|RNational holiday:|N Independence Day, September 7.
|RNature and climate:|N The worlds fifth biggest country which means great differences in nature and climate between the different parts.
The north is dominated by the Amazon River, the worlds second longest river, 6 480 km, and with most water flowing. In this area tropical climate with an average temperature between 25°C and 27°C the whole year and percipitation of 2000 mm, in some places as much as 5000 mm though. Rain forests cover this area.
South of the Amazon basin is the Brasilian highland with subtropical climate. Percipitation between 1000 and 1500 mm and an average temperature of 22°C in January and 18°C in July. This highland is covered by savannahs and steppes. The Atlantic coast outside the highland has tropical climate.
Southmost Brazil has tempered climate which can give snow in the mountains. Average temperature in January 26°C and 21°C in July. Percipitation 1000 mm.
|RPeople:|N The population is unequally spread. At the Atlantic coast, a third of the area, lives 90% of the population, and of them 65% in towns or communities.
The big immigration to Brazil started after 1850 and had en peak between 1880 and 1950 when 5 million people, 32% Italians, 30% Portuguese, 14% Spaniards, 4% Germans, and quite a few Japanese, immigrated.
A great amount of negroe slaves were brought in before 1850.
Of the native Indians remain only some 300 000 descendants who are strongly pushed aside by the immigrants and have in many ways lost their chance to live their natural lives. The international community has strongly protested against this.
|REconomy:|N Agriculture accounts for 10% of GNP, occupies 31% of the population and makes up to half of the export value; mainly coffee, cacao, sugar, tobacco, sisal and cotton. Rice, maize, soybeans and wheat are main crops for domestic consumption.
Services occupies 42% of the population.
Tourism is a growing industry.
Mining and manufacturing occupies 25% and has grown steadily for several decades. Lately the growth has decreased mainly because of foreign debt and shortage of money for investments after the international oilcrisis in the 1970:s.
Brazil is rich on minerals, which are exploited only to a small degree. Nevertheless Brazil is one of the worlds biggest exporters of iron ore. Also oil, phosphates, uranium, manganese, titanium, beryllium, chromium, tungsten, lead, copper, bauxite, platinum, coal, diamonds and gold are exploited.
Brazil is also one of the biggest car producers, but only a small amount of the produced cars are exported.
The Amazon River and its tributary rivers form a 45 000 km long navigable system. Oceanships may reach the town of Manuas 1 600 km from the Atlantic coast.
|RHistory:|N Brazil got its name from the Bresiltree.
It was discovered by Portuguese on their way to India, but it was not until 1500AD the Portuguese admiral Pedro Alvares Cabral went ashore and founded a portuguese colony.
During the 14th and 15th centuries immigrants produced sugar. In the 16th century gold and precious stones were found and immigration increased and the portuguese sovereignty was threatened by French and British.
During the Napoleon-wars in Europe the Portuguese court lived in Brazil long times, but nevertheless Brazil claimed independence. When the royal family finally left Brazil in 1821 they left prince Pedro as regent.
When Portugal in 1822 tried to impose the colonial form of government in 1822 Pedro declared Brazilian independence and was crowned emperor. He abdicated 1831 in favour of his son, who was crowned Pedro II and reigned till he was disposed in 1889.
Under these emperors Brazil had a strong development both economically and politically in a liberal direction. The trade with slaves was forbidden 1850 and slavery was totally forbidden 1888, without compensation to the slaveowners, a decision that led to the abolishment of Pedro II.
1891 republic was declared and a politically unstable period started. The presidents were often changed and could not rule without military support.
In 1930 a military junta took control, followed by a democratic regime 1945 to 1964. The next five presidents were all military leaders. Democratic elections were held in 1985 as the nation returned to civilian rule.
All governments since 1930 have pushed industrial and agricultural growth, the the development of interior areas and exploitation of mineral resources.
By the 1970:s Brazil had become the leading industrial power of South America. But income maldistribution and inflation have led to severe economic rescession and a foreign debt among the largest in the world.
During the democratic period 1945 to 1964 the capital was moved to the completely newbuilt Brasilia in the interior of the country.
