National Animal: Jaguar, Macaw

National Motto:
"Ordem e Progresso" (Portuguese)
"Order and Progress"

National Tree: Tabebuia alba

7 September 1822 (from Portugal)

Following 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 Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil underwent more than half a century of populist and military government until 1985, when 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, one of the first in the area to begin an economic recovery. Highly unequal income distribution and crime remain pressing problems. In January 2010, Brazil assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Federative Republic of Brazil

República Federativa do Brasil
(Portuguese)

Brasília

Portuguese

203 million (July 2011 est.)

total area: 8,514,877 sq km

Total: 16,885 km

Argentina - 1,261 km

Bolivia - 3,423 km

Colombia - 1,644 km

French Guiana - 730 km

Guyana - 1,606 km

Paraguay - 1,365 km

Peru - 2,995 km

Suriname - 593 km

Uruguay - 1,068 km

Venezuela - 2,200 km

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$10,800 (2010 est.)

Roman Catholic

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico da Neblina 2,994 m

Abacaxis River

Abaeté River

Abunã River