History, Culture,
BRAZIL Geography and
Economy
HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY
NAME & OFFICIAL
LANGUAGE(S)
The name Brazil comes from
the brazilwood tree (pau-brasil), used
to make red dye
Originally called “Terra de Santa
Cruz” (Land of the Holy Cross)
Name changed due to the economic
value of brazilwood
Portuguese is the official language
Brazil is the only Portuguese-
speaking country in the Americas
Portuguese introduced by colonizers in
1500
The name Brazil comes from the brazilwood tree, called pau-brasil in
Portuguese. This tree was important for making red dye, which was valuable in
Europe. Because of this, the land was named after the tree — although it was
first called “Terra de Santa Cruz,” or “Land of the Holy Cross.”
As for the language, Brazil’s official language is Portuguese. It’s actually the
only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas. That’s because the
Portuguese arrived in 1500 and started colonizing the area. Today, Portuguese
is spoken by the entire population — over 200 million people.
BRAZIL: PHYSICAL
GEOGRAPHY
Largest country in South America,
Home to the Amazon Rainforest –
world’s largest
Major rivers: Amazon, São
Francisco, Paraná
Amazon Rainforest provides raw
materials but causes negative
externalities (deforestation)
Rivers and long coastline
reduce transport costs → support
trade and exports
Climate and land support
strong primary sector production
. Amazon Rainforest and Negative Externalities:The Amazon provides raw
materials and supports industries like timber and farming. However, activities
like deforestation cause negative externalities — harm to the environment that is
not paid for by the producers. This market failure can lead to long-term economic and
environmental problems.
3. Rivers and Coastline Supporting Trade:Brazil’s many rivers and long Atlantic
coastline lower transportation costs for moving goods. This infrastructure
helps Brazil trade globally, making its exports more competitive, which is
important for economic growth.
4. Land and Climate Supporting Primary Sector:The country’s climate and
fertile land support farming and mining, which are part of the primary sector.
This sector is crucial for Brazil’s exports and overall economy.
GOVERNMENT &
ECONOMY OF BRAZIL
Brazil is a federal republic with a presidential
system
In 2022, Brazil’s government announced a $20
billion investment plan to improve roads, ports, and
railways
Brazil’s government spent around BRL 20 billion (~$4
billion USD) in 2021 supporting farmers with credit
lines and insurance schemes.
Federal Republic with 26 states + 1 federal district
(Brasília)
Current President (2025): Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Brazil is a federal republic with a presidential system, where power is shared
between the national government and 26 states plus the federal district, Brasília.
The president, currently Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is both head of state and
government, elected every four years. The government is divided into three
branches: executive, legislative, and judicial, ensuring checks and balances.
Brazil’s government plays an important role in the mixed economy by intervening
to support growth and stability. For example, it invests over $20 billion in
infrastructure projects like roads and ports to reduce transport costs and improve
trade efficiency. It also provides subsidies and credit support to farmers, helping
key export sectors such as soy and coffee.
These interventions aim to boost Brazil’s economic development, improve export
competitiveness
POPULATION &
PEOPLE OF BRAZIL
Population: approx. 215 million (2025) —
5th largest in the world
Young population: median age ~33 years
Diverse ethnic groups: Indigenous,
European, African, and mixed heritage
Urban population: ~87% live in cities (e.g.,
São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro)
Large workforce supports growing economy
but also
faces inequality and unemployment
Social challenges affect human capital
development and economic growth
