2013 Edition

Background

Following 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 Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil underwent more than a half century of populist and military government until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader, one of the first in the area to begin an economic recovery. Highly unequal income distribution and crime remain pressing problems.

Area

8,514,877 sq km 8,459,417 sq km 55,460 sq km includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo

total

8,514,877 sq km

water

55,460 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than the US

Climate

mostly tropical, but temperate in south

Coastline

7,491 km

Elevation extremes

Atlantic Ocean 0 m Pico da Neblina 2,994 m

highest point

Pico da Neblina 2,994 m

lowest point

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the area; there is a lucrative illegal wildlife trade; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining activities; wetland degradation; severe oil spills

Environment - international agreements

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling none of the selected agreements

party to

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

58.07 cu km/yr (28%/17%/55%) 306 cu m/yr (2006)

per capita

306 cu m/yr (2006)

total

58.07 cu km/yr (28%/17%/55%)

Geographic coordinates

10 00 S, 55 00 W

Geography - note

largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador

Irrigated land

54,000 sq km (2011)

Land boundaries

16,885 km Argentina 1,261 km, Bolivia 3,423 km, Colombia 1,644 km, French Guiana 730 km, Guyana 1,606 km, Paraguay 1,365 km, Peru 2,995 km, Suriname 593 km, Uruguay 1,068 km, Venezuela 2,200 km

border countries

Argentina 1,261 km, Bolivia 3,423 km, Colombia 1,644 km, French Guiana 730 km, Guyana 1,606 km, Paraguay 1,365 km, Peru 2,995 km, Suriname 593 km, Uruguay 1,068 km, Venezuela 2,200 km

total

16,885 km

Land use

8.45% 0.83% 90.72% (2011)

arable land

8.45%

other

90.72% (2011)

permanent crops

0.83%

Location

Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean

Map references

South America

Maritime claims

12 nm 24 nm 200 nm 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

contiguous zone

24 nm

continental shelf

200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south

Natural resources

bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, platinum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber

Terrain

mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt

Total renewable water resources

8,233 cu km (2011)

Age structure

24.2% (male 24,814,906/female 23,879,697) 16.7% (male 16,982,245/female 16,513,161) 43.6% (male 43,396,927/female 44,170,680) 8.2% (male 7,792,041/female 8,736,359) 7.3% (male 6,250,580/female 8,473,026) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

24.2% (male 24,814,906/female 23,879,697)

15-24 years

16.7% (male 16,982,245/female 16,513,161)

25-54 years

43.6% (male 43,396,927/female 44,170,680)

55-64 years

8.2% (male 7,792,041/female 8,736,359)

65 years and over

7.3% (male 6,250,580/female 8,473,026) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

14.97 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Child labor - children ages 5-14

959,942 3 % data represents children ages 5-13 (2009 est.)

percentage

3 %

total number

959,942

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

2.2% (2007)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

80.3% (2006)

Death rate

6.51 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Demographic profile

Brazil's rapid fertility decline since the 1960s is the main factor behind the country's slowing population growth rate, aging population, and fast-paced demographic transition. Brasilia has not taken full advantage of its large working-age population to develop its human capital and strengthen its social and economic institutions. The current favorable age structure will begin to shift around 2025, with the labor force shrinking and the elderly starting to compose an increasing share of the total population. Well-funded public pensions have nearly wiped out poverty among the elderly, but limited social spending on children has restricted investment in education - a primary means of escaping poverty. Brazil's poverty and income inequality levels remain high despite improvements in the 2000s and continue to disproportionately affect the Northeast, North, and Center-West, women, and black, mixed race, and indigenous populations. Disparities in opportunities foster social exclusion and contribute to Brazil's high crime rate, particularly violent crime in cities and favelas. Brazil has traditionally been a net recipient of immigrants, with its southeast being the prime destination. After the importation of African slaves was outlawed in the mid-19th century, Brazil sought Europeans (Italians, Portuguese, Spaniards, and Germans) and later Asians (Japanese) to work in agriculture, especially coffee cultivation. Recent immigrants come mainly from Argentina, Chile, and Andean countries (many are unskilled illegal migrants) or are returning Brazilian nationals. Since Brazil's economic downturn in the 1980s, emigration to the United States, Europe, and Japan has been rising but is negligible relative to Brazil's total population. The majority of these emigrants are well-educated and middle-class. Fewer Brazilian peasants are emigrating to neighboring countries to take up agricultural work.

Dependency ratios

46.2 % 35.2 % 11 % 9.1 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

11 %

potential support ratio

9.1 (2013)

total dependency ratio

46.2 %

youth dependency ratio

35.2 %

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 85% of population total: 98% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 15% of population total: 2% of population (2010 est.)

rural

15% of population

total

2% of population (2010 est.)

urban

0% of population

Education expenditures

5.6% of GDP (2009)

Ethnic groups

white 53.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 38.5%, black 6.2%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 0.9%, unspecified 0.7% (2000 census)

Health expenditures

8.9% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Hospital bed density

2.3 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

19.83 deaths/1,000 live births 23.16 deaths/1,000 live births 16.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

16.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

19.83 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language) less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages

Life expectancy at birth

73.02 years 69.48 years 76.74 years (2013 est.)

female

76.74 years (2013 est.)

total population

73.02 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 90.4% 90.1% 90.7% (2010 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

90.7% (2010 est.)

male

90.1%

total population

90.4%

Major urban areas - population

Sao Paulo 19.96 million; Rio de Janeiro 11.836 million; Belo Horizonte 5.736 million; Porto Alegre 4.034 million; BRASILIA (capital) 3.813 million (2011)

Maternal mortality rate

56 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

30.3 years 29.5 years 31.1 years (2013 est.)

female

31.1 years (2013 est.)

male

29.5 years

total

30.3 years

Nationality

Brazilian(s) Brazilian

adjective

Brazilian

noun

Brazilian(s)

Net migration rate

-0.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

18.8% (2008)

Physicians density

1.76 physicians/1,000 population (2008)

Population

201,009,622 (July 2013 est.)

Population growth rate

0.83% (2013 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic (nominal) 73.6%, Protestant 15.4%, Spiritualist 1.3%, Bantu/Voodoo 0.3%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.2%, none 7.4% (2000 census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 85% of population rural: 44% of population total: 79% of population urban: 15% of population rural: 56% of population total: 21% of population (2010 est.)

rural

56% of population

total

21% of population (2010 est.)

urban

15% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

14 years 14 years 15 years (2005)

female

15 years (2005)

male

14 years

total

14 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.89 male(s)/female 0.74 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.03 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.98 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.89 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.74 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

0.98 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.81 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

17.8% 13.9% 23.1% (2009)

female

23.1% (2009)

total

17.8%

Urbanization

87% of total population (2010) 1.1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

87% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins

Capital

Brasilia 15 47 S, 47 55 W UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins third Sunday in October; ends third Sunday in February Brazil is divided into three time zones, including one for the Fernando de Noronha Islands

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins third Sunday in October; ends third Sunday in February

geographic coordinates

15 47 S, 47 55 W

name

Brasilia

time difference

UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

several previous; latest ratified 5 October 1988; amended many times, last in 2012 (2012)

Country name

Federative Republic of Brazil Brazil Republica Federativa do Brasil Brasil

conventional long form

Federative Republic of Brazil

conventional short form

Brazil

local long form

Republica Federativa do Brasil

local short form

Brasil

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Liliana AYALDE (since 1 August 2013) Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 3, Distrito Federal Cep 70403-900, Brasilia Unit 7500, DPO, AA 34030 [55] (61) 3312-7000 [55] (61) 3225-9136 Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo Recife

chief of mission

Ambassador Liliana AYALDE (since 1 August 2013)

consulate(s)

Recife

consulate(s) general

Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo

embassy

Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 3, Distrito Federal Cep 70403-900, Brasilia

FAX

[55] (61) 3225-9136

mailing address

Unit 7500, DPO, AA 34030

telephone

[55] (61) 3312-7000

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Mauro Luiz Iecker VIEIRA (since 11 January 2010) 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 238-2805 [1] (202) 238-2827 Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford (CT), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

chancery

3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Mauro Luiz Iecker VIEIRA (since 11 January 2010)

consulate(s) general

Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford (CT), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

FAX

[1] (202) 238-2827

telephone

[1] (202) 238-2805

Executive branch

President Dilma ROUSSEFF (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Michel TEMER (since 1 January 2011); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government President Dilma ROUSSEFF (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Michel TEMER (since 1 January 2011) Cabinet appointed by the president president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 3 October 2010 with runoff on 31 October 2010 (next to be held on 5 October 2014 and, if necessary, a runoff election on 2 November 2014) Dilma ROUSSEFF (PT) elected president in a runoff election; percent of vote - Dilma ROUSSEFF 56.01%, Jose SERRA (PSDB) 43.99%

cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the president

chief of state

President Dilma ROUSSEFF (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Michel TEMER (since 1 January 2011); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

election results

Dilma ROUSSEFF (PT) elected president in a runoff election; percent of vote - Dilma ROUSSEFF 56.01%, Jose SERRA (PSDB) 43.99%

elections

president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 3 October 2010 with runoff on 31 October 2010 (next to be held on 5 October 2014 and, if necessary, a runoff election on 2 November 2014)

head of government

President Dilma ROUSSEFF (since 1 January 2011); Vice President Michel TEMER (since 1 January 2011)

Flag description

green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress); the current flag was inspired by the banner of the former Empire of Brazil (1822-1889); on the imperial flag, the green represented the House of Braganza of Pedro I, the first Emperor of Brazil, while the yellow stood for the Habsburg Family of his wife; on the modern flag the green represents the forests of the country and the yellow rhombus its mineral wealth; the blue circle and stars, which replaced the coat of arms of the original flag, depict the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of 15 November 1889 - the day the Republic of Brazil was declared; the number of stars has changed with the creation of new states and has risen from an original 21 to the current 27 (one for each state and the Federal District)

Government type

federal republic

Independence

7 September 1822 (from Portugal)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

AfDB (nonregional member), BIS, BRICS, CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, CPLP, FAO, FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), 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, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OECD (Enhanced Engagement, OPANAL, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Federal Court (consists of 11 justices) justices appointed by the president and approved by the Federal Senate; justices appointed to serve until mandatory retirement at age 70 Federal Appeals Court, Superior Court of Justice, Superior Electoral Court, regional federal courts; state court system

highest court(s)

Supreme Federal Court (consists of 11 justices)

judge selection and term of office

justices appointed by the president and approved by the Federal Senate; justices appointed to serve until mandatory retirement at age 70

subordinate courts

Federal Appeals Court, Superior Court of Justice, Superior Electoral Court, regional federal courts; state court system

Legal system

civil law; note - a new civil law code was enacted in 2002 replacing the 1916 code

Legislative branch

bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of the Federal Senate or Senado Federal (81 seats; 3 members from each state and federal district elected according to the principle of majority to serve eight-year terms; one-third and two-thirds of members elected every four years, alternately) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve four-year terms) Federal Senate - last held on 3 October 2010 for two-thirds of the Senate (next to be held in October 2014 for one-third of the Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014) Federal Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PMDB 20, PT 13, PSDB 10, DEM (formerly PFL) 7, PTdoB 6, PP 5, PDT 4, PR 4, PSB 4, PPS 1, PRB 1, other 3; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PT 87, PMDB 80, PSDB 53, DEM (formerly PFL) 43, PP 41, PR 41, PSB 34, PDT 28, PTdoB 21, PSC 17, PCdoB 15, PV 15, PPS 12, other 26

election results

Federal Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PMDB 20, PT 13, PSDB 10, DEM (formerly PFL) 7, PTdoB 6, PP 5, PDT 4, PR 4, PSB 4, PPS 1, PRB 1, other 3; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PT 87, PMDB 80, PSDB 53, DEM (formerly PFL) 43, PP 41, PR 41, PSB 34, PDT 28, PTdoB 21, PSC 17, PCdoB 15, PV 15, PPS 12, other 26

elections

Federal Senate - last held on 3 October 2010 for two-thirds of the Senate (next to be held in October 2014 for one-third of the Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014)

National anthem

"Hino Nacional Brasileiro" (Brazilian National Anthem) Joaquim Osorio Duque ESTRADA/Francisco Manoel DA SILVA music adopted 1890, lyrics adopted 1922; the anthem's music, composed in 1822, was used unofficially for many years before it was adopted

lyrics/music

Joaquim Osorio Duque ESTRADA/Francisco Manoel DA SILVA

name

"Hino Nacional Brasileiro" (Brazilian National Anthem)

National holiday

Independence Day, 7 September (1822)

National symbol(s)

Southern Cross constellation

Political parties and leaders

Brazilian Communist Party or PCB [Ivan Martins PINHEIRO] Brazilian Democratic Movement Party or PMDB [Valdir RAUPP, acting] Brazilian Labor Party or PTB [Benito GAMA, acting] Brazilian Renewal Labor Party or PRTB [Jose Levy FIDELIX da Cruz] Brazilian Republican Party or PRB [Marcos Antonio PEREIRA] Brazilian Social Democracy Party or PSDB [Sergio GUERRA] Brazilian Socialist Party or PSB [Eduardo CAMPOS] Christian Labor Party or PTC [Daniel TOURINHO] Christian Social Democratic Party or PSDC [Jose Maria EYMAEL] Communist Party of Brazil or PCdoB [Jose Renato RABELO] Democratic Labor Party or PDT [Carlos Roberto LUPI] the Democrats or DEM [Jose AGRIPINO] (formerly Liberal Front Party or PFL) Free Homeland Party or PPL [Sergio Rubens de Araujo TORRES] Green Party or PV [Jose Luiz PENNA] Humanist Party of Solidarity or PHS [Eduardo Machado e Silva RODRIGUES] Labor Party of Brazil or PTB [Luis Henrique de Oliveira RESENDE] National Ecologic Party or PEN [Adilson Barroso OLIVEIRA] National Labor Party or PTN [Jose Masci de ABREU] National Mobilization Party or PMN [Oscar Noronha FILHO] Party of the Republic or PR [Alfredo NASCIMENTO] Popular Socialist Party or PPS [Roberto Joao PEREIRA FREIRE] Progressive Party or PP [Francisco DORNELLES] Progressive Republican Party or PRP [Ovasco Roma Altimari RESENDE] Social Christian Party or PSC [Vitor Jorge Abdala NOSSEIS] Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democratico) or PSD [Gilberto KASSAB] Social Liberal Party or PSL [Luciano Caldas BIVAR] Socialism and Freedom Party (Partido Socialismo e Liberdade) or PSOL [Ivan VALENTE] United Socialist Workers' Party or PSTU [Jose Maria DE ALMEIDA] Workers' Cause Party or PCO [Rui Costa PIMENTA] Workers' Party or PT [Rui FALCAO]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Landless Workers' Movement or MST industrial federations; labor unions and federations; large farmers' associations; religious groups including evangelical Christian churches and the Catholic Church

other

industrial federations; labor unions and federations; large farmers' associations; religious groups including evangelical Christian churches and the Catholic Church

Suffrage

voluntary between 16 to under 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory 18 to 70 years of age; note - military conscripts do not vote by law

Agriculture - products

coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus; beef

Budget

$875.5 billion $822.1 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$822.1 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$875.5 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

2.4% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

7.25% (31 December 2012 est.) 11% (31 December 2011 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

36.64% (31 December 2012 est.) 43.88% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$-54.23 billion (2012 est.) $-52.47 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$438.9 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $404.3 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

51.9 (2012) 55.3 (2001)

Economy - overview

Characterized by large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy outweighs that of all other South American countries, and Brazil is expanding its presence in world markets. Since 2003, Brazil has steadily improved its macroeconomic stability, building up foreign reserves, and reducing its debt profile by shifting its debt burden toward real denominated and domestically held instruments. In 2008, Brazil became a net external creditor and two ratings agencies awarded investment grade status to its debt. After strong growth in 2007 and 2008, the onset of the global financial crisis hit Brazil in 2008. Brazil experienced two quarters of recession, as global demand for Brazil's commodity-based exports dwindled and external credit dried up. However, Brazil was one of the first emerging markets to begin a recovery. In 2010, consumer and investor confidence revived and GDP growth reached 7.5%, the highest growth rate in the past 25 years. Rising inflation led the authorities to take measures to cool the economy; these actions and the deteriorating international economic situation slowed growth to 2.7% in 2011, and 1.3% in 2012. Unemployment is at historic lows and Brazil's traditionally high level of income inequality has declined for each of the last 14 years. Brazil's historically high interest rates have made it an attractive destination for foreign investors. Large capital inflows over the past several years have contributed to the appreciation of the currency, hurting the competitiveness of Brazilian manufacturing and leading the government to intervene in foreign exchange markets and raise taxes on some foreign capital inflows. President Dilma ROUSSEFF has retained the previous administration's commitment to inflation targeting by the central bank, a floating exchange rate, and fiscal restraint. In an effort to boost growth, in 2012 the administration implemented a somewhat more expansionary monetary policy that has failed to stimulate much growth.

Exchange rates

reals (BRL) per US dollar - 1.95 (2012 est.) 1.68 (2011 est.) 1.76 (2010 est.) 2 (2009) 1.86 (2008)

Exports

$242.6 billion (2012 est.) $256 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee, autos

Exports - partners

China 17%, US 11.1%, Argentina 7.4%, Netherlands 6.2% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

62.3% 21.5% 18.1% -0.5% 12.6% -14% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

12.6%

government consumption

21.5%

household consumption

62.3%

imports of goods and services

-14%

investment in fixed capital

18.1%

investment in inventories

-0.5%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

5.2% 26.3% 68.5% (2012 est.)

agriculture

5.2%

industry

26.3%

services

68.5%

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$11,700 (2012 est.) $11,700 (2011 est.) $11,500 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

0.9% (2012 est.) 2.7% (2011 est.) 7.5% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$2.223 trillion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$2.33 trillion (2012 est.) $2.31 trillion (2011 est.) $2.249 trillion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Gross national saving

15.2% of GDP (2012 est.) 17.6% of GDP (2011 est.) 18% of GDP (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

0.8% 42.9% (2009 est.)

highest 10%

42.9% (2009 est.)

lowest 10%

0.8%

Imports

$223.2 billion (2012 est.) $226.2 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery, electrical and transport equipment, chemical products, oil, automotive parts, electronics

Imports - partners

China 15.3%, US 14.6%, Argentina 7.4%, Germany 6.4%, South Korea 4.1% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

-0.8% (2012 est.)

Industries

textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

5.4% (2012 est.) 6.6% (2011 est.)

Labor force

105.7 million (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

15.7% 13.3% 71% (2011 est.)

agriculture

15.7%

industry

13.3%

services

71%

Market value of publicly traded shares

$1.229 trillion (31 December 2011) $1.546 trillion (31 December 2010) $1.167 trillion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

21.4% official Brazilian data show 4.2% of the population being below the "extreme" poverty line in 2011 (2009 est.)

Public debt

58.8% of GDP (2012 est.) 54.2% of GDP (2011 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$373.1 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $352 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$1.878 trillion (30 November 2011 est.) $1.826 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$177.1 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $179.9 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$604.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $539.2 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$2.381 trillion (31 December 2012 est.) $2.22 trillion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$159.1 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $152.1 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

39.4% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

5.5% (2012 est.) 6% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

475.4 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

619,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

343,600 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

2.652 million bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

13.15 billion bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

455.8 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

2.544 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

19.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

71% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

1.8% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

7.7% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

38.43 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

113.7 million kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

530.7 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

25.2 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

400 million cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - imports

13.3 billion cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - production

17.03 billion cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

395.5 billion cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

2.594 million bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

158,400 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

457,400 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

2.108 million bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

state-run Radiobras operates a radio and a TV network; more than 1,000 radio stations and more than 100 TV channels operating - mostly privately owned; private media ownership highly concentrated (2007)

Internet country code

.br

Internet hosts

26.577 million (2012)

Internet users

75.982 million (2009)

Telephone system

good working system including an extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 64 earth stations fixed-line connections have remained relatively stable in recent years and stand at about 20 per 100 persons; less expensive mobile-cellular technology has been a major driver in expanding telephone service to the lower-income segments of the population with mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 120 per 100 persons country code - 55; landing point for a number of submarine cables, including Americas-1, Americas-2, Atlantis-2, GlobeNet, South America-1, South American Crossing/Latin American Nautilus, and UNISUR that provide direct connectivity to South and Central America, the Caribbean, the US, Africa, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region east), connected by microwave relay system to Mercosur Brazilsat B3 satellite earth station (2011)

domestic

fixed-line connections have remained relatively stable in recent years and stand at about 20 per 100 persons; less expensive mobile-cellular technology has been a major driver in expanding telephone service to the lower-income segments of the population with mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 120 per 100 persons

general assessment

good working system including an extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 64 earth stations

international

country code - 55; landing point for a number of submarine cables, including Americas-1, Americas-2, Atlantis-2, GlobeNet, South America-1, South American Crossing/Latin American Nautilus, and UNISUR that provide direct connectivity to South and Central America, the Caribbean, the US, Africa, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region east), connected by microwave relay system to Mercosur Brazilsat B3 satellite earth station (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

44.3 million (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

248.324 million (2012)

Airports

4,093 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

49 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

179

2,438 to 3,047 m

27

914 to 1,523 m

436

over 3,047 m

7

total

698

under 914 m

49 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

3,395 1,619 1,684 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

92

914 to 1,523 m

1,619

total

3,395

Heliports

13 (2013)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 18, cargo 16, chemical tanker 7, container 13, liquefied gas 11, petroleum tanker 39, roll on/roll off 5 27 (Chile 1, Denmark 3, Germany 6, Greece 1, Norway 3, Spain 12, Turkey 1) 36 (Argentina 1, Bahamas 1, Ghana 1, Liberia 20, Marshall Islands 1, Panama 3, Singapore 9) (2010)

foreign-owned

27 (Chile 1, Denmark 3, Germany 6, Greece 1, Norway 3, Spain 12, Turkey 1)

registered in other countries

36 (Argentina 1, Bahamas 1, Ghana 1, Liberia 20, Marshall Islands 1, Panama 3, Singapore 9) (2010)

total

109

Pipelines

condensate/gas 251 km; gas 17,312 km; liquid petroleum gas 352 km; oil 4,831 km; refined products 4,722 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Belem, Paranagua, Rio Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Sao Sebastiao, Tubarao Manaus (Amazon) Sepetiba ore terminal Santos (2,985,922), Itajai (983,985)(2011) DTSE/Gegua oil terminal, Ilha Grande (Gebig), Guaiba Island terminal, Guamare oil terminal

container ports (TEUs)

Santos (2,985,922), Itajai (983,985)(2011)

dry bulk cargo port(s)

Sepetiba ore terminal

major seaport(s)

Belem, Paranagua, Rio Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Sao Sebastiao, Tubarao

oil/gas terminal(s)

DTSE/Gegua oil terminal, Ilha Grande (Gebig), Guaiba Island terminal, Guamare oil terminal

river port(s)

Manaus (Amazon)

Railways

28,538 km 5,627 km 1.600-m gauge (467 km electrified) 194 km 1.440-m gauge 22,717 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

narrow gauge

22,717 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

standard gauge

194 km 1.440-m gauge

total

28,538 km

Roadways

1,580,964 km 212,798 km 1,368,166 km does not include urban roads (2010)

total

1,580,964 km

unpaved

1,368,166 km

Waterways

50,000 km (most in areas remote from industry and population) (2012)

Manpower available for military service

53,350,703 53,433,918 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

53,433,918 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

53,350,703

Manpower fit for military service

38,993,989 44,841,661 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

44,841,661 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

38,993,989

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

1,733,168 1,672,477 (2010 est.)

female

1,672,477 (2010 est.)

male

1,733,168

Military branches

Brazilian Army (Exercito Brasileiro, EB), Brazilian Navy (Marinha do Brasil (MB), includes Naval Air and Marine Corps (Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais)), Brazilian Air Force (Forca Aerea Brasileira, FAB) (2011)

Military expenditures

1.3% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

18-45 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation is 9-12 months; 17-45 years of age for voluntary service; an increasing percentage of the ranks are "long-service" volunteer professionals; women were allowed to serve in the armed forces beginning in early 1980s when the Brazilian Army became the first army in South America to accept women into career ranks; women serve in Navy and Air Force only in Women's Reserve Corps (2012)

Disputes - international

uncontested boundary dispute between Brazil and Uruguay over Braziliera/Brasiliera Island in the Quarai/Cuareim River leaves the tripoint with Argentina in question; smuggling of firearms and narcotics continues to be an issue along the Uruguay-Brazil border; Colombian-organized illegal narcotics and paramilitary activities penetrate Brazil's border region with Venezuela

Illicit drugs

second-largest consumer of cocaine in the world; illicit producer of cannabis; trace amounts of coca cultivation in the Amazon region, used for domestic consumption; government has a large-scale eradication program to control cannabis; important transshipment country for Bolivian, Colombian, and Peruvian cocaine headed for Europe; also used by traffickers as a way station for narcotics air transshipments between Peru and Colombia; upsurge in drug-related violence and weapons smuggling; important market for Colombian, Bolivian, and Peruvian cocaine; illicit narcotics proceeds are often laundered through the financial system; significant illicit financial activity in the Tri-Border Area (2008)