| Area Total | 8,515,770 sq km |
| Climate | mostly tropical, but temperate in south |
| Natural Resources | bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, platinum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber |
| Imports | $153.2 billion (2017 est.) partners: China 18.1%, US 16.7%, Argentina 6.3%, Germany 6.1% (2017) |
| Exports | $217.2 billion (2017 est.) partners: China 21.8%, US 12.5%, Argentina 8.1%, Netherlands 4.3% (2017) |
| Government | federal presidential republic |
| Capital | Brasilia |
| Population | 208.8 million (July 2018 est.) |
| Ethnicity | white 47.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 43.1%, black 7.6%, Asian 1.1%, indigenous 0.4% (2010 est.) |
| Language | Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); note: less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages |
News about Brazil
- Poll shows Flávio Bolsonaro drawing level with Lula in a potential Brazil runoff
on February 28, 2026Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro are virtually tied in a simulated second-round vote for October’s election, according to an AtlasIntel survey conducted for Bloomberg News — the first poll to show the pair at parity in a head-to-head scenario.
- European Commission announces provisional entry into force for the trade pillar of the EU-Mercosur deal
on February 27, 2026European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday announced the provisional application of the trade part of the EU-Mercosur association agreement, following parliamentary ratification in Argentina and Uruguay. The move activates trade commitments ahead of full conclusion of the treaty, which still requires the European Parliament’s consent.
- Latin America’s best- and worst-rated presidents in new poll: Bukele the best, Delcy the worst
on February 26, 2026El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele tops a February 2026 regional ranking of Latin American leaders’ public approval, according to a survey by Argentina-based CB Consultora Opinión Pública. Bukele posts 72.6% approval and 24.8% disapproval.
- Brazil: Brazão brothers sentenced to 76 years for ordering Marielle Franco killing
on February 26, 2026Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) on Wednesday convicted brothers Domingos Inácio Brazão and João Francisco Inácio Brazão — known as Chiquinho — of ordering the 2018 assassination of Rio de Janeiro city councillor Marielle Franco and her driver, Anderson Gomes. The court imposed 76 years and three months in prison on each brother, in a […]
- Heavy rains leave at least 28 dead and dozens missing in Brazil’s Minas Gerais
on February 25, 2026Heavy rains and landslides in southeastern Brazil have killed at least 28 people and left more than 40 missing, with the worst impact reported in the state of Minas Gerais, according to local authorities and rescue teams.
- Orsi and Lacalle Pou reunite at Uruguayan Air Force event marking arrival of A-29 Super Tucanos
on February 24, 2026Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi and former president Luis Lacalle Pou attended an Air Force ceremony at Base Aérea No. 1 (Route 101, Canelones) for the presentation of the first A-29 Super Tucano aircraft entering service with the Uruguayan Air Force (FAU). Defence Minister Sandra Lazo and former defence minister—now senator—Javier García were also […]
- Brazil’s VP Alckmin backs workweek cuts as a global trend
on February 24, 2026Brazil’s Vice President and Industry and Trade Minister Geraldo Alckmin said on Monday that shorter working hours are a “global trend” and that Brazil should debate the issue in depth, as business leaders push to delay discussion of ending the widely used 6x1 work schedule.
- Lula meets South Korea’s Lee to deepen trade and defence ties
on February 23, 2026Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva began the official programme of his state visit to South Korea in Seoul on Monday, ahead of talks with President Lee Jae-myung expected to strengthen cooperation on trade, defence and other strategic areas.
- Brazil’s top prosecutor opposes Bolsonaro house arrest
on February 21, 2026Brazil’s Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet filed an opinion on Friday with the Supreme Federal Court (STF) opposing a request for former President Jair Bolsonaro to serve his sentence under house arrest, arguing that the facility where he is held has adequate medical support.
- Flávio Bolsonaro mocks samba school’s demotion after Lula tribute, says the “next drop” will be him
on February 19, 2026Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (Liberal Party, PL), seen as a potential right-wing contender in Brazil’s October presidential election, said that after the samba school that paid tribute to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was relegated in Rio de Janeiro’s carnival standings, the “next drop” will be Lula’s — and that of the Workers’ Party (PT).
