Your guide to being an expatriate in Brazil

Demographics of Brazil:

Religion Overview

Brazil is predominantly Roman Catholic, with over 120 million adherents (approximately 64% of the population). Protestant denominations, such as Pentecostals, Baptists, and Methodists, have experienced explosive growth in recent decades and now claim around 22% of the total population.

Major Religions

Climate

The climate in Brazil is largely tropical, with extended periods of heavy rainfall (from December to March) known as the 'wet season' or 'summer' (verão), followed by a drier period (from June to September) known as the 'dry season' or 'winter' (invasão). Topographically, Brazil is divided into five primary climatic zones: Equatorial, Savanna, Oceanic, Semiarid, and Highland.

Economy Overview

Brazil's economy is the ninth-largest in the world, boasting a diversified mix of industries across various sectors, both traditional and modern. With a robust agricultural sector, Brazil is famous for its production of coffee, soybeans, sugarcane, and cattle, as well as its major mining and hydroelectric power industries. Other vital industries include steel, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

Key Industries

• Agriculture
• Mining
• Manufacturing
• Services
• Construction
• Finance
• Tourism
• Information technology

Major Companies

• Petrobras (energy)
• Vale (mining)
• Banco Santander Brasil (finance)
• Embraer (aerospace and defense)
• Brastemp (household appliances)

Culture and Language Overview

Brazilian culture blends elements from its African, European, and indigenous heritage, producing a unique and dynamic heritage that is celebrated through colorful festivals, vibrant music, and distinctive cuisine. Sports, such as soccer, are also deeply entrenched in Brazilian culture, with the national team consistently regarded as one of the best in the world.

Cultural Highlights

• Carnaval (colorful festivals and parades)
• Samba (music and dance)
• Feijoada (national dish)
• Beach culture (sun, sea, sand, and sports)
• Maracatu (music tradition from the north-east)

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world, covering a vast tract of land. Its terrain ranges from the Amazon rainforest in the north to the Atlantic coastline in the east, as well as the fertile agricultural plains of the south. Brazil is home to a myriad of unique and breathtaking landmarks, from the awe-inspiring statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro to the awe-inspiring Amazon rainforest.

Notable Landmarks

• Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro)
• Iguazu Falls (shared with Argentina)
• The Amazon Rainforest (world's largest rainforest)
• Extractivô (mines)

National Holidays

• January 1 (New Year’s Day)
• February 12 (Carnaval)
• March 21 (Independence Day)
• April 21 (Tiradentes’ Day)
• May 1 (Labor Day)
• September 7 (Independence of Brasilia)
• October 12 (Our Lady Aparecida’s Day)
• November 2 (All Souls' Day)
• December 25 (Christmas)

Political Stability

Brazil is a federal presidential constitutional republic, with a multiparty system of government. Since the end of military rule in 1985, Brazil has, for the most part, enjoyed political stability. However, corruption scandals and economic uncertainties have led to some political instability in recent years, particularly during the impeachment process of former President Dilma Rousseff and subsequent rise to power of the far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.