Brazil
Federative Republic of Brazil
South America Brasí
Population
221.36M
Area
8,515,770 km²
GDP
$2.18T
GDP Per Capita
$19,600
Pop. Density
26/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
R$Brazilian real(BRL)
Calling Code
+55
Primary Timezone
UTC-05:00
+3 more
Languages
Portuguese
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Brazilian
Background
After more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889. Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getúlio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. VARGAS governed through various versions of democratic and authoritarian regimes from 1930 to 1945. Democratic rule returned in 1945 -- including a democratically elected VARGAS administration from 1951 to 1954 -- and lasted until 1964, when the military overthrew President João GOULART. The military regime censored journalists and repressed and tortured dissidents in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The dictatorship lasted until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers, and the Brazilian Congress passed its current constitution in 1988.
By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Having successfully weathered a period of global financial difficulty in the late 20th century, Brazil was soon seen as one of the world's strongest emerging markets and a contributor to global growth under President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (2003-2010). The awarding of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympic Games -- the first ever to be held in South America -- to Brazil was symbolic of the country's rise. However, from about 2013 to 2016, Brazil was plagued by a sagging economy, high unemployment, and high inflation, only emerging from recession in 2017. Congress removed then-President Dilma ROUSSEFF (2011-2016) from office in 2016 for having committed impeachable acts against Brazil's budgetary laws, and her vice president, Michel TEMER, served the remainder of her second term. A money-laundering investigation, Operation Lava Jato, uncovered a vast corruption scheme and prosecutors charged several high-profile Brazilian politicians with crimes. Former President LULA was convicted of accepting bribes and served jail time (2018-19), although his conviction was overturned in 2021. LULA's revival became complete in 2022 when he narrowly defeated incumbent Jair BOLSONARO (2019-2022) in the presidential election. Positioning Brazil as an independent global leader on climate change and promoting sustainable development, LULA took on the 2024 G20 presidency, balancing the fight against deforestation with sustainable energy and other projects designed to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth, such as expanding fossil fuel exploration.
By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Having successfully weathered a period of global financial difficulty in the late 20th century, Brazil was soon seen as one of the world's strongest emerging markets and a contributor to global growth under President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (2003-2010). The awarding of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympic Games -- the first ever to be held in South America -- to Brazil was symbolic of the country's rise. However, from about 2013 to 2016, Brazil was plagued by a sagging economy, high unemployment, and high inflation, only emerging from recession in 2017. Congress removed then-President Dilma ROUSSEFF (2011-2016) from office in 2016 for having committed impeachable acts against Brazil's budgetary laws, and her vice president, Michel TEMER, served the remainder of her second term. A money-laundering investigation, Operation Lava Jato, uncovered a vast corruption scheme and prosecutors charged several high-profile Brazilian politicians with crimes. Former President LULA was convicted of accepting bribes and served jail time (2018-19), although his conviction was overturned in 2021. LULA's revival became complete in 2022 when he narrowly defeated incumbent Jair BOLSONARO (2019-2022) in the presidential election. Positioning Brazil as an independent global leader on climate change and promoting sustainable development, LULA took on the 2024 G20 presidency, balancing the fight against deforestation with sustainable energy and other projects designed to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth, such as expanding fossil fuel exploration.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑97.3% since 2006$1.1T (2006)$2.2T (2024)
Population
↑13.6% since 2006186.7M (2006)212.0M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 75.8 years2006: 72.3 years2023: 75.8 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography21
Location
Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
Geographic coordinates
10 00 S, 55 00 W
Map references
South America
Area
total : 8,515,770 sq km
land: 8,358,140 sq km
water: 157,630 sq km
land: 8,358,140 sq km
water: 157,630 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than the US
Land boundaries
total: 16,145 km
border countries: Argentina 1,263 km; Bolivia 3,403 km; Colombia 1,790 km; French Guiana 649 km; Guyana 1,308 km; Paraguay 1,371 km; Peru 2,659 km; Suriname 515 km; Uruguay 1,050 km; Venezuela 2,137 km
border countries: Argentina 1,263 km; Bolivia 3,403 km; Colombia 1,790 km; French Guiana 649 km; Guyana 1,308 km; Paraguay 1,371 km; Peru 2,659 km; Suriname 515 km; Uruguay 1,050 km; Venezuela 2,137 km
Coastline
7,491 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin
Climate
mostly tropical, but temperate in south
Terrain
mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt
Elevation
highest point: Pico da Neblina 2,994 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 320 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 320 m
Natural resources
alumina, bauxite, beryllium, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, niobium, phosphates, platinum, tantalum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber
Land use
agricultural land
28.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 20.7% (2023 est.)
forest
58.9% (2023 est.)
other
12.7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
91,833 sq km (2022)
Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lagoa dos Patos - 10,140 sq km
salt water lake(s): Lagoa Mirim (shared with Uruguay) - 2,970 sq km
salt water lake(s): Lagoa Mirim (shared with Uruguay) - 2,970 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Amazon river mouth (shared with Peru [s]) - 6,400 km; Río de la Plata/Paraná river source (shared with Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay [m]) - 4,880 km; Tocantins - 3,650 km; São Francisco - 3,180 km; Paraguay river source (shared with Argentina and Paraguay [m]) - 2,549 km; Rio Negro river mouth (shared with Colombia [s] and Venezuela) - 2,250 km; Uruguay river source (shared with Argentina and Uruguay [m]) - 1,610 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Orinoco (953,675 sq km), Paraná (2,582,704 sq km), São Francisco (617,814 sq km), Tocantins (764,213 sq km)
Major aquifers
Amazon Basin, Guarani Aquifer System, Maranhao Basin
Population distribution
the vast majority of people live along or near the Atlantic coast in the east; the population core is in the southeast, anchored by the cities of São Paolo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro
Natural hazards
recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south
Geography - note
note 1: largest country in South America and in the Southern Hemisphere; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador; most of the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, extends through the west central part of the country; shares Iguaçu Falls (Iguazú Falls), the world's largest waterfalls system, with Argentina
note 2: Rocas Atoll, located off the northeast coast of Brazil, is the only atoll in the South Atlantic
note 2: Rocas Atoll, located off the northeast coast of Brazil, is the only atoll in the South Atlantic
People & Society34
Population
total: 221,359,387 (2025 est.)
male: 108,753,532
female: 112,605,855
male: 108,753,532
female: 112,605,855
Nationality
noun: Brazilian(s)
adjective: Brazilian
adjective: Brazilian
Ethnic groups
mixed 45.3%, White 43.5%, Black 10.2%, Indigenous 0.6%, Asian 0.4% (2022 est.)
Languages
Languages: Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and many minor Amerindian languages
major-language sample(s):
O Livro de Fatos Mundiais, a fonte indispensável para informação básica. (Brazilian Portuguese)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
O Livro de Fatos Mundiais, a fonte indispensável para informação básica. (Brazilian Portuguese)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Roman Catholic 56.8%, Evangelical 26.9%, none 9.3%, other 4%, Spirtism (Espírita) 1.8%, unspecified 1.4%, Umbanda and Candomblé 1.1%, Indigenous religions .06%, undeclared 0.2% (2022)
Age structure
0-14 years: 19.6% (male 22,025,593/female 21,088,398)
15-64 years: 69.5% (male 75,889,089/female 77,118,722)
65 years and over: 10.9% (2024 est.) (male 10,251,809/female 13,677,901)
15-64 years: 69.5% (male 75,889,089/female 77,118,722)
65 years and over: 10.9% (2024 est.) (male 10,251,809/female 13,677,901)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 44.3 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 28.1 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 16.2 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.2 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 28.1 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 16.2 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.2 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 35.4 years (2025 est.)
male: 34 years
female: 36.1 years
male: 34 years
female: 36.1 years
Population growth rate
0.58% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
13.04 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
7.07 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the vast majority of people live along or near the Atlantic coast in the east; the population core is in the southeast, anchored by the cities of São Paolo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro
Urbanization
urban population: 87.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
22.620 million São Paulo, 13.728 million Rio de Janeiro, 6.248 million Belo Horizonte, 4.873 million BRASÍLIA (capital), 4.264 million Recife, 4.212 million Porto Alegre (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
67 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 12.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 14.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.1 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 14.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 76.3 years (2024 est.)
male: 72.6 years
female: 80.1 years
male: 72.6 years
female: 80.1 years
Total fertility rate
1.73 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.84 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 99.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 98% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.36 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
2.5 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 94.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 65% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 91% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 5.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 35% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 9% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.1% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 6.12 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.84 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.24 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.84 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.24 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 11.2% (2025 est.)
male: 14.4% (2025 est.)
female: 8.3% (2025 est.)
male: 14.4% (2025 est.)
female: 8.3% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3.5% (2019 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
56.9% (2019 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 5.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 12.9% national budget (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 12.9% national budget (2022 est.)
Literacy
total population: 94.8% (2024 est.)
male: 94.5% (2024 est.)
female: 95.1% (2024 est.)
male: 94.5% (2024 est.)
female: 95.1% (2024 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2022 est.)
male: 15 years (2022 est.)
female: 17 years (2022 est.)
male: 15 years (2022 est.)
female: 17 years (2022 est.)
Government25
Country name
conventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazil
conventional short form: Brazil
local long form: República Federativa do Brasil
local short form: Brasil
etymology: the country name derives from the brazil tree that used to grow plentifully along the coast of Brazil and that was used to produce a deep red dye
conventional short form: Brazil
local long form: República Federativa do Brasil
local short form: Brasil
etymology: the country name derives from the brazil tree that used to grow plentifully along the coast of Brazil and that was used to produce a deep red dye
Government type
federal presidential republic
Capital
name: Brasília
geographic coordinates: 15 47 S, 47 55 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
time zone note: Brazil has four time zones, including one for the Fernando de Noronha Islands
etymology: the name is the Latinized form of the country name, bestowed on the new capital of Brazil in 1960; previous Brazilian capitals were Salvador (1549-1763) and Rio de Janeiro (1763 to 1960)
geographic coordinates: 15 47 S, 47 55 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
time zone note: Brazil has four time zones, including one for the Fernando de Noronha Islands
etymology: the name is the Latinized form of the country name, bestowed on the new capital of Brazil in 1960; previous Brazilian capitals were Salvador (1549-1763) and Rio de Janeiro (1763 to 1960)
Administrative divisions
26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondônia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins
Legal system
civil law
Constitution
history: several previous; latest ratified 5 October 1988
amendment process: proposed by at least one third of either house of the National Congress, by the president of the republic, or by simple majority vote by more than half of the state legislative assemblies; passage requires at least three-fifths majority vote by both houses in each of two readings; constitutional provisions affecting the federal form of government, separation of powers, suffrage, or individual rights and guarantees cannot be amended
amendment process: proposed by at least one third of either house of the National Congress, by the president of the republic, or by simple majority vote by more than half of the state legislative assemblies; passage requires at least three-fifths majority vote by both houses in each of two readings; constitutional provisions affecting the federal form of government, separation of powers, suffrage, or individual rights and guarantees cannot be amended
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 4 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 4 years
Suffrage
voluntary between 16 to 18 years of age, over 70, and if illiterate; compulsory between 18 to 70 years of age
Executive branch
chief of state
President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (since 1 January 2023)
head of government
President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (since 1 January 2023)
cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president
election/appointment process
president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a single consecutive term and additional terms after at least one term has elapsed)
most recent election date
2 October 2022, with runoff on 30 October 2022
election results
2022: Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (PT) 48.4%, Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 43.2%, Simone Nassar TEBET (MDB) 4.2%, Ciro GOMES (PDT) 3%, other 1.2%; percent of vote in second round - Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (PT) 50.9%, Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 49.1%
2018: Jair BOLSONARO elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 46%, Fernando HADDAD (PT) 29.3%, Ciro GOMEZ (PDT) 12.5%, Geraldo ALCKMIN (PSDB) 4.8%, other 7.4%; percent of vote in second round - Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 55.1%, Fernando HADDAD (PT) 44.9%
expected date of next election
4 October 2026
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Congress (Congresso nacional)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
Chamber of Deputies (Cámara dos Deputados)
number of seats
513 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
4 years
most recent election date
10/2/2022
parties elected and seats per party
Liberal Party (PL) (99); Workers' Party (PT) (69); Brazil Union (União) (59); Progressive Party (PP) (47); Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB) (42); Social Democratic Party (PSD) (42); Republicans (Republicanos) (40); Other (106)
percentage of women in chamber
18.1%
expected date of next election
October 2026
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Federal Senate (Senado Federal)
number of seats
81 (all directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
scope of elections
partial renewal
term in office
8 years
most recent election date
10/2/2022
parties elected and seats per party
Liberal Party (PL) (8); Brazil Union (União) (5); Workers' Party (PT) (4); Progressive Party (PP) (3); Social Democratic Party (PSD) (2); Republicans (Republicanos) (2); Other (3)
percentage of women in chamber
19.8%
expected date of next election
October 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Federal Court or Supremo Tribunal Federal (consists of 11 justices)
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president and approved by absolute majority by the Federal Senate; justices appointed to serve until mandatory retirement at age 75
subordinate courts: Tribunal of the Union, Federal Appeals Court, Superior Court of Justice, Superior Electoral Court, regional federal courts; state court system
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president and approved by absolute majority by the Federal Senate; justices appointed to serve until mandatory retirement at age 75
subordinate courts: Tribunal of the Union, Federal Appeals Court, Superior Court of Justice, Superior Electoral Court, regional federal courts; state court system
Political parties
Act (Agir) (formerly Christian Labor Party or PTC)
Avante (formerly Labor Party of Brazil or PTdoB)
Brazil Union (União Brasil); note - founded from a merger between the Democrats (DEM) and the Social Liberal Party (PSL)
Brazilian Communist Party or PCB
Brazilian Democratic Movement or MDB
Brazilian Labor Party or PTB
Brazilian Renewal Labor Party or PRTB
Brazilian Labor Party or PTB
Brazilian Social Democracy Party or PSDB
Brazilian Socialist Party or PSB
Christian Democracy or DC (formerly Christian Social Democratic Party)
Cidadania (formerly Popular Socialist Party or PPS)
Communist Party of Brazil or PCdoB
Democratic Labor Party or PDT
Democratic Party or PSDC
Democrats or DEM (formerly Liberal Front Party or PFL); note - dissolved in February 2022
Green Party or PV
Liberal Party or PL [Valdemar Costa Neto] (formerly Party of the Republic or PR)
National Mobilization Party or PMN
New Party or NOVO
Patriota (formerly National Ecologic Party or PEN)
Podemos (formerly National Labor Party or PTN)
Progressive Party (Progressistas) or PP
Republican Social Order Party or PROS
Republicans (Republicanos) (formerly Brazilian Republican Party or PRB)
Social Christian Party or PSC
Social Democratic Party or PSD
Social Liberal Party or PSL
Socialism and Freedom Party or PSOL
Solidarity or SD
Sustainability Network or REDE
United Socialist Workers' Party or PSTU
Workers' Cause Party or PCO
Workers' Party or PT
Avante (formerly Labor Party of Brazil or PTdoB)
Brazil Union (União Brasil); note - founded from a merger between the Democrats (DEM) and the Social Liberal Party (PSL)
Brazilian Communist Party or PCB
Brazilian Democratic Movement or MDB
Brazilian Labor Party or PTB
Brazilian Renewal Labor Party or PRTB
Brazilian Labor Party or PTB
Brazilian Social Democracy Party or PSDB
Brazilian Socialist Party or PSB
Christian Democracy or DC (formerly Christian Social Democratic Party)
Cidadania (formerly Popular Socialist Party or PPS)
Communist Party of Brazil or PCdoB
Democratic Labor Party or PDT
Democratic Party or PSDC
Democrats or DEM (formerly Liberal Front Party or PFL); note - dissolved in February 2022
Green Party or PV
Liberal Party or PL [Valdemar Costa Neto] (formerly Party of the Republic or PR)
National Mobilization Party or PMN
New Party or NOVO
Patriota (formerly National Ecologic Party or PEN)
Podemos (formerly National Labor Party or PTN)
Progressive Party (Progressistas) or PP
Republican Social Order Party or PROS
Republicans (Republicanos) (formerly Brazilian Republican Party or PRB)
Social Christian Party or PSC
Social Democratic Party or PSD
Social Liberal Party or PSL
Socialism and Freedom Party or PSOL
Solidarity or SD
Sustainability Network or REDE
United Socialist Workers' Party or PSTU
Workers' Cause Party or PCO
Workers' Party or PT
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro VIOTTI (since 30 June 2023)
chancery
3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 238-2700
FAX
[1] (202) 238-2827
email address and website
consulate(s) general
Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford (CT), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Gabriel ESCOBAR (since 21 January 2025)
embassy
SES - Avenida das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03, 70403-900 - Brasília, DF
mailing address
7500 Brasilia Place, Washington DC 20521-7500
telephone
[55] (61) 3312-7000
FAX
[55] (61) 3225-9136
email address and website
consulate(s) general
Recife, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo
branch office(s)
Belo Horizonte
International organization participation
AfDB (nonregional member), BIS, BRICS, CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, CPLP, FAO, FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-5, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer), Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OECD (enhanced engagement), OPANAL, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
7 September 1822 (from Portugal)
National holiday
Independence Day, 7 September (1822)
Flag
description: green with a large yellow diamond in the center, showing a blue celestial globe with 27 five-pointed white stars; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress)
meaning: green stands for the country's forests, and yellow for its mineral wealth, with the diamond representing the country's shape; the blue globe and stars depict the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of 15 November 1889, the day the Republic of Brazil was declared; the number of stars has risen with the creation of new states, from 21 to 27 (one for each state and the Federal District)
history: the flag was inspired by the former Empire of Brazil's flag (1822-1889)
meaning: green stands for the country's forests, and yellow for its mineral wealth, with the diamond representing the country's shape; the blue globe and stars depict the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of 15 November 1889, the day the Republic of Brazil was declared; the number of stars has risen with the creation of new states, from 21 to 27 (one for each state and the Federal District)
history: the flag was inspired by the former Empire of Brazil's flag (1822-1889)
National symbol(s)
Southern Cross constellation
National color(s)
green, yellow, blue
National anthem(s)
title: "Hino Nacional Brasileiro" (Brazilian National Anthem)
lyrics/music: Joaquim Osorio Duque ESTRADA/Francisco Manoel DA SILVA
history: music adopted 1890, lyrics adopted 1922; the anthem's music, composed in 1822, was used unofficially for many years
lyrics/music: Joaquim Osorio Duque ESTRADA/Francisco Manoel DA SILVA
history: music adopted 1890, lyrics adopted 1922; the anthem's music, composed in 1822, was used unofficially for many years
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 24 (15 cultural, 9 natural, 1 mixed)
selected World Heritage Site locales:
selected World Heritage Site locales:
Brasilia (c); Historic Salvador de Bahia (c); Historic Ouro Preto (c); Historic Center of the Town of Olinda (c); Iguaçu National Park (n); Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis (c); Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes (c); Central Amazon Conservation Complex (n); Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves (n); Historic Center of Salvador de Bahia (c); Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas (c ); Brasilia (c ); Serra da Capivara National Park (c ); Historic Center of Sao Luis( c); Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves (n); Historic Center of the Town of Diamantina (c ); Pantanal Conservation Area (n); Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves (n); Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks (n); Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás (c); São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão (c ); Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea (c ); Pampulha Modern Ensemble (c ); Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site (c ); Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity (m); Sítio Roberto Burle Marx (c ); Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (n);Peruaçu River Canyon (n)
Economy32
Economic overview
upper-middle-income, largest Latin American economy; Mercosur, BRICS, G20 member and OECD accession candidate; growth driven by strong domestic consumption; monetary tightening helping curb inflation rate; high inequality in income and access to health and education
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $4.165 trillion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $4.029 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $3.902 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $4.029 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $3.902 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 3.4% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 3.2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 3% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 3.2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 3% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $19,600 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $19,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $18,600 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $19,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $18,600 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$2.179 trillion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 4.4% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 4.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 9.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 4.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 9.3% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 5.6% (2024 est.)
industry: 21.3% (2024 est.)
services: 59.3% (2024 est.)
industry: 21.3% (2024 est.)
services: 59.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
63.8% (2024 est.)
government consumption
18.8% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
17% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
-0.1% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
18% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-17.5% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, soybeans, maize, milk, cassava, oranges, chicken, beef, rice, wheat (2023)
Industries
textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment
Industrial production growth rate
3.3% (2024 est.)
Labor force
106.79 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 7.7% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 8% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 9.3% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 8% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 9.3% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 18% (2024 est.)
male: 15.7% (2024 est.)
female: 20.9% (2024 est.)
male: 15.7% (2024 est.)
female: 20.9% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
4.2% (2016 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 51.6 (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 16.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 1.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 1.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.3% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 40.8% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 40.8% (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 0.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $556.303 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $706.816 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $706.816 billion (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 83% of GDP (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
14% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$61.194 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$27.933 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$42.157 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$27.933 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$42.157 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $388.333 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $389.192 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $380.492 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $389.192 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $380.492 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
China 30%, USA 10%, Argentina 5%, Netherlands 3%, Chile 2% (2023)
Exports - commodities
soybeans, crude petroleum, iron ore, raw sugar, corn (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $377.05 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $340.195 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $369.861 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $340.195 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $369.861 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
China 23%, USA 16%, Germany 5%, Argentina 5%, Russia 4% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fertilizers, crude petroleum, vehicle parts/accessories, gas turbines (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $329.732 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $355.021 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $324.673 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $355.021 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $324.673 billion (2022 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $198.582 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
reals (BRL) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
5.389 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
4.994 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
5.164 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
5.394 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
5.155 (2020 est.)
Energy8
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 100%
electrification - rural areas: 97.3%
electrification - urban areas: 100%
electrification - rural areas: 97.3%
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 240.251 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 608.451 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 7.186 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 22.294 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 106.916 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 608.451 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 7.186 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 22.294 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 106.916 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels
8.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear
2.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
6.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind
13.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
60.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
8.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors: 2 (2025)
Number of nuclear reactors under construction: 1 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 1.88GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 2.2% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors under construction: 1 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 1.88GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 2.2% (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 15.556 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 32.223 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 5,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 18.257 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 6.596 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 32.223 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 5,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 18.257 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 6.596 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 4.221 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 3.163 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 12.715 billion barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 3.163 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 12.715 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 22.702 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 29.065 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 101.203 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 6.356 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 363.985 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 29.065 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 101.203 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 6.356 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 363.985 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 48.889 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 22.5 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 216 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 102 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 102 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
state-run Radiobras operates a radio and a TV network; more than 1,000 radio stations and more than 100 TV channels operating, mostly privately owned; private media ownership highly concentrated (2022)
Internet country code
.br
Internet users
percent of population: 84% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 48.4 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
PP
Airports
5,297 (2025)
Heliports
1,871 (2025)
Railways
total: 29,849.9 km (2014)
standard gauge: 194 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 23,341.6 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge (24 km electrified)
broad gauge: 5,822.3 km (2014) 1.600-m gauge (498.3 km electrified)
dual gauge: 492 km (2014) 1.600-1.000-m gauge
standard gauge: 194 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 23,341.6 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge (24 km electrified)
broad gauge: 5,822.3 km (2014) 1.600-m gauge (498.3 km electrified)
dual gauge: 492 km (2014) 1.600-1.000-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 888 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 13, container ship 20, general cargo 38, oil tanker 27, other 790
by type: bulk carrier 13, container ship 20, general cargo 38, oil tanker 27, other 790
Ports
total ports
45 (2024)
large
4
medium
7
small
19
very small
15
ports with oil terminals
31
key ports
Belem, DTSE/Gegua Oil Terminal, Itajai, Port de Salvador, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Santos, Tubarao, Vitoria
Military & Security6
Military and security forces
Brazilian Armed Forces (Forças Armadas Brasileiras): Brazilian Army (Exercito Brasileiro, EB), Brazilian Navy (Marinha do Brasil; includes Naval Aviation (Aviacao Naval Brasileira) and Marine Corps (Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais)), Brazilian Air Force (Forca Aerea Brasileira) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 360,000 active Armed Forces (220,000 Army; 70,000 Navy; 70,000 Air Force) (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Brazilian military's inventory consists of a mix of domestically produced and imported weapons, largely from Europe and the US; Brazil's defense industry designs and manufactures equipment for all three military services and for export; it also jointly produces equipment with other countries (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-45 years of age for compulsory military service for men (only 5-10% of those inducted are required to serve); compulsory service obligation is generally 12 months; 17-45 (18 for women) years of age for voluntary service (2025)
Military - note
the Brazilian Armed Forces (BAF) are the second largest military in the Western Hemisphere behind the US; they are responsible for external security and protecting the country's sovereignty but also have an internal security role; the BAF’s missions include patrolling and protecting the country’s long borders and coastline and extensive territorial waters and river network, assisting with internal security, providing domestic disaster response and humanitarian assistance, and participating in multinational peacekeeping missions; it also cooperates with neighboring countries such as Argentina and Paraguay to combat cross-border smuggling and trafficking
Brazil has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation
the origins of Brazil's military stretch back to the 1640s; Brazil provided a 25,000-man expeditionary force with air and ground units to fight with the Allies in the Mediterranean Theater during World War II; the Navy participated in the Battle of the Atlantic (2025)
Brazil has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation
the origins of Brazil's military stretch back to the 1640s; Brazil provided a 25,000-man expeditionary force with air and ground units to fight with the Allies in the Mediterranean Theater during World War II; the Navy participated in the Battle of the Atlantic (2025)
Transnational Issues3
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 331,097 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 19,043 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 27 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 19,043 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 27 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Brazil did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period and was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/brazil/
Illicit drugs
USG identification:
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)