Brazil, the largest country in South America and the fifth largest globally, is a vibrant nation with a rich history and diverse population. As the seventh most populous country, its cultural landscape thrives on the contributions of immigrants throughout its history. Portuguese, the official language, reflects its unique heritage in the Americas. The country is a federation of 26 states and a Federal District, with Brasília as its capital and São Paulo as its most populous city.
The Acre War, a territorial dispute between Brazil and Bolivia over the then-Bolivian territory of Acre, rich in rubber, ended in 1902 with the Treaty of Petrópolis, securing Acre for Brazil.
In 1914, Brazil entered World War I on the side of the Allies, after maintaining neutrality for two years.
A devastating drought struck Brazil in 1915, similar in impact to the Grande Seca of 1877-78, considered the worst drought in the country's history.
In 1918, World War I ended, with Brazil participating in the peace conference and the formation of the League of Nations.
Brazil's first radio broadcast took place in September 1922, featuring a speech by then-President Pessoa, marking the beginning of radio broadcasting in the country.
Marked by the Modern Art Week, 1922 saw the rise of Brazilian Modernism, characterized by a nationalist avant-garde literary movement.
The Modern Art Week of 1922 marked a pivotal moment in Brazilian art, breaking away from academic traditions and fostering a nationalist movement influenced by modernist principles.
Radio broadcasting was formally established in Brazil in April 1923 with the creation of the "Radio Society of Rio de Janeiro," laying the foundation for the growth of radio in the country.
In October 1930, following an economic crisis and a military one, Getúlio Vargas, a defeated opposition presidential candidate, led a successful revolution, ending the civilian government.
Between 1880 and 1930, Brazil experienced a significant wave of immigration, with approximately four million Europeans arriving in the country.
The Revolution of 1930, led by Getúlio Vargas, resulted in the closure of Congress, the extinguishing of the Constitution, and Vargas assuming power, marking a significant shift in Brazilian politics.
The Brazilian film "Limite" was released in 1931. Though initially poorly received, it is now considered one of Brazil's finest films.
The Constitutionalist Revolution, led by the São Paulo elite in 1932, aimed to overthrow the government of Getúlio Vargas and reinstate a constitutional government, ultimately failing but highlighting the resistance to Vargas's rule.
Produced by Adhemar Gonzaga's Cinédia studio, "Ganga Bruta" premiered in 1933. Despite its initial box office failure, it later achieved critical acclaim as a landmark Brazilian film.
In November 1935, a significant challenge to Getúlio Vargas's rule emerged in the form of a Communist uprising, ultimately suppressed but leading to increased power for the executive branch.
The 1937 coup d'état in Brazil marked the beginning of the Estado Novo era, with Getúlio Vargas solidifying his dictatorship, canceling elections, and intensifying government control and censorship.
In May 1938, a putsch attempt by local fascists, seeking to overthrow Getúlio Vargas's government, was thwarted, adding to the political tension of the time.
Between 1940 and 1970, Brazil's population grew substantially due to a decline in the mortality rate.
Brazilian theater experienced a resurgence in 1940, spearheaded by individuals like Paschoal Carlos Magno and his student theater group, the comedians group, and Italian actors who established the Teatro Brasileiro de Comédia.
The unfinished film "It's All True", segmented into four parts, was partly shot in Brazil in 1941 under Orson Welles's direction, reflecting the United States' Good Neighbor Policy during Vargas's Estado Novo regime.
In August 1942, after maintaining neutrality for a period, Brazil entered World War II on the side of the Allies, following attacks on its ships by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
Following 1945, Brazil's transportation policy shifted its emphasis towards highway construction, leading to a gradual decline in the nation's railway system.
The year 1945 marked the Allied victory in World War II, leading to the end of the war and the eventual downfall of Getúlio Vargas's regime in Brazil.
Television broadcasting was officially launched in Brazil in September 1950 with the establishment of TV Tupi by Assis Chateaubriand, marking the beginning of the television era in the country.
Brazil hosted the 1950 FIFA World Cup, a significant event in the country's sporting history.
In 1950, Getúlio Vargas, a significant figure in Brazilian politics, returned to power through democratic elections, after previously ruling as a dictator.
In the 1950s, Brazil's annual population growth rate reached 3.0%, driven by declining mortality rates.
In August 1954, Getúlio Vargas, a dominant figure in Brazilian politics, committed suicide amid political crisis, marking a dramatic end to his tumultuous career.
Brazil hosted the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 1954, a significant event in international basketball.
Juscelino Kubitschek's presidency began in 1956, a period marked by economic growth, industrial expansion, and the ambitious project of constructing the new capital city, Brasília.
During the 1960s, Brazil's annual population growth rate remained high at 2.9%, though it began to show signs of decline from its peak in the 1950s.
In 1960, Brasília, the newly constructed capital of Brazil, was inaugurated, marking a significant moment in Brazil's history and a symbol of modernization.
In 1961, Jânio Quadros, who had assumed the presidency of Brazil, resigned from his position after less than a year in office, creating political instability and uncertainty.
São Paulo hosted the IV Pan American Games in 1963, a significant multi-sport event.
In April 1964, a significant turning point occurred in Brazil as João Goulart was deposed in a coup orchestrated by the military, leading to the establishment of a military dictatorship.
Glauber Rocha's film "Deus e o Diabo na Terra do Sol" premiered in 1964, becoming a cornerstone of the Cinema Novo movement and a highly influential work in Brazilian cinema.
The 1964 Brazilian coup d'état was a turning point in Brazil's history, marking the beginning of a military dictatorship that would last for over two decades. On March 31, 1964, President João Goulart was ousted from power by the military, supported by civilian groups opposed to his leftist policies.
"Terra em Transe", another influential film by Glauber Rocha, was released in 1967, further solidifying the impact of the Cinema Novo movement on Brazilian cinema.
In 1967, Brazil's paved road network spanned 35,496 kilometers, marking the beginning of a period of significant infrastructure development.
In 1968, the Fifth Institutional Act, which solidified the military dictatorship in Brazil, was promulgated, marking a period of increased repression and curtailment of civil liberties.
Between 1940 and 1970, Brazil's population grew substantially due to a decline in the mortality rate.
In 1970, Brazil's railway network reached its peak length of 31,848 kilometers, before experiencing a gradual decline.
Since 1970, the Amazon rainforest in Brazil has faced a growing threat from deforestation driven by rapid economic and demographic expansion.
Between 1808 and 1972, Brazil experienced significant immigration, with approximately five million people from over 60 countries making their way to the South American nation.
September 1974 marked the inauguration of the Sao Paulo Metro, Brazil's pioneering underground transit system.
Brazil pioneered the development of ethanol-fueled vehicles by producing the first car with an ethanol engine in 1978.
The enactment of the Amnesty Law in 1979, a significant step towards restoring democracy in Brazil, allowed for the return of political exiles and the beginning of a transitional period.
In 1985, Brazil marked a significant return to civilian rule after years of military dictatorship, with José Sarney assuming the presidency and inheriting a challenging economic situation.
After 21 years of military rule, Brazil began a slow return to democracy in 1985. José Sarney assumed the presidency, marking the beginning of a new era for the country.
On October 5, 1988, Brazil's Federal Constitution, the country's fundamental law, was promulgated, serving as the foundation of its legal system.
Brazil established its universal healthcare system in 1988, marking a significant step towards ensuring healthcare access for all citizens.
In 1988, Brazil's current constitution, formulated in response to the years of military dictatorship, was enacted. It defines Brazil as a democratic federal republic.
Brazil's 1988 Constitution abolished the country's last three federal territories: Amapá, Roraima, and Fernando de Noronha. Amapá and Roraima were granted statehood, while Fernando de Noronha became a state district of Pernambuco.
The year 1989 marked a new chapter in Brazilian politics as Fernando Collor was elected president, bringing hope for change and reform.
In 1992, Fernando Collor, who had been elected president of Brazil, was impeached by the National Congress due to allegations of corruption, showcasing the country's evolving democratic processes.
The year 1994 marked a turning point in Brazil's economic history with the implementation of the Plano Real, a plan that successfully tackled hyperinflation and stabilized the economy, paving the way for Fernando Henrique Cardoso's election victory.
"O Quatrilho", directed by Fábio Barreto, premiered in 1995, earning critical praise and an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
Bruno Barreto's "O Que É Isso, Companheiro?" garnered critical acclaim in 1997 and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Walter Salles's "Central do Brasil" achieved international recognition in 1998, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, and Fernanda Montenegro was nominated for Best Actress.
In 1998, Fernando Henrique Cardoso secured a second term as president of Brazil, a testament to the success of his economic policies and the stability he brought to the country.
In 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked Brazil's healthcare system 125th out of 191 countries assessed.
Fernando Meirelles's crime film "City of God" premiered in 2002 to widespread critical acclaim. It was featured on Roger Ebert's Best Films of the Decade list, received a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and garnered four Academy Award nominations.
In 2002, a law was passed in Brazil mandating government authorities and public agencies to accommodate and disseminate information in LIBRAS, the Brazilian Sign Language.
The election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a left-wing politician, as president in 2002 marked a significant shift in Brazilian politics, challenging traditional power structures.
In 2004, "City of God" received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Director, solidifying its place as a modern classic in Brazilian cinema.
Domestic tourism proved to be a crucial segment for Brazil's tourism industry in 2005, with 51 million Brazilians traveling within the country.
In 2005, Brazil achieved another milestone in sustainable aviation by developing the world's first airplane engine powered by ethanol.
In 2005, a presidential decree in Brazil broadened the 2002 sign language law. This decree mandated the inclusion of LIBRAS education in education and speech-language pathology curricula.
In 2005, the National Indian Foundation (FUNAI) estimated that there were 40 uncontacted tribes living in Brazil, highlighting the country's rich indigenous diversity.
In 2006, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, widely known as Lula, was re-elected as president of Brazil, signifying continued support for his social and economic policies.
Despite progress in healthcare, Brazil continued to face public health challenges in 2006, particularly high infant (2.51%) and maternal mortality rates (73.1 deaths per 1,000 births).
In 2006, Brazil achieved a significant milestone by becoming self-sufficient in oil production, after decades of government programs aimed at reducing reliance on imports.
Rio de Janeiro hosted the XV Pan American Games in 2007, showcasing the city's ability to host large-scale sporting events.
In 2007, the National Indian Foundation (FUNAI) estimated that there were 67 uncontacted tribes living in Brazil, highlighting the country's rich indigenous diversity.
In 2007, the Brazilian government privatized the Federal Railroad Network Corporation (RFFSA), which had been the primary owner of the country's railway system.
In 2007, Brazil achieved a significant milestone by becoming self-sufficient in oil production, after decades of government programs aimed at reducing reliance on imports.
By 2007, life expectancy in Brazil had risen to 72.6 years, reflecting improvements in healthcare and living standards.
According to data from 2008, the illiteracy rate in Brazil stood at 11.48%.
By 2008, Brazil's population growth rate had significantly declined to 1.05%, reflecting changing demographics and family planning trends.
In 2008, Brazil conducted a national census, known as the PNAD, which revealed a population of approximately 190 million, with a high concentration in the Southeastern and Northeastern regions.
The years 2008 and 2009 marked a period of economic crisis that impacted the global tourism industry, including Brazil's.
In October 2009, the Brazilian Senate approved an agreement with the Vatican, formally recognizing the legal status of the Catholic Church in the country.
Rio de Janeiro was chosen in October 2009 to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, marking the first time a South American city would host the Games.
By 2009, Brazil had the fifth-largest mobile phone and internet user base globally, demonstrating the country's rapid adoption of technology.
By the end of 2009, the global economic crisis that began in 2008 started to recede, leading to a recovery in various sectors, including tourism in Brazil.
The World Economic Forum's Global Information Technology Report 2009–2010 positioned Brazil as the world's 61st largest developer of information technology.
In February 2010, the Brazilian president enacted an agreement with the Vatican that had been approved by the Senate in October 2009, officially recognizing the legal standing of the Catholic Church in Brazil.
The Brazilian government launched TV Brasil Internacional in May 2010, an international television station initially broadcasting to 49 countries, expanding the global reach of Brazilian television.
The 2010 Census in Brazil provided insights into the country's religious composition.
The World Economic Forum's Global Information Technology Report 2009–2010 positioned Brazil as the world's 61st largest developer of information technology.
In the decades leading up to 2010, Brazil experienced a decline in the proportion of Catholics and a growth in Protestantism, particularly Pentecostalism and Evangelicalism. The 2010 census also revealed a significant portion of the population (over 8%) identifying as having no religion, with variations observed across different cities and regions.
Dilma Rousseff's election as president of Brazil in 2010 marked a historic moment, making her the country's first female president.
Brazil experienced a recovery in tourism revenue in 2010, reaching US$6 billion after the global economic crisis of 2008–2009.
According to the 2010 Demographic Census, Roman Catholicism was the predominant religion in Brazil, with 64.63% of the population identifying as Catholic, followed by Protestantism (22.2%), Kardecist spiritism (2.0%), other religions (3.2%), and those with no religion (8.0%).
Brazil's tourism industry achieved record-breaking numbers in 2011, with 5.4 million visitors and US$6.8 billion in revenue.
In 2012, Brazil, with its universal healthcare system, had a ratio of 1.85 doctors and 2.3 hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants.
In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated Brazil's homicide rate to be 32 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the world's highest, significantly surpassing the WHO's acceptable rate of 10 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.
Brazil was recognized as one of the world's top five textile producers in 2013.
In 2013, Brazil achieved a significant milestone in LGBT rights by fully legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
The homicide rates in Brazil varied significantly between states in 2013. For example, São Paulo recorded 10.8 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, while Alagoas experienced a considerably higher rate of 64.7 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.
As of June 2014, Brazil had the third-largest prison population globally, with approximately 700,000 inmates, trailing only the United States and China. This overcrowding resulted in a shortage of roughly 200,000 accommodations within the Brazilian prison system.
Amid a political corruption scandal and widespread protests, Brazil entered into an economic recession in 2014, following a period of rapid growth in the preceding decades.
Brazil hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a major global sporting event.
Dilma Rousseff secured a second term as president of Brazil in 2014, amidst a climate of growing unrest fueled by concerns over corruption, police brutality, and dissatisfaction with the political establishment.
In 2015, Brazil received 6.36 million visitors, establishing itself as a prominent tourist destination in South America, second only to Mexico in Latin America.
In the 2015 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), Brazil attained the 28th position globally and ranked third in the Americas, trailing behind Canada and the United States.
By 2015, Brazil's railway network, despite its decline, still ranked as the world's ninth largest, spanning 30,576 kilometers of track.
By 2016, Brazil had eleven recipients of the Camões Prize, a prestigious literary award shared among Portuguese-speaking countries.
In 2016, Brazil solidified its position as a major player in the paper and pulp industry, ranking as the world's second-largest producer of pulp and the eighth-largest producer of paper.
In 2016, Dilma Rousseff was impeached by the Brazilian Congress amidst political and economic crises and allegations of involvement in corruption scandals. This led to large street protests both in support of and against Rousseff. Following her impeachment, Vice-president Michel Temer assumed full presidential powers on August 31st, 2016.
Rio de Janeiro hosted the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a historic event as the first South American city to do so.
As of 2017, preserved native vegetation constituted 61% of Brazil's territory, demonstrating the country's commitment to conservation, particularly given the agricultural sector's reliance on forests.
In 2017, Brazil's Supreme Court launched an investigation into 71 lawmakers and nine ministers in President Michel Temer's cabinet for alleged ties to the Petrobras corruption scandal. President Temer himself faced accusations of corruption.
Brazil's chemical industry attained global recognition in 2018, being ranked as the eighth-largest in the world.
Jair Bolsonaro of the Social Liberal Party (PSL) was elected president of Brazil in a tightly contested election in 2018, defeating Fernando Haddad of the Workers Party (PT) in the second round with 55.13% of the valid votes.
By 2018, Brazil's paved road network had significantly expanded to 215,000 kilometers, reflecting the country's commitment to infrastructure improvement.
According to the IBGE, Brazil's tertiary sector, encompassing trade and services, contributed to 75.8% of the country's GDP in 2018.
Brazil witnessed a record-breaking 63,880 murders in 2018, underscoring the country's struggle with violent crime.
Brazil secured the 48th position among the world's most visited countries in 2018, welcoming 6.6 million tourists and generating $5.9 billion in revenue.
A 2018 poll revealed that 62% of Brazilians considered corruption to be the most significant problem facing their country.
By 2019, Brazil's road network, a critical infrastructure for freight and passenger transport, had reached a total length of 1,720,000 kilometers.
In the 2019 QS World University Rankings, the University of São Paulo secured the position of the second-best university in Latin America.
In 2019, while 43% of Europe was covered by forests, only 3% of that forest area consisted of native forests. This highlights the significance of Brazil's preserved native vegetation, which accounted for 61% of its territory in 2017.
In 2019, the literacy rate in Brazil reached 93.4%, according to the IBGE. However, despite this progress, 11.3 million people (6.6% of the population) remained illiterate, with significant variations observed across different states.
In 2019, Brazil held the 66th position in the Global Innovation Index.
Brazil hosted the 2019 Copa América, a major football tournament.
Brazil's energy matrix exhibited a significantly higher proportion of renewable sources compared to the global average in 2019. While the world's energy mix consisted of only 14% renewable energy, Brazil's energy mix boasted a remarkable 45% share of renewable sources.
Brazil's Constitution, amended in 2019 (Constitutional Amendment No. 104), outlines six distinct police agencies responsible for law enforcement, including the Federal Police Department, Federal Highway Police, Federal Railroad Police, Federal, District and State Penal Police, Military Police, and Civil Police.
Brazil demonstrated a significant contrast with the global trend in its electricity generation mix in 2019. While the world had only 25% renewable electric energy, Brazil stood out with an impressive 83%.
Brazil achieved the position of the world's second-largest exporter of processed foods in 2019, demonstrating its strength in the global food industry.
The Brazilian government committed to reducing its annual greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by the year 2030 in 2020.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared his intention to run for a third presidential term in the 2022 Brazilian general election, challenging incumbent Jair Bolsonaro, in May 2021.
As of 2021, Brazil held the position of the world's 24th-largest exporter and 26th-largest importer, with China being its primary trading partner, representing 32% of its total trade.
Brazil hosted the 2021 Copa América, further solidifying its position as a hub for international football.
Brazil was ranked as the world's 9th most potent military power in 2021, possessing the largest armed forces in Latin America both in terms of active personnel and military equipment.
By 2021, Brazil had become the world's seventh-largest oil producer, with an average output of nearly three million barrels per day, transforming the nation into a net oil exporter.
By the close of 2021, Brazil had established itself as a global leader in renewable energy, holding the second position globally for installed hydroelectric power (109.4 GW) and biomass (15.8 GW), seventh for installed wind power (21.1 GW), and fourteenth for installed solar power (13.0 GW). The country was also on a trajectory to become one of the top 10 in the world for solar energy.
By the end of 2021, Brazil had solidified its position as the leading electricity sector in Latin America, with a total capacity of 181,532 MW.
In 2021, Brazil faced a high unemployment rate of 14.4% despite having the world's fifth-largest labor force, consisting of approximately 100 million people.
In 2021, the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index classified Brazil as a "flawed democracy," placing it 46th in their report. Conversely, Freedom House's Freedom in the World report categorized Brazil as a free country in the same year.
As of July 2022, Brazil's Federal Constitution, established in October 1988, has undergone 124 amendments, reflecting the evolving legal and political landscape of the country.
In October 2022, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured victory in the first round of the presidential election, garnering 48.43% of the votes.
According to the 2022 National Research by Household Sample (PNAD), 45.3% of the Brazilian population identified as Mixed race, 43.5% as White, 10.2% as Black, 0.6% as Indigenous, and 0.4% as East Asian.
In 2022, Brazil's navy, characterized as a green water force, stands out as the sole navy in Latin America operating a helicopter carrier, NAM Atlântico, and one of twelve navies globally to possess or be in the process of constructing one.
In 2022, the National Research by Household Sample (PNAD) collected data on race and ethnicity in Brazil.
One week following the inauguration of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a mob of Jair Bolsonaro supporters, fueled by weeks of unrest, stormed Brazil's federal government buildings in the capital city of Brasília in January 2023.
Brazil's ranking in the Global Innovation Index witnessed a notable improvement, rising to 49th in 2023 from its previous position of 66th in 2019.
Brazil is projected to launch its inaugural nuclear submarine in 2029, marking a significant development in its naval capabilities.
Brazil has set a target to achieve a 43% reduction in its annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Projections indicate that Brazil's population growth rate will continue to decline and is expected to reach a negative value of -0.29% by 2050, signaling the completion of the demographic transition.
Brazil has set an indicative target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, contingent upon receiving 10 billion dollars annually in support.