Brazil is the 5th largest country in the World, with the 5th highest population. Having vast natural resources and a large labor pool, Brazil is today a regional leader, producing a GDP of 1.375 trillion dollars (2003), the 10th largest economy in the world. Otherwise, a highly unequal income distribution keeps almost 40 million people – 22% of its population – living in complete poverty.
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Country name
Federative Republic of Brazil; (Republica Federativa do Brasil in Portuguese)
Capital
Brasilia
Area
8,511,965 sq km
Coastline
7,491 km
Climate
mostly tropical, temperate in south
Population
184,101,109
Population growth rate
1.11% (2004 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 71.41 years
male: 67.45 years
female: 75.57 years (2004 est.)
Ethnic groups
white – 55%
mixed white and black – 38%
black – 6%
other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) – 1%
Languages
Portuguese (official). Spanish, English, French and some Japanese are less spoken
chief of state
President Luiz Inacio “Lula” DA SILVA (since 1 January 2003)