Research Library: Brazil

Last Updated Sep 29, 2009

Country Information

Government

• Brazil is a federal republic comprised of 26 states. The federal government holds broad powers. Presidential elections are held every four years. The president serves as both chief of state and head of government and can serve no more than two terms. There is also a bicameral National Congress, which consists of the Federal Senate (81 seats) and the Chamber of Deputies (513 seats). All members are elected by popular vote to serve a term of eight years and four years, respectively.
• Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, of the socialist Workers' Party, was elected to a second term in office in October 2006 in an overwhelming victory. Known by Brazilians as "Lula," he is the first working-class president of Brazil and was elected amid increased concerns about unemployment and crime in this country.

Political Stability

• Lula was elected to a second term in October 2006, despite considerable challenges due to a slow-growing economy, an unstable coalition government, and allegations of corruption. A federal police investigation revealed that several highly placed administration officials and relatives, but not Lula himself, were involved in corruption and bribery schemes. A number of senior officials from Lula's PT party have since resigned.
• The Landless Workers Project (MST), a grassroots movement, continues to raise objections to policies and practices that allow for 1% of landowners in Brazil to own half of the land, leading to frequent clashes between MST supporters and police and landowners. This reflects Brazil's persisting problems of extreme economic inequality. Rampant crime, especially in larger cities, is also a constant issue, and slavery remains a problem in the Amazon regions of Brazil.

Current Government Policies

• Brazil suffers from high wealth inequality. Lula has made economic progress and poverty alleviation the government's two main priorities. He introduced prudent fiscal and monetary policies including debt restructuring and affirmative action polices to address inequalities of opportunities. Brazil has made large strides in reducing dependence on foreign oil. Expanding their relations with other South American countries has also been made priority.

International Reputation

• Many nations are calling for reforms in the UN Security Council membership structure. Brazil is considered a top candidate for permanent membership to the Security Council if changes are made. Brazil was a leader of the G-20 group in the WTO Doha Round talks. Human rights groups are critical of the rising level of urban violence and increasing abuses by police. International concerns also include the deforestation, the spread of HIV, support of terror groups, and prevalence of the drug trade.

Economics

• Brazil is the largest economic power in South America, due in part to a large population and abundant resources. 2001 to 2003 proved very difficult for Brazil's economy, but thanks to recent prudent monetary policy, there has been substantial growth, an appreciation of currency, and increases in employment rates over the past few years. In addition, growth in production has led to record trade surpluses and increased exports. The success of manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and service sectors is central to Brazil's economic prowess in the South American region. Because of these developments, Brazil is now a net creditor nation.
• Since the beginning of the global financial crisis, Brazil's currency and stock market have lost value. Brazil also incurred an account deficit in 2008 as world demand and prices for its exported commodities dropped in the second-half of 2008. Despite growth and only moderate inflation, high level of income inequality and a large tax burden exist. Poverty alleviation continues to be a challenge. The government hopes to address these issues by expanding trade ties and promoting exports.

Foreign Aid

• Brazil is a net recipient of official development assistance. For more information see the OECD Aid at a Glance chart.

Politically-Active Ethnic Groups
Data provided by the Minorities at Risk Project of the Center for International Development and Conflict Management at the University of Maryland

• Afro-Brazillians
• Amazonian Indians

Statistics
Click on statistic name for source information.

Web Resources

• Brazilian Government Web Portal
  The official website of Brazilian Government. Information on the government, top priorities and the history of Brazil. (Available also in English and Spanish)
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009
• Ministry of External Relations
  The official website of the Ministério das Relações Exteriores. Information on the ministry and foreign policy. (Available also in English and Spanish)
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009
• O Correio Brazilense
  An influential daily newspaper.
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009
• Permanent Mission of Brazil to the UN
  Information on Brazil's involvement with the UN and UN Members. (In English)
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009
• Presidency of the Federative Republic
  The official website for the President of Brazil. Information on the government, federal programs and the presidency.
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009
• The Brazilian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
  The official website for the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, DC.
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009