CapitalBrasí
Population221,359,387
Area8,515,770 km²
GDP per capita$19,600
LanguagesPortuguese serves as the official language and is the most commonly spoken language
Currencyreals
Life Expectancy76.3 yr
Governmentfederal presidential republic
Introduction
Background
After 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 Getúlio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. VARGAS governed through various versions of democratic and authoritarian regimes from 1930 to 1945. Democratic rule returned in 1945 -- including a democratically elected VARGAS administration from 1951 to 1954 -- and lasted until 1964, when the military overthrew President João GOULART. The military regime censored journalists and repressed and tortured dissidents in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The dictatorship lasted until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers, and the Brazilian Congress passed its current constitution in 1988.
By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Having successfully weathered a period of global financial difficulty in the late 20th century, Brazil was soon seen as one of the world's strongest emerging markets and a contributor to global growth under President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (2003-2010). The awarding of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympic Games -- the first ever to be held in South America -- to Brazil was symbolic of the country's rise. However, from about 2013 to 2016, Brazil was plagued by a sagging economy, high unemployment, and high inflation, only emerging from recession in 2017. Congress removed then-President Dilma ROUSSEFF (2011-2016) from office in 2016 for having committed impeachable acts against Brazil's budgetary laws, and her vice president, Michel TEMER, served the remainder of her second term. A money-laundering investigation, Operation Lava Jato, uncovered a vast corruption scheme and prosecutors charged several high-profile Brazilian politicians with crimes. Former President LULA was convicted of accepting bribes and served jail time (2018-19), although his conviction was overturned in 2021. LULA's revival became complete in 2022 when he narrowly defeated incumbent Jair BOLSONARO (2019-2022) in the presidential election. Positioning Brazil as an independent global leader on climate change and promoting sustainable development, LULA took on the 2024 G20 presidency, balancing the fight against deforestation with sustainable energy and other projects designed to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth, such as expanding fossil fuel exploration.
Geography
Area
land
8,358,140 sq km
water
157,630 sq km
total
8,515,770 sq km
Climate
predominantly tropical, transitioning to temperate in the southern region
Terrain
primarily characterized by flat to gently undulating lowlands in the northern area; includes some plains, hills, mountains, and a narrow coastal strip
Land use
other
12.7% (2023 est.)
forest
58.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
28.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 20.7% (2023 est.)
Location
Located in the eastern part of South America, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean
Coastline
7,491 km
Elevation
lowest point
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point
Pico da Neblina 2,994 m
mean elevation
320 m
Irrigated land
91,833 sq km (2022)
Major aquifers
Amazon Basin, Guarani Aquifer System, Maranhao Basin
Map references
South America
Land boundaries
total
16,145 km
border countries
Argentina 1,263 km; Bolivia 3,403 km; Colombia 1,790 km; French Guiana 649 km; Guyana 1,308 km; Paraguay 1,371 km; Peru 2,659 km; Suriname 515 km; Uruguay 1,050 km; Venezuela 2,137 km
Maritime claims
contiguous zone
24 nm
territorial sea
12 nm
continental shelf
200 nm or to edge of the continental margin
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
periodic droughts in the northeast; flooding and sporadic frost in the southern regions
Geography - note
note 1: the largest nation in South America and within the Southern Hemisphere; shares borders with every South American nation except for Chile and Ecuador; contains a significant portion of the Pantanal, the largest tropical wetland globally, situated in the west-central section of the country; jointly owns Iguaçu Falls (Iguazú Falls), which is the largest waterfall system in the world, with Argentina.
note 2: Rocas Atoll, positioned off Brazil's northeastern coast, is the sole atoll in the South Atlantic.
Natural resources
alumina, bauxite, beryllium, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, niobium, phosphates, platinum, tantalum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber
Area - comparative
somewhat smaller than the United States
Geographic coordinates
10 00 S, 55 00 W
Population distribution
the vast majority of the population resides along or in proximity to the Atlantic coastline in the east; the population center is in the southeast, centered around the cities of São Paulo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro
Major lakes (area sq km)
salt water lake(s)
Lagoa Mirim (shared with Uruguay) - 2,970 sq km
fresh water lake(s)
Lagoa dos Patos - 10,140 sq km
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage
Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Orinoco (953,675 sq km), Paraná (2,582,704 sq km), São Francisco (617,814 sq km), Tocantins (764,213 sq km)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Amazon river mouth (shared with Peru [s]) - 6,400 km; Río de la Plata/Paraná river source (shared with Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay [m]) - 4,880 km; Tocantins - 3,650 km; São Francisco - 3,180 km; Paraguay river source (shared with Argentina and Paraguay [m]) - 2,549 km; Rio Negro river mouth (shared with Colombia [s] and Venezuela) - 2,250 km; Uruguay river source (shared with Argentina and Uruguay [m]) - 1,610 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
People & Society
Literacy
male
94.5% (2024 est.)
female
95.1% (2024 est.)
total population
94.8% (2024 est.)
Languages
Languages
Portuguese serves as the official language and is the most commonly spoken language; other languages, though less prevalent, include Spanish (particularly in border regions and educational institutions), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and various minor Amerindian languages.
major-language sample(s)
O Livro de Fatos Mundiais, a fonte indispensável para informação básica. (Brazilian Portuguese)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
The religious composition consists of Roman Catholic 56.8%, Evangelical 26.9%, none 9.3%, other 4%, Spiritism (Espírita) 1.8%, unspecified 1.4%, with Umbanda and Candomblé at 1.1%, Indigenous religions at 0.06%, and undeclared at 0.2% (2022).
Sex ratio
at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years
0.98 male(s)/female
total population
0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.75 male(s)/female
Birth rate
13.04 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
7.07 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
34 years
total
35.4 years (2025 est.)
female
36.1 years
Population
male
108,753,532
total
221,359,387 (2025 est.)
female
112,605,855
Nationality
noun
Brazilian(s)
adjective
Brazilian
Tobacco use
male
14.4% (2025 est.)
total
11.2% (2025 est.)
female
8.3% (2025 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
87.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
19.6% (male 22,025,593/female 21,088,398)
15-64 years
69.5% (male 75,889,089/female 77,118,722)
65 years and over
10.9% (2024 est.) (male 10,251,809/female 13,677,901)
Ethnic groups
The demographic breakdown includes mixed 45.3%, White 43.5%, Black 10.2%, Indigenous 0.6%, and Asian 0.4% (estimates for 2022).
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
44.3 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio
28.1 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio
6.2 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
16.2 (2025 est.)
Physician density
2.36 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
9.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Hospital bed density
2.5 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.73 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: rural
rural: 98% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 99.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0.2% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
5.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
12.9% national budget (2022 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
14.6 deaths/1,000 live births
total
12.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
11.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
0.58% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.84 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
A significant portion of the population resides along or close to the eastern Atlantic coast; the demographic center is situated in the southeast, primarily within the urban areas of São Paulo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro.
Life expectancy at birth
male
72.6 years
female
80.1 years
total population
76.3 years (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
67 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: rural
rural: 65% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 91% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 94.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 35% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 5.3% of population (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
beer
3.84 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine
0.24 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
total
6.12 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits
2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols
0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Major urban areas - population
22.620 million São Paulo, 13.728 million Rio de Janeiro, 6.248 million Belo Horizonte, 4.873 million BRASÍLIA (capital), 4.264 million Recife, 4.212 million Porto Alegre (2023)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.1% (2016)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
56.9% (2019 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3.5% (2019 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
male
15 years (2022 est.)
total
16 years (2022 est.)
female
17 years (2022 est.)
Environment
Climate
predominantly tropical, yet temperate in the southern regions
Geoparks
global geoparks and regional networks
Araripe; Cacapava; Quarta Colonia; Serido; Southern Canyons Pathways; Uberaba (2024)
total global geoparks and regional networks
6
Land use
other
12.7% (2023 est.)
forest
58.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
28.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 20.7% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
87.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Methane emissions
other
382.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste
3,361.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
energy
1,759.1 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture
13,761.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
79.07 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
2.8% (2022 est.)
Environmental issues
deforestation in the Amazon Basin; illicit wildlife trafficking; unlawful hunting; air and water contamination in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and other major urban areas; land degradation and water contamination resulting from mining activities; wetland deterioration; oil leaks
Total water withdrawal
municipal
16.397 billion cubic meters (2022)
industrial
10.2 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural
41.336 billion cubic meters (2022)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
437.769 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas
53.026 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke
53.664 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
331.079 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
10.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Total renewable water resources
8.647 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.)
International environmental agreements
party to
Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified
Marine Dumping-London Protocol
Government
Flag
description: features a green field with a prominent yellow diamond at its center, which contains a blue globe adorned with 27 five-pointed white stars; the globe is encircled by a white equatorial band inscribed with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress)
meaning: green symbolizes the nation's forests, while yellow represents its mineral wealth, and the diamond signifies the contour of the country; the blue globe and stars depict the sky over Rio de Janeiro on 15 November 1889, the date the Republic of Brazil was established; the number of stars has increased from 21 to 27 with the formation of new states (one for each state and the Federal District)
history: the flag draws inspiration from the flag of the previous Empire of Brazil (1822-1889)
Capital
name
Brasília
etymology
the name is the Latinized version of the country's title, given to the new capital of Brazil in 1960; the prior capitals were Salvador (1549-1763) and Rio de Janeiro (1763 to 1960)
time zone note
Brazil encompasses four distinct time zones, one of which is designated for the Fernando de Noronha Islands
time difference
UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates
15 47 S, 47 55 W
Suffrage
voting is voluntary for those aged 16 to 18, individuals over 70, and the illiterate; it is mandatory for citizens aged 18 to 70
Citizenship
citizenship by birth
yes
citizenship by descent only
yes
dual citizenship recognized
yes
residency requirement for naturalization
4 years
Constitution
history
several previous; latest ratified 5 October 1988
amendment process
amendments may be proposed by at least one-third of either chamber of the National Congress, by the president of the republic, or through a simple majority from more than half of the state legislative assemblies; to be enacted, a three-fifths majority in both chambers is required across two readings; constitutional clauses regarding the federal structure of government, the separation of powers, voting rights, or individual rights and guarantees are immutable
Country name
etymology
the country name derives from the brazil tree that used to grow plentifully along the coast of Brazil and that was used to produce a deep red dye
local long form
República Federativa do Brasil
local short form
Brasil
conventional long form
Federative Republic of Brazil
conventional short form
Brazil
Independence
7 September 1822 (from Portugal)
Legal system
civil law
Government type
federal presidential republic
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
Supreme Federal Court or Supremo Tribunal Federal (consists of 11 justices)
subordinate courts
Tribunal of the Union, Federal Appeals Court, Superior Court of Justice, Superior Electoral Court, regional federal courts; state court system
judge selection and term of office
justices are appointed by the president and must be approved by an absolute majority in the Federal Senate; they serve until reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75
Executive branch
cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president
chief of state
President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (since 1 January 2023)
election results
2022: Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (PT) 48.4%, Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 43.2%, Simone Nassar TEBET (MDB) 4.2%, Ciro GOMES (PDT) 3%, other 1.2%; percent of vote in second round - Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (PT) 50.9%, Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 49.1%
2018: Jair BOLSONARO elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 46%, Fernando HADDAD (PT) 29.3%, Ciro GOMEZ (PDT) 12.5%, Geraldo ALCKMIN (PSDB) 4.8%, other 7.4%; percent of vote in second round - Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 55.1%, Fernando HADDAD (PT) 44.9%
head of government
President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (since 1 January 2023)
most recent election date
2 October 2022, with runoff on 30 October 2022
election/appointment process
the president and vice president are elected directly on the same ballot through an absolute-majority popular vote, potentially requiring two rounds, for a term of four years (eligible for one consecutive term and further terms after a gap of at least one term)
expected date of next election
4 October 2026
National holiday
Independence Day, 7 September (1822)
National color(s)
green, yellow, blue
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites
24 (15 cultural, 9 natural, 1 mixed)
selected World Heritage Site locales
Brasilia (c); Historic Salvador de Bahia (c); Historic Ouro Preto (c); Historic Center of the Town of Olinda (c); Iguaçu National Park (n); Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis (c); Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes (c); Central Amazon Conservation Complex (n); Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves (n); Historic Center of Salvador de Bahia (c); Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas (c); Brasilia (c); Serra da Capivara National Park (c); Historic Center of Sao Luis (c); Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves (n); Historic Center of the Town of Diamantina (c); Pantanal Conservation Area (n); Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves (n); Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks (n); Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás (c); São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão (c); Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea (c); Pampulha Modern Ensemble (c); Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site (c); Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity (m); Sítio Roberto Burle Marx (c); Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (n); Peruaçu River Canyon (n)
Political parties
Act (Agir) (previously known as the Christian Labor Party or PTC)
Avante (formerly Labor Party of Brazil or PTdoB)
Brazil Union (União Brasil); note - formed from a merger of the Democrats (DEM) and the Social Liberal Party (PSL)
Brazilian Communist Party or PCB
Brazilian Democratic Movement or MDB
Brazilian Labor Party or PTB
Brazilian Renewal Labor Party or PRTB
Brazilian Labor Party or PTB
Brazilian Social Democracy Party or PSDB
Brazilian Socialist Party or PSB
Christian Democracy or DC (previously Christian Social Democratic Party)
Cidadania (formerly Popular Socialist Party or PPS)
Communist Party of Brazil or PCdoB
Democratic Labor Party or PDT
Democratic Party or PSDC
Democrats or DEM (previously the Liberal Front Party or PFL); note - dissolved in February 2022
Green Party or PV
Liberal Party or PL [Valdemar Costa Neto] (formerly Party of the Republic or PR)
National Mobilization Party or PMN
New Party or NOVO
Patriota (previously National Ecologic Party or PEN)
Podemos (formerly National Labor Party or PTN)
Progressive Party (Progressistas) or PP
Republican Social Order Party or PROS
Republicans (Republicanos) (previously Brazilian Republican Party or PRB)
Social Christian Party or PSC
Social Democratic Party or PSD
Social Liberal Party or PSL
Socialism and Freedom Party or PSOL
Solidarity or SD
Sustainability Network or REDE
United Socialist Workers' Party or PSTU
Workers' Cause Party or PCO
Workers' Party or PT
Legislative branch
legislature name
National Congress (Congresso nacional)
legislative structure
bicameral
National anthem(s)
title
"Hino Nacional Brasileiro" (Brazilian National Anthem)
history
music adopted in 1890, lyrics adopted in 1922; the anthem's music, composed in 1822, had been used unofficially for many years
lyrics/music
Joaquim Osorio Duque ESTRADA/Francisco Manoel DA SILVA
National symbol(s)
Southern Cross constellation
Administrative divisions
The country comprises 26 states (estados, singular - estado) along with a federal district* (distrito federal). The states are Acre, Alagoas, Amapá, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceará, Distrito Federal*, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Paraíba, Paraná, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondônia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, and Sergipe, along with Tocantins.
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
Chamber of Deputies (Cámara dos Deputados)
term in office
4 years
number of seats
513 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
10/2/2022
expected date of next election
October 2026
percentage of women in chamber
18.1%
parties elected and seats per party
Liberal Party (PL) (99); Workers' Party (PT) (69); Brazil Union (União) (59); Progressive Party (PP) (47); Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB) (42); Social Democratic Party (PSD) (42); Republicans (Republicanos) (40); Other (106)
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Federal Senate (Senado Federal)
term in office
8 years
number of seats
81 (all directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
scope of elections
partial renewal
most recent election date
10/2/2022
expected date of next election
October 2026
percentage of women in chamber
19.8%
parties elected and seats per party
Liberal Party (PL) (8); Brazil Union (União) (5); Workers' Party (PT) (4); Progressive Party (PP) (3); Social Democratic Party (PSD) (2); Republicans (Republicanos) (2); Other (3)
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 238-2827
chancery
3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 238-2700
chief of mission
Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro VIOTTI (since 30 June 2023)
consulate(s) general
Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford (CT), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Francisco
email address and website
[email protected]
https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/embaixada-washington
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
[55] (61) 3225-9136
embassy
SES - Avenida das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03, 70403-900 - Brasília, DF
telephone
[55] (61) 3312-7000
mailing address
7500 Brasilia Place, Washington DC 20521-7500
branch office(s)
Belo Horizonte
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Gabriel ESCOBAR (since 21 January 2025)
consulate(s) general
Recife, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo
email address and website
[email protected]
https://br.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
AfDB (nonregional member), BIS, BRICS, CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, CPLP, FAO, FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-5, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer), Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OECD (enhanced engagement), OPANAL, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Economy
Budget
revenues
$556.303 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures
$706.816 billion (2023 est.)
Exports
Exports 2022
$380.492 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$389.192 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2024
$388.333 billion (2024 est.)
Imports
Imports 2022
$369.861 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$340.195 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2024
$377.05 billion (2024 est.)
Industries
textiles, footwear, chemicals, cement, timber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, automobiles and components, various machinery and equipment
Labor force
106.79 million (2024 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2023
83% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2022
0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2024
0.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
reals (BRL) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
5.155 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
5.394 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
5.164 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
4.994 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
5.389 (2024 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023
$198.582 billion (2023 est.)
Economic overview
upper-middle-income status, the largest economy in Latin America; member of Mercosur, BRICS, G20, and a candidate for OECD membership; economic growth propelled by robust domestic consumption; monetary policy adjustments aiding in controlling inflation; significant income inequality and disparities in health and education access
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2022
9.3% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023
8% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2024
7.7% (2024 est.)
Exports - partners
China 30%, USA 10%, Argentina 5%, Netherlands 3%, Chile 2% (2023)
Imports - partners
China 23%, USA 16%, Germany 5%, Argentina 5%, Russia 4% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2022
$18,600 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$19,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024
$19,600 (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2022
3% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
3.2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2024
3.4% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, soybeans, maize, milk, cassava, oranges, chicken, beef, rice, wheat (2023)
Exports - commodities
soybeans, crude oil, iron ore, raw sugar, corn (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined oil, fertilizers, crude oil, vehicle parts/accessories, gas turbines (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2022
-$42.157 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023
-$27.933 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2024
-$61.194 billion (2024 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
14% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$2.179 trillion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
63.8% (2024 est.)
government consumption
18.8% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
-0.1% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
17% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
18% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-17.5% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
4.2% (2016 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food
16.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco
1.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
9.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
4.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
4.4% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
3.3% (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$3.902 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$4.029 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$4.165 trillion (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
male
15.7% (2024 est.)
total
18% (2024 est.)
female
20.9% (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$324.673 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$355.021 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$329.732 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
21.3% (2024 est.)
services
59.3% (2024 est.)
agriculture
5.6% (2024 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%
1.3% (2023 est.)
highest 10%
40.8% (2023 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023
51.6 (2023 est.)
Energy
Coal
exports
5,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports
18.257 million metric tons (2023 est.)
production
15.556 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption
32.223 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves
6.596 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production
4.221 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves
12.715 billion barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption
3.163 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
exports
7.186 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports
22.294 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption
608.451 billion kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
240.251 million kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
106.916 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Natural gas
exports
101.203 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports
6.356 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
production
22.702 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption
29.065 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves
363.985 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors
2 (2025)
Percent of total electricity production
2.2% (2023 est.)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors
1.88GW (2025 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors under construction
1 (2025)
Electricity access
electrification - rural areas
97.3%
electrification - urban areas
100%
electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
48.889 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
wind
13.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
6.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear
2.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
8.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
60.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
8.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
84% (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
The state-owned Radiobras manages both a radio and television network; there are over 1,000 radio stations and in excess of 100 television channels, with the majority being privately owned; ownership of private media is significantly concentrated (2022)
Internet country code
.br
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
22.5 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
11 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
216 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
102 (2024 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
48.4 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
23 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
4
small
19
medium
7
key ports
Belem, DTSE/Gegua Oil Terminal, Itajai, Port de Salvador, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Santos, Tubarao, Vitoria
very small
15
total ports
45 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
31
Airports
5,297 (2025)
Railways
total
29,849.9 km (2014)
dual gauge
492 km (2014) 1.600-1.000-m gauge
broad gauge
5,822.3 km (2014) 1.600-m gauge (498.3 km electrified)
narrow gauge
23,341.6 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge (24 km electrified)
standard gauge
194 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Heliports
1,871 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
888 (2023)
by type
bulk carriers 13, container ships 20, general cargo vessels 38, oil tankers 27, others 790
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
PP
Military & Security
Military - note
The Brazilian Armed Forces (BAF) rank as the second largest military entity in the Western Hemisphere, following the United States. Their responsibilities encompass external security and the protection of national sovereignty, in addition to an internal security function. The missions of the BAF include patrolling and safeguarding the extensive borders, coastline, and vast territorial waters and river systems of Brazil, assisting with domestic security matters, providing responses to disasters, offering humanitarian aid, and engaging in multinational peacekeeping efforts. Furthermore, the BAF collaborates with neighboring nations like Argentina and Paraguay to address issues related to cross-border smuggling and trafficking.
Brazil holds the designation of Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) with the United States, a status defined by US legislation that grants foreign partners specific privileges in defense trade and security collaboration.
The roots of Brazil's military can be traced back to the 1640s. During World War II, Brazil contributed a 25,000-strong expeditionary force, comprising both air and ground units, to support the Allies in the Mediterranean Theater. Additionally, the Navy played a role in the Battle of the Atlantic (2025).
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
1.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
1.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
Brazilian Armed Forces (Forças Armadas Brasileiras): Brazilian Army (Exército Brasileiro, EB), Brazilian Navy (Marinha do Brasil; includes Naval Aviation (Aviacao Naval Brasileira) and Marine Corps (Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais)), Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira) (2025).
Military service age and obligation
For men, the age range for compulsory military service is 18 to 45 years (with only 5-10% of those inducted required to serve); the obligation for compulsory service typically lasts 12 months. For voluntary service, the age range is 17 to 45 years (18 for women) (2025).
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The inventory of the Brazilian military comprises a combination of domestically produced and imported arms, primarily sourced from Europe and the United States. Brazil's defense sector designs and manufactures equipment for all three military branches and for export purposes; it also engages in joint production of equipment with other countries (2025).
Military and security service personnel strengths
The Brazilian Armed Forces have approximately 360,000 active personnel (220,000 in the Army; 70,000 in the Navy; 70,000 in the Air Force) (2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Hizballah; Tren de Aragua (TdA)
Transnational Issues
Illicit drugs
USG identification
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating
Tier 2 Watch List — Brazil has not shown significant improvements in its efforts to combat trafficking relative to the preceding reporting period, resulting in its demotion to the Tier 2 Watch List; for further information, please visit: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/brazil/
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs
19,043 (2024 est.)
refugees
331,097 (2024 est.)
stateless persons
27 (2024 est.)
Space
Space launch site(s)
Alcantara Launch Center (located in Maranhão state); Barreira do Inferno Launch Center (located in Rio Grande do Norte state) (2025)
Space agency/agencies
Brazilian Space Agency (Agência Espacial Brasileira, AEB; founded in 1994 when the administration of Brazil's space program transitioned from military to civilian oversight); National Institute for Space Research (INPE, part of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations); Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA, part of the Aeronautics Command (COMAER) under the Ministry of Defense) (2025)
Space program overview
develops, constructs, operates, and monitors satellites, which encompass communications, remote sensing (RS), multi-mission, navigational, and scientific/testing/research; while satellites are primarily launched by international partners, Brazil maintains a longstanding program for sounding (research) rockets and satellite launch vehicles (SLV) along with rocket launch facilities; collaborates with numerous foreign space agencies and commercial organizations, including those from Argentina, Canada, the ESA, specific ESA member nations (notably France and Germany), India, Japan, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Ukraine, and the US; possesses a state-operated communications enterprise that manages Brazil's communications satellites and a burgeoning commercial space industry (2025)
Key space-program milestones
1960s - initiated a national space initiative under the Air Force
1984 - commenced the satellite launch vehicle (SLV) program (Veículo Lançador de Satélites or VLS-1)
1985 - launched the first communications satellite, co-produced with Canada, via a European SLV
1993 - deployed the first domestically manufactured experimental communications satellite (Satélite de Coleta de Dados, SCD-1) through a US launch
2004 - executed a sub-orbital sounding rocket launch, but a subsequent catastrophic failure of a VLS-1 during a test launch resulted in a reduction of the program's scale
2006 - sent the first Brazilian astronaut to the International Space Station aboard a Russian rocket
2008 - initiated development of a 3-stage microsatellite launch vehicle (Veículo Lançador de Microssatélite or VLM-1) in collaboration with Germany
2021 - launched the first independently developed remote sensing (RS) satellite (Amazonia-1) by India; entered into the US-led Artemis Accords focused on space exploration cooperation and established cooperation agreements with the space agencies of China, India, Russia, and South Africa for the collaborative development of an RS satellite constellation
2022 - successfully launched a suborbital rocket reaching altitudes exceeding 225 km (140 miles)
