Country Profile: Brazil

Brazil, the largest and most populous nation in South America, boasts a diverse geography that includes vast rainforests, extensive coastlines, and rolling lowlands. With an estimated population of over 221 million in 2025, the country is characterized by a rich tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, including mixed, White, Black, Indigenous, and Asian communities. As a federal presidential republic, Brazil has a complex political history oscillating between democracy and authoritarianism, with current governance led by President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva. The economy is classified as upper-middle-income and is one of the largest in Latin America, driven by strong domestic consumption but facing challenges like high inequality and inflation.

Geography

Brazil is located in eastern South America and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, making it a significant geographic entity on the continent. The country features a predominantly tropical climate but becomes temperate in the south, with a diverse terrain ranging from flat lowlands to mountains.

Area: 8,515,770 sq km, slightly smaller than the US.
Coastline: 7,491 km.
Major rivers: The Amazon River, 6,400 km long, is the world's largest river by discharge volume.
Natural hazards: Brazil experiences recurring droughts in the northeast and floods in the south.
Natural resources: Includes alumina, gold, iron ore, nickel, and hydropower.

People and Society

Brazil's population is estimated at 221,359,387 for 2025, with a significant urbanization rate of 87.8%. The country has a diverse ethnic makeup, with a majority identifying as mixed, followed by White, Black, Indigenous, and Asian populations.

Languages: Portuguese (official), with Spanish, German, Italian, and others as minor languages.
Religions: Predominantly Roman Catholic (56.8%), followed by Evangelical (26.9%).
Literacy rate: 94.8% across the total population (2024 est.).
Life expectancy: 76.3 years (2024 est.).
Urban areas: São Paulo has the largest population among urban centers, with 22.62 million residents.

Economy

Brazil stands as the largest economy in Latin America, characterized by a mixed economy with strong domestic consumption driving its growth. However, the country grapples with high inequality and inflation rates.

GDP (PPP): Estimated at $4.165 trillion for 2024.
Real GDP growth rate: Projected at 3.4% for 2024.
Unemployment rate: Estimated at 7.7% in 2024.
Population below poverty line: Approximately 4.2% (2016 est.).
Gini index: Indicates significant income inequality with a score of 51.6 (2023 est.).

Government

Brazil operates as a federal presidential republic, with a history that reflects a tumultuous political landscape transitioning from monarchy to military dictatorship and back to democracy.

Democratic framework: President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva has been in office since January 1, 2023.
Capital: Brasília, created as the new capital in 1960.
Administrative divisions: Brazil is divided into 26 states and 1 federal district.
Suffrage: Mandatory for those aged 18 to 70.
Constitution: The current constitution was ratified on October 5, 1988.

Military and Security

The Brazilian Armed Forces are responsible for protecting national sovereignty and internal security, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Active personnel: Approximately 360,000 in total.
Military expenditures: Estimated at 1.1% of GDP for 2024.
Military service: Compulsory service for men aged 18-45.
Equipment: Comprises both domestically produced and imported weapons.

Energy

Brazil has made significant strides in energy production, notably in renewable sources like hydropower, which constitutes a substantial portion of its electricity generation.

Electricity access: 100% for total population as of 2022.
Installed capacity: 240.251 million kW (2023 est.).
Hydroelectricity: Accounts for 60.2% of total installed capacity in 2023.
Natural gas production: Estimated at 22.702 billion cubic meters (2023 est.).

Environment

Brazil's environment faces challenges, particularly concerning deforestation in the Amazon and pollution in major cities.

Major environmental issues: Deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and air pollution.
Land use: 58.9% forest cover with 28.3% designated for agriculture (2023 est.).
International agreements: Party to numerous agreements including the Climate Change Paris Agreement and Biodiversity provisions.

Transportation

Brazil features a vast transportation network, encompassing railways, airports, and ports to facilitate movement.

Airports: Totaling 5,297 airports (2025).
Railways: Extending 29,849.9 km as of 2014.
Merchant marine: Comprising 888 vessels (2023).

Communications

Brazil's communication infrastructure is well-developed, with high mobile phone penetration.

Internet users: 84% of the population are users as of 2023.
Mobile subscriptions: Around 216 million with a penetration rate of 102 per 100 inhabitants in 2024.
Television: More than 1,000 radio stations and 100 TV channels, primarily privately owned.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	221,359,387 (2025 est.)	Total estimated population
Area	8,515,770 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$4.165 trillion (2024 est.)	Purchasing power parity
Unemployment Rate	7.7% (2024 est.)	Percentage of labor force
Birth Rate	13.04 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)	Annual birth rate
Life Expectancy	76.3 years (2024 est.)	Average life expectancy
Literacy Rate	94.8% (2024 est.)	Total literacy rate
Electricity Access	100% (2022 est.)	Electrification for total population
Forest Coverage	58.9% (2023 est.)	Percentage of land area
Military Expenditures	1.1% of GDP (2024 est.)	Military spending as a percentage of GDP