Who is brazil

For thousands of years, people have been exploiting the jungles of Brazil. But since Europeans arrived about five centuries ago, forest destruction has been rampant. Most of Brazil's Atlantic rain forest is now gone, and huge tracts of the Amazon are disappearing every year.

The government has established many national parks and refuges, but they only cover about 7 percent of the country. Brazil is a federal republic with a president, a National Congress, and a judiciary.

From until recently, the country struggled with democracy. But in , the military government was peacefully removed, and by , Brazil's politics and economy had become fairly stable. Brazil has many different soils and climates, so it can produce a great variety of crops. Its agricultural exports include sugarcane, latex, coffee, cocoa beans, cotton, soybeans, rice, and tropical fruits.

Brazil is also South America's most industrial nation, producing chemicals, steel, aircraft, and cars. Until recently, scientists thought Brazil was first settled by Asians about 10, years ago. But new evidence shows there were people living there at least 32, years ago. Some experts think they may have arrived from islands in the Pacific Ocean. Brazil was added to the map of the world during the great European explorations in the late 15th century led by Portugal and Spain.

When Europeans first reached the coast of Brazil, the country was home to about 30 million indigenous people, or Amerindians. Today, only about , remain, living primarily in Brazil's remotest places.

Portugal established its first colony in Brazil in Colonists created sugarcane plantations along the coast and sent diamonds and gold back to Europe. Soon, people from West Africa were brought to Brazil to work as slaves. The discovery of large inland gold reserves brought thousands of people from the coasts and as far away as Europe to the interior of the country. Coronavirus Mass vaccination trial site sees case spike, but deaths remain stable 12 hours ago.

Start your 7-day free trial max 4 articles Sign me up. Business Demand for Brazilian coffee skyrockets in Colombia It is becoming increasingly hard to find homegrown beans in Colombia. Live Blog. Check our plans. Latest Newsletters Videos Podcast Subscribe. Image source, AFP. Brazilian-made dramas and soaps - known as telenovelas - are broadcast around the world.

Read full media profile. Image source, Getty Images. The arrival of millions of African slaves contributed to Brazil's diverse ethnic and cultural mix. Read full timeline. Modern-day Brazil's indigenous people form a small but growing part of the population. Related Topics. BBC Brasil.