Country exposure · BR
Brazil
South America · Brasília · federal presidential republic
What Brazil means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.
$39.9B
U.S. imports, 2025
-5.7%
change in one year
$54.3B
U.S. exports, 2025
221M
Population
$2.2T
GDP
In your house
What you buy that Brazil makes
America bought $39.9B in goods from Brazil in 2025. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.
Crude oil
$5.1B12.9%
U.s. goods returned, and reimports
$2.6B6.6%
Green coffee
green coffee for roasters
$2.5B6.2%
Steelmaking materials
$2.1B5.3%
Civilian aircraft
$2.1B5.3%
Iron and steel mill products
steel for cars and construction
$2.1B5.3%
Meat products
meat at the counter
$1.7B4.4%
Fruits, frozen juices
fruit and frozen juices
$1.5B3.9%
Pulpwood and woodpulp
$1.4B3.5%
Tobacco, waxes, etc.
$1.2B3.1%
2026 so far (through April): $10.7B in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).
The other direction
What America sells to Brazil
$54.3B in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.
Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts
$10.5BFuel oil
$3.8BPetroleum products, other
$3.7BPharmaceutical preparations
$3.6Bmedicines and pharmacy items
Plastic materials
$2.2Bplastics for packaging and goods
Chemicals-fertilizers
$2.0BCrude oil
$1.7BIndustrial machines, other
$1.7BChemicals-organic
$1.6BWhere you stand
U.S. tariff posture toward Brazil
No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.
Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)
10%
The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.
Policy in motion
Tariff status: a moving target
No U.S. tariff action names Brazil. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.
2026-04-06
Section 232 metals coverage expanded
In effectThe April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.
91 FR 18201 →2026-02-24
IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge
In effectExecutive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).
91 FR 9437 →2025-11-13
Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs
In effectExecutive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.
90 FR 54091 →2025-06-04
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%
In effectThe June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.
90 FR 24199 →2025-04-05
Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect
In effectExecutive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.
Federal Register · 2025-06063 →2025-03-12
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries
In effectProclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.
90 FR 9817 →
Made for America
What Brazil makes for America
Brazil is a direct U.S. source of 12 essential goods Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.
food
19% of U.S.Coffee
$2.7B to the U.S.
food
20% of U.S.Soft drinks & juices
$1.4B to the U.S.
food
9% of U.S.Beef and ground beef
$1.2B to the U.S.
materials
7% of U.S.Lumber and wood products
$1.1B to the U.S.
materials
7% of U.S.Electric grid transformers
$661M to the U.S.
energy
3% of U.S.Home heating oil
$634M to the U.S.
materials
3% of U.S.Tires
$540M to the U.S.
food
30% of U.S.Processed meats and deli
$442M to the U.S.
materials
Auto parts and repairs
$376M to the U.S.
materials
1% of U.S.Steel and iron products
$375M to the U.S.
energy
2% of U.S.Gasoline and diesel
$330M to the U.S.
food
13% of U.S.Sugar
$235M to the U.S.
Go deeper
The supply chain view
Brazil sits upstream of 24 essential American goods through 12 tracked inputs.
mineral
92%Niobium / Ferroniobium (HSLA Steel + Superconductors)
agricultural
68%Orange Juice Concentrate (FCOJ)
agricultural
55%BEKP Eucalyptus Pulp (Bleached Eucalyptus Kraft Pulp)
chemical
54%Pharmaceutical-Grade Ethanol (Cosolvent)
chemical
52%Calcium Carbide (CaC2)
agricultural
40%Sugarcane
Reference
The country itself
South America · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.
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
- Location
- Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
- Area
- 8,515,770 sq km
- Climate
- mostly tropical, but temperate in south
- Terrain
- mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt
- Natural resources
- alumina, bauxite, beryllium, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, niobium, phosphates, platinum, tantalum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber
- Coastline
- 7,491 km
- Natural hazards
- recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south
People & society
- Population
- 221,359,387 (2025 est.)
- Nationality
- Brazilian(s)
- Ethnic groups
- mixed 45.3%, White 43.5%, Black 10.2%, Indigenous 0.6%, Asian 0.4% (2022 est.)
- Languages
- Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and many minor Amerindian languages
- Religions
- Roman Catholic 56.8%, Evangelical 26.9%, none 9.3%, other 4%, Spirtism (Espírita) 1.8%, unspecified 1.4%, Umbanda and Candomblé 1.1%, Indigenous religions .06%, undeclared 0.2% (2022)
- Median age
- 35.4 years (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth
- 76.3 years (2024 est.)
- Literacy
- 94.8% (2024 est.)
Economy
- Economic overview
- upper-middle-income, largest Latin American economy; Mercosur, BRICS, G20 member and OECD accession candidate; growth driven by strong domestic consumption; monetary tightening helping curb inflation rate; high inequality in income and access to health and education
- Industries
- textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment
- Agricultural products
- sugarcane, soybeans, maize, milk, cassava, oranges, chicken, beef, rice, wheat (2023)
- 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)
Government
- Government type
- federal presidential republic
- Capital
- Brasília
- Independence
- 7 September 1822 (from Portugal)
- Constitution
- several previous; latest ratified 5 October 1988
- Executive branch
- President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (since 1 January 2023)
- Legislative branch
- National Congress (Congresso nacional)
Full reference data
Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.
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.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp. A visa is not required.
US Embassy/Consulate
[55] (61) 3312-7000; US Embassy in Brasilia, SES – Av. das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03, 70403-900 – Brasília, DF; https://br.usembassy.gov/; BrasilliaACS@state.gov
Telephone Code
55
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 192 or 193 ; Fire: 193; Police: 190
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Mostly tropical, but temperate in south
Currency (Code)
Reals (BRL)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): C, N (No standard voltage)
Major Languages
Portuguese
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 64.6%, other Catholic 0.4%, Protestant 22.2%, other Christian 0.7%, Spiritis 2.2%
Time Difference
Federal District (UTC -3), Llha Fernando de Noronha (UTC -2), Manaus (UTC -4), Rio Branco (UTC -5)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested; if you plan to drive in Brazil, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Rio Carnival; Iguazu Falls; Lencois Maranhenses National Park; Christ the Redeemer Statue; Fernando De Noronha archipelago; Amazon Theatre; Canoa Quebrada; Botanical Garden of Curitiba; Amazon Rain Forest
Major Sports
Soccer, volleyball, basketball, capoeria (Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music)
Cultural Practices
Street markets (feira) are a popular feature in all areas of Brazil. They offer a wide selection of unique foods. Coxinha (ko-sheen-ya), a type of minced chicken [croquettes], is especially popular.
Tipping Guidelines
A standard service fee of 10% is included at most restaurants and bars; if not, you may leave a 10-15% tip. Round up the fare for a taxi driver's tip. Leave loose change for housekeeping each night.
Souvenirs
Woven hammocks, carved wooden figurines and musical instruments, gold and silver gemstone jewelry, handmade lace, feather headdresses
Traditional Cuisine
Feijoada — kidney or black beans stewed with beef and pork and sometimes vegetables
CIA source last updated
Wednesday, October 05, 2022
Travel resources
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022
Geography
Location
Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
Geographic coordinates
10 00 S, 55 00 W
Map references
South America
Area - total
8,515,770 sq km
Area - land
8,358,140 sq km
Area - water
157,630 sq km
Area - note
note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than the US
Land boundaries - total
16,145 km
Land boundaries - 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
Coastline
7,491 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - contiguous zone
24 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Maritime claims - continental shelf
200 nm or to edge of the continental margin
Climate
mostly tropical, but temperate in south
Terrain
mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt
Elevation - highest point
Pico da Neblina 2,994 m
Elevation - lowest point
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Elevation - mean elevation
320 m
Natural resources
alumina, bauxite, beryllium, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, niobium, phosphates, platinum, tantalum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber
Land use - agricultural land
28.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 20.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
58.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
12.7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
91,833 sq km (2022)
Major lakes (area sq km) - fresh water lake(s)
Lagoa dos Patos - 10,140 sq km
Major lakes (area sq km) - salt water lake(s)
Lagoa Mirim (shared with Uruguay) - 2,970 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
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 aquifers
Amazon Basin, Guarani Aquifer System, Maranhao Basin
Population distribution
the vast majority of people live along or near the Atlantic coast in the east; the population core is in the southeast, anchored by the cities of São Paolo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro
Natural hazards
recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south
Geography - note
note 1: largest country in South America and in the Southern Hemisphere; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador; most of the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, extends through the west central part of the country; shares Iguaçu Falls (Iguazú Falls), the world's largest waterfalls system, with Argentina note 2: Rocas Atoll, located off the northeast coast of Brazil, is the only atoll in the South Atlantic
People and Society
Population - total
221,359,387 (2025 est.)
Population - male
108,753,532
Population - female
112,605,855
Nationality - noun
Brazilian(s)
Nationality - adjective
Brazilian
Ethnic groups
mixed 45.3%, White 43.5%, Black 10.2%, Indigenous 0.6%, Asian 0.4% (2022 est.)
Languages - Languages
Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and many minor Amerindian languages
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
Roman Catholic 56.8%, Evangelical 26.9%, none 9.3%, other 4%, Spirtism (Espírita) 1.8%, unspecified 1.4%, Umbanda and Candomblé 1.1%, Indigenous religions .06%, undeclared 0.2% (2022)
Age structure - 0-14 years
19.6% (male 22,025,593/female 21,088,398)
Age structure - 15-64 years
69.5% (male 75,889,089/female 77,118,722)
Age structure - 65 years and over
10.9% (2024 est.) (male 10,251,809/female 13,677,901)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
44.3 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
28.1 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
16.2 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
6.2 (2025 est.)
Median age - total
35.4 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
34 years
Median age - female
36.1 years
Population growth rate
0.58% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
13.04 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
7.07 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the vast majority of people live along or near the Atlantic coast in the east; the population core is in the southeast, anchored by the cities of São Paolo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro
Urbanization - urban population
87.8% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 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)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.04 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
0.98 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.75 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
67 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
12.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
14.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
11.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
76.3 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
72.6 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
80.1 years
Total fertility rate
1.73 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.84 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 99.8% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 98% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 0.2% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 2% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
9.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.36 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
2.5 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 94.7% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 65% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 91% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 5.3% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 35% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 9% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.1% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
6.12 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
3.84 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0.24 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
11.2% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
14.4% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
8.3% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3.5% (2019 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
56.9% (2019 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
5.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
12.9% national budget (2022 est.)
Literacy - total population
94.8% (2024 est.)
Literacy - male
94.5% (2024 est.)
Literacy - female
95.1% (2024 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
16 years (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
15 years (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
17 years (2022 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Federative Republic of Brazil
Country name - conventional short form
Brazil
Country name - local long form
República Federativa do Brasil
Country name - local short form
Brasil
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
Government type
federal presidential republic
Capital - name
Brasília
Capital - geographic coordinates
15 47 S, 47 55 W
Capital - time difference
UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - time zone note
Brazil has four time zones, including one for the Fernando de Noronha Islands
Capital - etymology
the name is the Latinized form of the country name, bestowed on the new capital of Brazil in 1960; previous Brazilian capitals were Salvador (1549-1763) and Rio de Janeiro (1763 to 1960)
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, Rondônia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins
Legal system
civil law
Legal system - note
note: a new civil-law code in 2002 replaced the 1916 code
Constitution - history
several previous; latest ratified 5 October 1988
Constitution - amendment process
proposed by at least one third of either house of the National Congress, by the president of the republic, or by simple majority vote by more than half of the state legislative assemblies; passage requires at least three-fifths majority vote by both houses in each of two readings; constitutional provisions affecting the federal form of government, separation of powers, suffrage, or individual rights and guarantees cannot be amended
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
yes
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
yes
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
yes
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
4 years
Suffrage
voluntary between 16 to 18 years of age, over 70, and if illiterate; compulsory between 18 to 70 years of age
Suffrage - note
note: military conscripts by law cannot vote
Executive branch - chief of state
President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (since 1 January 2023)
Executive branch - head of government
President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (since 1 January 2023)
Executive branch - cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president
Executive branch - election/appointment process
president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a single consecutive term and additional terms after at least one term has elapsed)
Executive branch - most recent election date
2 October 2022, with runoff on 30 October 2022
Executive branch - 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%
Executive branch - expected date of next election
4 October 2026
Executive branch - note
note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch - legislature name
National Congress (Congresso nacional)
Legislative branch - legislative structure
bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber - chamber name
Chamber of Deputies (Cámara dos Deputados)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - number of seats
513 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - electoral system
proportional representation
Legislative branch - lower chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - lower chamber - term in office
4 years
Legislative branch - lower chamber - most recent election date
10/2/2022
Legislative branch - lower chamber - 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 - lower chamber - percentage of women in chamber
18.1%
Legislative branch - lower chamber - expected date of next election
October 2026
Legislative branch - upper chamber - chamber name
Federal Senate (Senado Federal)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - number of seats
81 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - electoral system
plurality/majority
Legislative branch - upper chamber - scope of elections
partial renewal
Legislative branch - upper chamber - term in office
8 years
Legislative branch - upper chamber - most recent election date
10/2/2022
Legislative branch - upper chamber - 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)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - percentage of women in chamber
19.8%
Legislative branch - upper chamber - expected date of next election
October 2026
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Supreme Federal Court or Supremo Tribunal Federal (consists of 11 justices)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
justices appointed by the president and approved by absolute majority by the Federal Senate; justices appointed to serve until mandatory retirement at age 75
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
Tribunal of the Union, Federal Appeals Court, Superior Court of Justice, Superior Electoral Court, regional federal courts; state court system
Political parties
Act (Agir) (formerly Christian Labor Party or PTC) Avante (formerly Labor Party of Brazil or PTdoB) Brazil Union (União Brasil); note - founded from a merger between 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 (formerly 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 (formerly 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 (formerly 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) (formerly 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
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro VIOTTI (since 30 June 2023)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 238-2700
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 238-2827
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford (CT), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Gabriel ESCOBAR (since 21 January 2025)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
SES - Avenida das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03, 70403-900 - Brasília, DF
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
7500 Brasilia Place, Washington DC 20521-7500
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[55] (61) 3312-7000
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[55] (61) 3225-9136
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation from the US - consulate(s) general
Recife, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo
Diplomatic representation from the US - branch office(s)
Belo Horizonte
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
Independence
7 September 1822 (from Portugal)
National holiday
Independence Day, 7 September (1822)
Flag
description: green with a large yellow diamond in the center, showing a blue celestial globe with 27 five-pointed white stars; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress) meaning: green stands for the country's forests, and yellow for its mineral wealth, with the diamond representing the country's shape; the blue globe and stars 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 risen with the creation of new states, from 21 to 27 (one for each state and the Federal District) history: the flag was inspired by the former Empire of Brazil's flag (1822-1889)
Flag - note
note: one of four national flags that reflect the shape of the country in the flag design; the others are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eritrea, and Vanuatu
National symbol(s)
Southern Cross constellation
National color(s)
green, yellow, blue
National anthem(s) - title
"Hino Nacional Brasileiro" (Brazilian National Anthem)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Joaquim Osorio Duque ESTRADA/Francisco Manoel DA SILVA
National anthem(s) - history
music adopted 1890, lyrics adopted 1922; the anthem's music, composed in 1822, was used unofficially for many years
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
24 (15 cultural, 9 natural, 1 mixed)
National heritage - 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)
Economy
Economic overview
upper-middle-income, largest Latin American economy; Mercosur, BRICS, G20 member and OECD accession candidate; growth driven by strong domestic consumption; monetary tightening helping curb inflation rate; high inequality in income and access to health and education
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$4.165 trillion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$4.029 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$3.902 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
3.4% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
3.2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
3% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$19,600 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$19,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$18,600 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$2.179 trillion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
4.4% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
4.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
9.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
5.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
21.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
59.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
63.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
18.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
17% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
-0.1% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
18% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-17.5% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, soybeans, maize, milk, cassava, oranges, chicken, beef, rice, wheat (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment
Industrial production growth rate
3.3% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
106.79 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
7.7% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
8% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
9.3% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
18% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
15.7% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
20.9% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
4.2% (2016 est.)
Population below poverty line - note
note: approximately 4% of the population are below the "extreme" poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023
51.6 (2023 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures - on food
16.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures - on alcohol and tobacco
1.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%
1.3% (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%
40.8% (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - note
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances - Remittances 2024
0.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$556.303 billion (2023 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$706.816 billion (2023 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2023
83% of GDP (2023 est.)
Public debt - note
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
14% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2024
-$61.194 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
-$27.933 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
-$42.157 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2024
$388.333 billion (2024 est.)
Exports - Exports 2023
$389.192 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$380.492 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 30%, USA 10%, Argentina 5%, Netherlands 3%, Chile 2% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
soybeans, crude petroleum, iron ore, raw sugar, corn (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2024
$377.05 billion (2024 est.)
Imports - Imports 2023
$340.195 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$369.861 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 23%, USA 16%, Germany 5%, Argentina 5%, Russia 4% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fertilizers, crude petroleum, vehicle parts/accessories, gas turbines (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$329.732 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$355.021 billion (2023 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 - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external - Debt - external 2023
$198.582 billion (2023 est.)
Debt - external - note
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
reals (BRL) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
5.389 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
4.994 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
5.164 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
5.394 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
5.155 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity access - electrification - urban areas
100%
Electricity access - electrification - rural areas
97.3%
Electricity - installed generating capacity
240.251 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
608.451 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - exports
7.186 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - imports
22.294 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
106.916 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
8.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - nuclear
2.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
6.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - wind
13.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
60.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - biomass and waste
8.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy - Number of operational nuclear reactors
2 (2025)
Nuclear energy - Number of nuclear reactors under construction
1 (2025)
Nuclear energy - Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors
1.88GW (2025 est.)
Nuclear energy - Percent of total electricity production
2.2% (2023 est.)
Coal - production
15.556 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - consumption
32.223 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
5,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
18.257 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - proven reserves
6.596 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - total petroleum production
4.221 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
3.163 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - crude oil estimated reserves
12.715 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas - production
22.702 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
29.065 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - exports
101.203 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - imports
6.356 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - proven reserves
363.985 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
48.889 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
22.5 million (2024 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
11 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
216 million (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
102 (2024 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 (2022)
Internet country code
.br
Internet users - percent of population
84% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
48.4 million (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
23 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
PP
Airports
5,297 (2025)
Heliports
1,871 (2025)
Railways - total
29,849.9 km (2014)
Railways - standard gauge
194 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Railways - narrow gauge
23,341.6 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge (24 km electrified)
Railways - broad gauge
5,822.3 km (2014) 1.600-m gauge (498.3 km electrified)
Railways - dual gauge
492 km (2014) 1.600-1.000-m gauge
Merchant marine - total
888 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
bulk carrier 13, container ship 20, general cargo 38, oil tanker 27, other 790
Ports - total ports
45 (2024)
Ports - large
4
Ports - medium
7
Ports - small
19
Ports - very small
15
Ports - ports with oil terminals
31
Ports - key ports
Belem, DTSE/Gegua Oil Terminal, Itajai, Port de Salvador, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Santos, Tubarao, Vitoria
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Brazilian Armed Forces (Forças Armadas Brasileiras): Brazilian Army (Exercito Brasileiro, EB), Brazilian Navy (Marinha do Brasil; includes Naval Aviation (Aviacao Naval Brasileira) and Marine Corps (Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais)), Brazilian Air Force (Forca Aerea Brasileira) (2025)
Military and security forces - note
note: the three national police forces – the Federal Police, Federal Highway Police, and Federal Railway Police – have domestic security responsibilities and report to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (Ministry of Justice)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
1.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
1.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020
1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 360,000 active Armed Forces (220,000 Army; 70,000 Navy; 70,000 Air Force) (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Brazilian military's inventory consists of a mix of domestically produced and imported weapons, largely from Europe and the US; Brazil's defense industry designs and manufactures equipment for all three military services and for export; it also jointly produces equipment with other countries (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-45 years of age for compulsory military service for men (only 5-10% of those inducted are required to serve); compulsory service obligation is generally 12 months; 17-45 (18 for women) years of age for voluntary service (2025)
Military service age and obligation - note
note: in 2024, women were reported to comprise approximately 10% of the Brazilian military
Military - note
the Brazilian Armed Forces (BAF) are the second largest military in the Western Hemisphere behind the US; they are responsible for external security and protecting the country's sovereignty but also have an internal security role; the BAF’s missions include patrolling and protecting the country’s long borders and coastline and extensive territorial waters and river network, assisting with internal security, providing domestic disaster response and humanitarian assistance, and participating in multinational peacekeeping missions; it also cooperates with neighboring countries such as Argentina and Paraguay to combat cross-border smuggling and trafficking Brazil has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation the origins of Brazil's military stretch back to the 1640s; Brazil provided a 25,000-man expeditionary force with air and ground units to fight with the Allies in the Mediterranean Theater during World War II; the Navy participated in the Battle of the Atlantic (2025)
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Hizballah; Tren de Aragua (TdA)
Terrorist group(s) - note
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
331,097 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs
19,043 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - stateless persons
27 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons - tier rating
Tier 2 Watch List — Brazil did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period and was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/brazil/
Illicit drugs - USG identification
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Environment
Environmental issues
deforestation in Amazon Basin; illegal wildlife trade; illegal poaching; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and other large cities; land degradation and water pollution from mining; wetland degradation; oil spills
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
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
Marine Dumping-London Protocol
Climate
mostly tropical, but temperate in south
Land use - agricultural land
28.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 20.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
58.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
12.7% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
87.8% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
437.769 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
53.664 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
331.079 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
53.026 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
10.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Methane emissions - energy
1,759.1 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Methane emissions - agriculture
13,761.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - waste
3,361.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - other
382.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
79.07 million tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
2.8% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
16.397 billion cubic meters (2022)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
10.2 billion cubic meters (2022)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
41.336 billion cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
8.647 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Geoparks - total global geoparks and regional networks
6
Geoparks - global geoparks and regional networks
Araripe; Cacapava; Quarta Colonia; Serido; Southern Canyons Pathways; Uberaba (2024)
Space
Space agency/agencies
Brazilian Space Agency (Agência Espacial Brasileira, AEB; established in 1994 when Brazil’s space program was transferred from the military to civilian control); National Institute for Space Research (INPE, under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations); Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA, under the Aeronautics Command (COMAER) of the Ministry of Defense) (2025)
Space launch site(s)
Alcantara Launch Center (Maranhão state); Barreira do Inferno Launch Center (Rio Grande do Norte state) (2025)
Space program overview
develops, builds, operates, and tracks satellites, including communications, remote sensing (RS), multi-mission, navigational, and scientific/testing/research; satellites are launched by foreign partners, but Brazil has a long-standing sounding (research) rocket and satellite launch vehicle (SLV) program and rocket launch facilities; cooperates with a variety of foreign space agencies and commercial entities, including those of Argentina, Canada, the ESA, individual ESA member states (particularly France and Germany), India, Japan, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Ukraine, and the US; has a state-controlled communications company that operates Brazil’s communications satellites and a growing commercial space sector (2025)
Key space-program milestones
1960s - established a national space program under the Air Force 1984 - began satellite launch vehicle (SLV) program (Veículo Lançador de Satélites or VLS-1) 1985 - first communications satellite jointly produced with Canada and launched on European SLV 1993 - first domestically built experimental communications satellite (Satélite de Coleta de Dados, SCD-1) launched by US 2004 - launched a sounding rocket into sub-orbital space, but the subsequent catastrophic failure of a VLS-1 during a test launch led to scaling back the program 2006 - first Brazilian astronaut to the International Space Station on a Russian rocket 2008 - began work on a 3-stage microsatellite launch vehicle (Veículo Lançador de Microssatélite or VLM-1) in partnership with Germany 2021 - first independently produced remote sensing (RS) satellite (Amazonia-1) launched by India; signed US-led Artemis Accords on space exploration cooperation and signed cooperation agreements with the space agencies of China, India, Russia, and South Africa for the joint development of an RS satellite constellation 2022 - successfully launched suborbital rocket more than 225 km (140 miles) in height