília
Constitution ratified: 5 October 1988
Administrative divisions: Comprises 26 states and 1 federal district.
Suffrage: Voting is voluntary for ages 16 to 18 and compulsory from 18 to 70.

Military and Security

The Brazilian Armed Forces consist of a robust military structure including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with approximately 360,000 active personnel. Brazil maintains a significant focus on both external and internal security.

Military expenditures: Estimated at 1.1% of GDP for 2024.
Compulsory service: Required for men aged 18-45, although only a fraction serve.
Military alliances: Holds Major Non-NATO Ally status with the U.S.

Energy

Brazil's energy sector is heavily reliant on renewable resources, particularly hydropower, which accounts for over half of its electricity generation.

Electricity access: 100% of the population has access.
Hydroelectricity share: 60.2% of total installed capacity (2023).
Energy consumption per capita: 48.889 million Btu/person (2023).

Environment

Brazil faces significant environmental challenges, particularly deforestation in the Amazon, illegal wildlife trade, and urban air pollution.

Major environmental issues: Deforestation, land degradation, and water pollution.
Urbanization rate: 87.8% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).

Transportation

Brazil has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including extensive air and road networks.

Airports: 5,297 total (2025).
Railways: Total length of 29,849.9 km (2014).
Merchant marine: Comprises 888 vessels (2023).

Communications

The communications sector in Brazil is characterized by widespread mobile phone usage and increasing internet access.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 216 million (2024).
Internet users: 84% of the population (2023).
Broadband subscriptions: 48.4 million (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	221,359,387	Estimated for 2025
Area	8,515,770 sq km	Total land and water
GDP (PPP)	$4.165 trillion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	7.7%	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	94.8%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	76.3 years	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	13.04 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Electric Access	100%	Total population electrified
Population below Poverty Line	4.2%	Estimated based on 2016 data
Energy Consumption per Capita	48.889 million Btu	Estimated for 2023