Brazil

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{| align=right cellspacing=0 width=325px class="infobox toccolours" style="padding: 0.8em 0.8em 0.8em 0.8em; margin: 0em 0em 0.75em 0.75em; background: #fcfcfc; vertical-align: right; border-h: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-top: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-left: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-right: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-bottom: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; font-size: 85%; span: 1px #c6c6c6 solid;"
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|-
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| style="font-size: 11pt; background: #fcfcfc; text-align: center;" colspan=2 | '''''Império do Brasil'''''<br>'''Empire of Brazil'''
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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| style="text-align: center;" width=50% | [[Image:Flag of Brazil.png|125px|Flag of Brazil]] || style="text-align: center;" width=50% | [[Image:Coat of arms of Brazil.PNG|85px|Coat of arms of Brazil]]
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|-
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| style="border: 0px; text-align: center;" | <small>Flag</small> || style="border: 0px; text-align: center;" | <small>Coat of arms</small>
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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| align=center colspan=2 style="padding: 0em 0em 0.5em 0em; text-align: center; background: #fcfcfc;" | '''Motto'''<br>"Independência ou Morte!" <small>(Portuguese)</small><br><small>"Independence or Death!"</small>
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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| align=center colspan=2 style="padding: 0em 0em 0.5em 0em; text-align: center; background: #fcfcfc;" | '''Anthem'''<br>''[[Hino da Independência]]''
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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| align=center colspan=2 style="padding: 0em 0em 0.5em 0em; text-align: center; background: #fcfcfc;" | [[Image:Map of Brazil.PNG|250px|Location of Brazil]]
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''Capital''' <br><br>'''Largest city'''
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|Rio de Janeiro<br><small>[http://tools.wikimedia.de/~magnus/geo/geohack.php?params=22_54_30_S_43_14_37_W_type:city(6,150,000)_region:BR-RJ 22°54′30″S, 43°14′37″W]</small><br>São Paulo
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''Official languages''' || Portuguese
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''Demonym''' || Brazilian
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''Government'''<br>&nbsp;- Emperor<br>&nbsp;- Prime Minister
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| Constitutional monarchy<br>[[Luís I of Brazil|Luís I]]<br>Alexsander da Rosa
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''Independence'''<br>&nbsp;- Declared<br>&nbsp;- Recognized
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|from Portugal<br>September 7, 1822<br>August 29, 1825
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''Area''' <br>&nbsp;- Total<br><br>&nbsp;- Water (%)
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|<br>8,691,092 km²<br>3,355,635 sq mi<br>0.66
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''Population''' <br>&nbsp;- 2007 estimate<br>&nbsp;- 2000 census<br>&nbsp;- Density<br>&nbsp;
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|<br>193,334,553<br>173,198,407<br>22.25 /km²<br>57.61 /sq mi
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''GDP''' (PPP)<br/>&nbsp;- Total<br/>&nbsp;- Per capita
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|2007 estimate<br>n/a<br>n/a
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''GDP''' (nominal)<br/>&nbsp;- Total<br/>&nbsp;- Per capita
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|2007 estimate<br>n/a<br>n/a
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''Gini''' || n/a (<font color="gray">n/a</font>) (unranked)
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''HDI''' || n/a (<font color="gray">n/a</font>) (unranked)
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''Currency''' || Real (R$) (<code>BRL</code>)
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''Time zone'''<br/>&nbsp;- Summer (DST)
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|BRT (UTC -3 to -5)<br>BRST (UTC -2 to -5)
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''Internet TLD''' || .br
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|-
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| colspan="2" | <hr>
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|-
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|'''Calling code''' || +55
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|-
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|}
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The '''Empire of Brazil''' (Portuguese: ''Império do Brasil'') is the largest and most populous country in Latin America, and one of the largest - in size and population - in the world. Its territory covers 8,691,092 km² between central South America and the Atlantic Ocean, and it is the eastern-most country of the Americas.
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It borders Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and the department of French Guiana to the north, Colombia to the northwest, Bolivia and Peru to the west, Argentina and Paraguay to the southwest, and Uruguay to the south. Numerous archipelagos are part of the Brazilian territory, such as Penedos de São Pedro e São Paulo, Fernando de Noronha, Trindade e Martim Vaz and Atol das Rocas.
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A tropical climate is predominant. In the south of the country, subtropical climate prevails. Brazil is cut through by the Equator and Tropic of Capricorn. It is home to varied fauna and flora and extensive natural resources.
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Brazil was colonized by Portugal from 1500 until its independence in 1822. Upon gaining independence, Brazil became a constitutional monarchy, and remains one to this day. While the Brazilian government remains openly contemptuous and skeptical of democracy - which it describes as "tyranny by majority" and "the god that failed" - Brazilians nevertheless enjoy plentiful civil liberties; the economy is among the freest in the world; and political debate is open and lively. Brazil does have open elections, however, the franchise is restricted to those who successfully pass a political and economic aptitude test and own property, and only local officials are directly elected; others are either indirectly elected or appointed.
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The Brazilian population tends to concentrate along the coastline in large urban centers. While Brazil has one of the largest populations in the world, population density is low and the inner continental land has large areas of low population. It is a multiracial country composed of European, Amerindian, African and Asian elements. The official language is Portuguese, and it is the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas. Catholicism is both the state religion and the most widely practiced religion; however, all faiths are tolerated, and the non-Catholic population, particularly the Protestant communities, has experienced significant growth in the last decades. Brazil has the largest Roman Catholic population in the world.
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The Brazilian economy is among the largest, most robust, and most powerful in the world. The country is highly developed and industrialized, with a large and rapidly expanding middle class, high standards of living, and one of the highest rates of economic growth in the world.
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==Politics==
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Brazil is a highly-decentralized confederal constitutional monarchy (originally a unitary state) in which state and local governments wield considerable autonomy over their affairs, and the federal government's powers are circumscribed by the constitution. Aside from providing national defense, courts, and law enforcement, the government exercises little power. Education, maintenance of infrastructure, health issues, etc. are the jurisdiction of state and local governments, although in practice these things are handled entirely (or mostly, in the case of infrastructure) by the private sector. The Brazilian constitution is among the most liberal in the world, and guarantees the rights to life, liberty, property, privacy, self-defense, the right to adopt whatever lifestyle one wishes, and the right to chart one's own destiny and do whatever they wish provided they follow the law and do not infringe upon the rights of others.
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===Monarchy===
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[[Image:180px-Brazilian Emperors Coat of Arms Complete.jpg|180px|thumb|right|<small>Coat of arms of the Brazilian Imperial House.</small>]]
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While Brazil is a constitutional monarchy in that the Emperor's duties are confined to those delineated by the constitution, he nevertheless exercises more power - and plays a more prominent role - than most constitutional monarchs play. Rather than being limited to performing ceremonial duties, the Emperor also has the authority to name senators and judges; the authority to break deadlocks by summoning and dissolving parliaments and cabinets; and the power to make and ratify treaties. He is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, although this is strictly a titular role; ''de facto'' command of the military is held by the Ministry of Defense.
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The Emperor is widely respected as a symbol of national unity and deeply revered for his wisdom, tact, and pragmatism; most of the time, he oversees the nation's political transactions from behind the scenes with an air of impartiality. He is seen as a fatherly figure and a moderating influence on the nation, and his statements carry great moral weight. His image adorns the obverse of every coin and banknote, and most homes and businesses display his portrait as well, as a sign of respect and love for their Emperor, whose benign rule, moral authority, incorruptibility, and selfless devotion to his nation and people endear him to Brazilians of every race, color, class, creed, and background. The Emperor views his role as "protecting the people from their government," and "providing moral leadership through the exercise of humble service to the people."
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It should also be noted that the Emperor, like every other Brazilian, is not above the law. His constitutional duties are taken very seriously, and the constitution prescribes his mandatory abdication if he is found guilty of corruption or violating the constitution.
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====<center>List of Brazilian monarchs</center>====
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{| border="1" align="center" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
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|- style="background:#efefef;"
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! Name !! Reign !! Consort !! Royal House
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|-
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| Pedro I || October 12, 1822 - April 7, 1831 || Maria Leopoldina of Austria<br>Amélia of Leuchtenberg || House of Braganza
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|-
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| Pedro II || April 7, 1831 - December 5, 1891 || Teresa of the Two Sicilies || House of Braganza
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|-
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| Isabel || December 5, 1891 - November 14, 1921 || Gaston, Count of Eu || House of Braganza
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|-
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| Pedro III || November 14, 1921 - July 5, 1981 || Maria of Bavaria || House of Orléans-Braganza
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|-
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| [[Luís I of Brazil|Luís I]] || July 5, 1981 - present || Maria Pavlovna, Grand Duchess of Russia || House of Orléans-Braganza
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|}
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===Prime Minister===
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The Prime Minister is the head of government of the Empire of Brazil. The Prime Minister is elected by a majority of the members of the General Assembly upon the proposal of the Emperor; the vote is by secret ballot. Upon being elected, the Prime Minister is formally appointed to the position by the Emperor. The Prime Minister is the ''de facto'' wielder of executive powers and exercises many of the executive functions that are not vested in the Emperor. He heads a cabinet composed of members selected by himself, who are then appointed by the Emperor.
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===<center>Cabinet</center>===
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{| border="1" align="center" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
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|- style="background:#efefef;"
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! Position held !! Name
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|-
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| Prime Minister || Alexsander da Rosa
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|-
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| Deputy Prime Minister || Olavo de Carvalho
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|-
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| Minister of Commerce || Afonso Luiza Rezende
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|-
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| Minister of Foreign Relations || José Cabral Guimarães Rosa
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|-
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| Minister of Interior || Paulo Inácio dos Santos
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|-
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| Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals || João Vieira Soares
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|-
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| Minister of National Defense || Deodoro de Alencar Tavares
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|-
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| Minister of the Pen || Francisco de Oliveira Pinheiro
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|-
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| Minister of State Affairs || Antonio Aureliano Gomes
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|-
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| Minister of Treasury || Fernando Cautiero e Silva
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|}
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===General Assembly===
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The General Assembly, known informally as the Imperial Parliament, is the national legislature of the Empire. It is comprised of two houses: the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) and the Senate (upper house). Members of the former are indirectly elected by state legislatures and serve five-year terms (there are no term limits); members of the latter are appointed by the Emperor from a list of candidates chosen by indirect ballot. Senators serve for life.
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The Chamber of Deputies has the power to initiate legislation; the Senate cannot initiate legislation, though it can block or defer bills. Bills that pass through both houses are either signed into law by the Prime Minister, or vetoed by him (although, if his veto is overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses, it becomes law without his signature). However, before any law can take effect, it must also receive Royal Assent; if the Emperor refuses to grant this, the bill fails to become law, although the Chamber of Deputies can re-introduce the bill if it so chooses. Note that even if the General Assembly overrides the Prime Minister's veto, the bill still needs Royal Assent to become law.
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The General Assembly is presided over by the President of the General Assembly, whose official role is to moderate debate, make rulings on procedure, announce the results of votes, and the like. The President is, ideally, politically neutral and not concerned with substantive issues. In the event of a tie, he is permitted to vote, but only according to established conventions. The President of the General Assembly is appointed by the Emperor from a list of three candidates, chosen by indirect ballot. The current holder of this office is Jânio de Lira Franco.
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===Supreme Federal Tribunal===
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The Supreme Federal Tribunal is the highest court of law of the Empire of Brazil. The court also functions as a last resort tribunal, and its rulings therefore cannot be appealed. It can declare the unconstitutionality of laws passed by the General Assembly. This happens when the court judges a Direct Action of Unconstitutionality. Members are appointed by the Emperor and serve for life, unless they become incapacitated, violate the constitution, or are found guilty of corruption, in which case they are removed. The Supreme Federal Tribunal is presided over by the Chief Justice. The current holder of this position is Marco Lúcia Grau, who was appointed in November 1989.
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===Local, state, and district governments===
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There are four levels of government in Brazil: Local (city), district, state, and federal.
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Only local officials are directly elected in Brazil. District council members are elected by a slate of electors comprising the mayors of each city within that district. Members of state legislatures are elected by a slate of electors composed of each of the state's district commissioners. State governors are indirectly elected by the legislature of their state. The length of a governor's tenure, and the number of terms he can serve, varies by state.
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==Foreign relations==
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For many years, Brazil followed an independent foreign policy based on the principles of "positive non-alignment; indiscriminate open-mindedness to the world; and complete non-interference in the internal affairs of other states." Brazil rarely intervened in international disputes, except to offer mediation services as an impartial arbiter; did not hold membership in any international organizations; and was not in any alliances with other countries. Above all else, it sought to zealously guard the country's sovereignty and maintain a low profile - even in regional affairs. Critics regularly attacked Brazilian foreign policy as "isolationist," which most Brazilians regarded as a misnomer, considering the country's extensive cultural exchanges, diplomatic contacts, and commercial relations with other nations.
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Beginning in late 2007, Brazil gradually began to assume a more active role in global politics. For example, it intervened decisively in [[Democratic Republic of the Congo-Zaire|Congo-Zaire]]'s civil war by deploying military advisors and supplying the government with military hardware. The Brazilian and Congolese governments have quickly struck up a close friendship, and Brazil is regarded as one of the strongest supporters of Congo-Zaire's president, General Kabika Tshinyama.
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In December 2007, Brazil, fearing the growing clout of the American Empire and the Soviet Union, reluctantly formed a mutual defense alliance, the [[Coalition of Sovereign Nations|Coalition of Sovereign Nations (CoSN)]], with several other states. While Brazil maintains relatively warm relations with the Americans (and continues to actively trade with them), it views them with far more suspicion than before, and is not as uncritical of them as it once was.
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As of December 2007, Brazil maintains diplomatic relations with almost every country in the world, regardless of political ideology, the sole exceptions being the Soviet Union and the Alexandrian Empire; Brazil severed relations with both countries on December 27, 2007, on the grounds of "subversion."
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Brazil joined the United Nations on December 22, 2007.
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===<center>Foreign relations by country</center>===
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{| border="1" align="center" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
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|- style="background:#efefef;"
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! Country !! Diplomatic relations !! Current relationship !! Current Brazilian ambassador
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|-
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|| Alexandrian Empire || No || Very strained || none
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|-
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|| American Empire || Yes || Strained || Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro
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|-
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|| Australia || Yes || Very warm || Antonio de Aguiar Patriota
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|-
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|| Congo-Zaire || Yes || Warm || Emílio Alfredo de Varnhagen
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|-
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|| France || Yes || Very warm || Prince Eudes Maria
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|-
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|| Germany || Yes || Neutral || Prince Fernando Diniz
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|-
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|| Iran || Yes || Very warm || Prince Antônio João
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|-
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|| Italy || Yes || Warm || Prince Alberto Maria
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|-
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|| Mexico || Yes || Very warm || Prince Pedro de Alcântara Henrique
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|-
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|| Romania || Yes || Very warm || Prince Francisco Maria
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|-
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|| Saudi Arabia || Yes || Neutral || Ronaldo de Moraes
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|-
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|| Soviet Union || No || Very strained || none
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|-
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|| Spain || Yes || Neutral || Osvaldo Nabuco
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|-
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|| Sweden || Yes || Very warm || Princess Maria Teresa
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|-
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|| United Kingdom || Yes || Very warm || Princess Isabel Maria
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|-
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|| United Provinces || Yes || Neutral || Paulo Lupi
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|-
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|| Yugoslavia || Yes || Warm || Princess Eleonora Maria
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|}
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==States of Brazil==
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[[Image:Map of Brazil states.PNG|right|]]
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#Amazonas
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#Pará
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#Maranhão
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#Piauí
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#Ceará
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#Rio Grande do Norte
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#Paraíba
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#Pernambuco
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#Alagoas
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#Sergipe
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#Bahia
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#Espírito Santo
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#Rio de Janeiro
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#Minas Gerais
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#Goiás
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#Mato Grosso
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#São Paulo
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#Paraná
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#Santa Catarina
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#Rio Grande do Sul
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#Cisplatina
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====<center>List of Brazilian states</center>====
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{| border="1" align="center" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
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|- style="background:#efefef;"
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! State !! Abbreviation !! Capital !! Area !! Population (2005) !! Density
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|-
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| Alagaos || AL || Maceió || 27,767.7 km² <small>(20th)</small> || 3,015,912 <small>(18th)</small> || 108.61 <small>(3rd)</small>
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|-
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| Amazonas || AM || Manaus || 1,947,626.1 km² <small>(1st)</small> || 4,279,690 <small>(15th)</small> || 2.2 <small>(21st)</small>
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|-
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| Bahia || BA || Salvador || 564,692.7 km² <small>(6th)</small> || 13,815,334 <small>(4th)</small> || 24.46 <small>(14th)</small>
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|-
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| Ceará || CE || Fortazela || 148,825.6 km² <small>(13th)</small> || 8,097,276 <small>(9th)</small> || 54.40 <small>(10th)</small>
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|-
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| Cisplatina || CI || Montevideo || 176,215 km² <small>(12th)</small> || 3,323,906 <small>(17th)</small> || 19 <small>(15th)</small>
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|-
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| Espírito Santo || ES || Vitória || 46,077.5 km² <small>(18th)</small> || 3,408,365 <small>(16th)</small> || 73.97 <small>(6th)</small>
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|-
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| Goiás || GO || Goiânia || 623,529.7 km² <small>(4th)</small> || 9,258,753 <small>(7th)</small> || 14.85 <small>(17th)</small>
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|-
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| Maranhão || MA || São Luís || 331,983.3 km² <small>(7th)</small> || 6,103,327 <small>(12th)</small> || 18.38 <small>(16th)</small>
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|-
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| Mato Grosso || MT || Cuiabá || 1,498,059.1 km² <small>(2nd)</small> || 6,602,336 <small>(11th)</small> || 4.4 <small>(20th)</small>
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|-
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| Minas Gerais || MG || Belo Horizonte || 586,528.3 km² <small>(5th)</small> || 19,237,450 <small>(2nd)</small> || 32.79 <small>(13th)</small>
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|-
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| Pará || PA || Belém || 1,390,504.1 km² <small>(3rd)</small> || 7,565,173 <small>(10th)</small> || 5.44 <small>(19th)</small>
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|-
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| Paraíba || PB || João Pessoa || 56,439.8 km² <small>(16th)</small> || 3,595,886 <small>(14th)</small> || 63.71 <small>(7th)</small>
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|-
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| Paraná || PR || Curitiba || 199,314.9 km² <small>(11th)</small> || 10,261,856 <small>(6th)</small> || 51.48 <small>(11th)</small>
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|-
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| Pernambuco || PE || Recife || 98,311.6 km² <small>(14th)</small> || 8,413,593 <small>(8th)</small> || 85.58 <small>(5th)</small>
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|-
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| Piauí || PI || Teresina || 251,529.2 km² <small>(9th)</small> || 3,006,885 <small>(19th)</small> || 11.95 <small>(18th)</small>
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|-
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| Rio de Janeiro || RJ || Rio de Janeiro || 43,696.1km² <small>(19th)</small> || 15,383,407 <small>(3rd)</small> || 352.05 <small>(1st)</small>
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|-
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| Rio Grande do Norte || RN || Natal || 52,796.8 km² <small>(17th)</small> || 3,003,087 <small>(20th)</small> || 56.88 <small>(9th)</small>
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|-
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| Rio Grande do Sul || RS || Porto Alegre || 281,748.5 km² <small>(8th)</small> || 10,845,087 <small>(5th)</small> || 38.49 <small>(12th)</small>
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|-
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| Santa Catarina || SC || Florianópolis || 95,346.2 km² <small>(15th)</small> || 5,866,568 <small>(13th)</small> || 61.53 <small>(8th)</small>
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|-
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| São Paulo || SP || São Paulo || 248,209.4 km² <small>(10th)</small> || 40,442,795 <small>(1st)</small> || 162.93 <small>(2nd)</small>
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|-
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| Sergipe || SE || Aracaju || 21,910.3 km² <small>(21st)</small> || 1,967,761 <small>(21st)</small> || 89.81 <small>(4th)</small>
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|}
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==Economy==
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The Empire of Brazil's economy has undergone profound and dynamic change since the early 1930s, when then-Emperor Pedro III made a very daring and risky gamble. While the rest of the world embraced various strains of statism as a "solution" to the Great Depression, Pedro decided to try something entirely different. He hired a team of economists and businesspersons versed in the teachings of the Austrian School, and gave them the task of drafting and implementing an economic plan. Their plan, which called for free trade, the repeal of all subsidies, privatization of state-run industries, a balanced budget, radical cuts in spending, the elimination of wage and price controls, repeal of antitrust laws, and the removal of almost all regulations on business, was implemented shortly afterwards, albeit with some reluctance. It was indeed a gamble, but it paid off immensely. Within a few years, Brazil recovered from the Depression; by 1940, the economy had recovered to pre-Depression levels, unemployment was at its lowest rate in many years, the currency was stable (the country had adopted a gold standard), prices were declining, and the standard of living rose. The number of people living below the poverty line fell as the country's middle-class - previously modest in size - grew dramatically. By 1960, Brazil had a First World country. Its economy has continued to grow ever since; there has not been a single recession since the 1930s, when the country adopted full-reserve banking.
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===Money and banking===
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The currency of Brazil is called the ''real'', but bank notes are generally named after the bank issuing them. Bank notes are required by law to be immediately redeemable in gold (once they are redeemed for gold, the notes are burned). One ''real'' represents 1/12 a troy ounce of gold.
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The Central Bank of Brazil prints notes according to the amount of gold it has. State banks, commercial banks, and government and independent auditors monitor the Central Bank's activities. Brazil has full-reserving banking, and fractional-reserve banking is illegal. This banking system has virtually eliminated the business cycle. Brazilian banks have a world-renowned reputation for their secrecy, rivalling even Swiss and Liechtensteiner banks. This has earned the country a good deal of (completely ignored) criticism from other countries, due to the large number of people who deposit their money in Brazilian bank accounts to avoid taxation.
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Credit is based entirely on voluntary systems such as bank savings bonds and term deposits. Interest rates are set by the market, rather than by the government. The government gave up its monopolies on banking and gold minting in the late 1940s.
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===Taxation===
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Each state collects revenue through a poll, or head, tax; the federal government, in turns, taxes the states (rather than the people directly) in proportion to their populations. Capital gains, corporate income, personal income, property, real estate, luxury goods, retail sales, gifts, services, and inheritance are not taxed. The tax rates are among the lowest in the world, earning the country a reputation as a tax haven. Brazil regularly tops the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's "List of Unco-operative Tax Havens," a distinction Brazil takes great pride in. Deficit spending is strictly unconstitutional; the only way the government can increase spending is by raising taxes. Ever since the country adopted laissez faire in the 1930s, the treasury has run surpluses every year.
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===Trade===
 +
The country has adopted nearly 100% free trade; the only restrictions on trade are in weapons (excluding individual firearms) and nuclear materials. There are no tariffs, quotas, excises, or duties on imports or exports. As such, the country enjoys a high - and rapidly growing - volume of trade. The country's major trading partners include the [[Coalition of Sovereign Nations|CoSN]] member states; the American Empire; Yugoslavia; and Italy.
 +
 +
===Labor===
 +
The government does not set or regulate wages. Wages are decided by mutual agreement between the prospective employer and employee. Labor unions are legal, but do not enjoy a privileged status, and only a small percentage of the workforce is unionized. The rights to strike and of collective bargaining are constitutionally guaranteed for workers, although the former does not apply to those working in law enforcement or the armed forces. Labor conditions are among the freest and least regulated in the world.
 +
 +
===Privatization===
 +
Education, healthcare, energy, the postal service, transportation, telecommunications, utilities, and social services are all fully privatized. The vast majority of infrastructure is also privatized, with the exception of some roads and inter-city and inter-state rails, which are owned and maintained by state and local governments. Aside from the courts, military, and police, virtually everything is handled entirely by the private sector (or, some cases, by state and local governments). Businesses are almost entirely unregulated. As a result, there is an extremely high level of foreign investment in Brazil, and the country is a popular destination for outsourcing.
 +
 +
===Industries===
 +
The country's largest industries include motor vehicles, chemicals, lumber, aircraft, machinery, natural gas, hydropower, petroleum, tourism, and agriculture. Brazil is self-sufficient in energy production and does not rely on imports. Brazil is also the largest producer of coffee (by far) in the world.
 +
 +
==Demographics==
 +
===Age structure===
 +
0-14 years = 25.3%
 +
<br>15-64 years = 68.4%
 +
<br>65 years and over = 6.3%
 +
 +
===Sex ratio===
 +
At birth = 1.05 male(s)/female
 +
<br>Under 15 years = 1.04 male(s)/female
 +
<br>15-64 years = 0.983 male(s)/female
 +
<br>65 years and over = 0.697 male(s)/female
 +
<br>Total population = 0.976 male(s)/female
 +
 +
===Infant mortality rate===
 +
Total = 3.92 deaths/1,000 live births
 +
<br>Male = 4.38 deaths/1,000 live births
 +
<br>Female = 3.42 deaths/1,000 live births
 +
 +
===Life expectancy at birth===
 +
Total population = 78.87 years
 +
<br>Male = 75.6 years
 +
<br>Female = 82.36 years
 +
 +
===Total fertility rate===
 +
2.13 children born/woman
 +
 +
===HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate===
 +
0.3%
 +
 +
===Nationality===
 +
Noun: Brazilian(s)
 +
<br>Adjective: Brazilian
 +
 +
===Ethnic groups===
 +
White = 50.8%
 +
<br>Mulatto (mixed white and black) = 22.5%
 +
<br>Black = 17.3%
 +
<br>Asian = 5.4%
 +
<br>Middle Eastern = 2.7%
 +
<br>Amerindian = 0.36%
 +
<br>Mestizo = 0.32%
 +
<br>Unspecified = 0.62%
 +
 +
===Religions===
 +
Roman Catholic = 81.6%
 +
<br>Baptist = 2.6%
 +
<br>Buddhist = 2.11%
 +
<br>Seventh-day Adventist = 1.62%
 +
<br>Lutheran = 1.5%
 +
<br>Calvinist = 1.5%
 +
<br>Jewish = 1.04%
 +
<br>Muslim = 1.01%
 +
<br>Hindu = 0.72%
 +
<br>Shinto = 0.5%
 +
<br>Mormon = 0.41%
 +
<br>Pentecostal = 0.36%
 +
<br>Jehovah's Witness = 0.33%
 +
<br>Traditional African religion = 0.3%
 +
<br>Spiritist = 0.3%
 +
<br>Anglican = 0.05%
 +
<br>Agnostic = 0.545%
 +
<br>Atheist = 0.005%
 +
<br>Other = 3.5%
 +
 +
===Languages===
 +
Portuguese (official)
 +
<br>Spanish (widely spoken)
 +
<br>English (widely spoken)
 +
<br>Almost 200 indigenous languages
 +
 +
===Literacy rate===
 +
Definition: Age 15 and over can read and write
 +
<br>Total population: 99.2%
 +
<br>Male: 99.2%
 +
<br>Female: 99.2%
 +
 +
==Culture==
 +
{{Brazil symbols}}
 +
A wide variety of elements influenced Brazilian culture. Its major early influence derived from Portuguese culture, because of strong colonial ties with the Portuguese empire. Among other inheritances, the Portuguese introduced the Portuguese language, the Roman-Germanic legal system, and the colonial architectural styles. Other aspects of Brazilian culture are contributions of European and Asian immigrants, Native South American people (such as the Tupi), and African slaves. Thus, Brazil is a multicultural and multiethnic society. Italian, German and other European immigrants came in large numbers and their influences are felt closer to the Southeast and South of Brazil. Amerindian peoples influenced Brazil's language and cuisine and the Africans, brought to Brazil as slaves, influenced Brazil's music, dance, cuisine, religion and language.
 +
 +
In the 1950s, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes, Baden Powell de Aquino, and João Gilberto popularized the Bossa Nova style in music. Later Elis Regina, Milton Nascimento, Chico Buarque and Nara Leão had an important role in shaping Música Popular Brasileira (literally translated as "Brazilian Popular Music," often abbreviated to MPB). In the late 1960s, tropicalismo was popularized by Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil.
 +
 +
Brazilian Carnival (Portuguese: ''Carnaval'') is an annual celebration held 40 days before Easter and marks the beginning of Lent. Brazilian Carnival has distinct regional characteristics. Other regional festivals include the Boi Bumbá and Festa Junina (''June Festivals'').
 +
 +
===Religion===
 +
The most popular religion in Brazil is Roman Catholicism, which is also the state religion (however, all faiths are tolerated). The country has the largest Roman Catholic population in the world. Adepts of Protestantism are rising in number. Until 1970, the majority of Brazilian Protestants were members of "traditional churches", mostly Lutherans, Presbyterians and Baptists. Since then, numbers of Pentecostal and Neopentecostal members have increased significantly (although the number of Protestants is still dwarfed by the number of Catholics). Islam in Brazil was first practiced by African slaves. A recent trend has been the increase in conversions to Islam among non-Arab citizens. Around 1,950,000 Muslims live in Brazil as of 2007. The largest population of Buddhists in Latin America lives in Brazil, mostly because the country has the largest Japanese population outside Japan (around 2% of the population is of Japanese descent).
 +
 +
===Sport===
 +
Football is the most popular sport in Brazil. The Brazilian national football team is currently ranked second in the world according to the FIFA World Rankings. They have been victorious in the World Cup tournament a record five times, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. Basketball, volleyball, auto racing, and martial arts also attract large audiences. Though not as regularly followed or practiced as the previously mentioned sports, tennis, team handball, swimming, and gymnastics have found a growing number of enthusiasts over the last decades. In auto racing, Brazilian drivers have won the Formula 1 world championship eight times: Emerson Fittipaldi (1972 and 1974), Nelson Piquet (1981, 1983 and 1987) and Ayrton Senna (1988, 1990 and 1991). The circuit located in São Paulo, Autódromo José Carlos Pace, hosts the annual Grand Prix of Brazil.
 +
 +
In basketball, Brazil’s men’s team has won the Basketball World Championship twice, in 1959 and 1963. The women’s team has won the FIBA World Championship for Women only once, in 1994. Currently though, both national teams have become less competitive; as of June, 2007, FIBA ranks the men's team 17th in the world and the women's team as 4th. volleyball, the country didn’t enjoy much success until the early 1990s, but as of 2006, Brazil’s men’s national team is on top of the FIVB rank, winning multiple titles. The women’s team also won several competitions and is currently ranked second in the world by FIVB. Some sport variations have their origins in Brazil. Beach football, ''futsal'' (official version of indoor football) and footvolley emerged in the country as variations of football. In martial arts, Brazilians have developed Capoeira, Vale tudo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
 +
 +
===Cuisine===
 +
Brazilian cuisine is a mix of the cuisines of its inhabitants and immigrants: Native Americans, Portuguese, Africans, Italians, Spaniards, Germans, Syrians, Lebanese, and others.  The country is divided into five main cuisine regions:
 +
 +
# North (Picadinho de Jacaré, Tacacá, and Açaí)
 +
# Northeast (Vatapá, Moqueca, and Acarajé)
 +
# Central-West (Pamonha and Pequi)
 +
# Southeast (Feijoada)
 +
# South (Churrasco)
 +
 +
Other popular dishes include:
 +
*Caipirinha
 +
*Pão de Queijo
 +
*Brigadeiro
 +
*Pastel
 +
*Tapioca
 +
 +
===<center>National holidays</center>===
 +
{| border="1" align="center" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 +
|- style="background:#efefef;"
 +
! Date !! English Name !! Local Name !! Remarks
 +
|-
 +
| January 1 || nowrap | New Year's Day || Confraternização Universal, Ano Novo ||
 +
|-
 +
| moveable || Carnival || Carnaval || Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, although festivities begin on the preceding Friday.
 +
|-
 +
| moveable (44 days before Good Friday) || Ash Wednesday || Quarta-feira de Cinzas || Only the morning is considered a holiday.
 +
|-
 +
| moveable || Good Friday || Sexta-Feira da Paixão, Sexta-Feira Santa ||
 +
|-
 +
| moveable || Easter || Páscoa ||
 +
|-
 +
| moveable (62 days after Good Friday) || Corpus Christi || ||
 +
|-
 +
| Second Sunday in May || Mother's Day || Dia das Mães
 +
|-
 +
| June 6 || Emperor's Birthday || Imperador Aniversário ||
 +
|-
 +
| July 10 || Coronation Day || Dia do Coroação || Commemorates the coronation of [[Luís I of Brazil|Emperor Luís I]].
 +
|-
 +
| July 14 || Day of Commemoration of the Victims of Genocide || Dia de Comemoração de Vítimas de Genocídio || Honors the victims of the French Revolution.
 +
|-
 +
| Second Sunday of August || Father's Day || Dia dos Pais ||
 +
|-
 +
| August 25 || Soldier's Day || Dia do Soldado || Commemorates Brazilian war hero Luís Alves de Lima e Silva.
 +
|-
 +
| September 7 || Independence Day || Dia da Independência ||
 +
|-
 +
| October 12 || Our Lady of Aparecida || Nossa Senhora de Aparecida || Also celebrated as Children's Day (Dia das Crianças) on the same date.
 +
|-
 +
| November 1 || All Saints' Day || Dia de Todos-os-Santos ||
 +
|-
 +
| November 2 || All Souls' Day || Dia de Finados ||
 +
|-
 +
| November 15 || Freedom Day || Dia da Liberdade || Celebrates the failure of Deodoro da Fonseca's coup, and the triumph of monarchism in Brazil.
 +
|-
 +
| December 24 || Christmas Eve || Véspera de Natal ||
 +
|-
 +
| December 25 || Christmas Day || Natal || Commemorates the birth of Christ.
 +
|}
 +
[[Category:Brazil| ]]
[[Category:Brazil| ]]
[[Category:Nations]]
[[Category:Nations]]

Revision as of 23:31, 4 May 2008

Império do Brasil
Empire of Brazil
File:Flag of Brazil.png File:Coat of arms of Brazil.PNG
Flag Coat of arms
Motto
"Independência ou Morte!" (Portuguese)
"Independence or Death!"
Anthem
Hino da Independência
File:Map of Brazil.PNG
Capital

Largest city 		Rio de Janeiro
22°54′30″S, 43°14′37″W
São Paulo
Official languages Portuguese
Demonym Brazilian
Government
 - Emperor
 - Prime Minister 		Constitutional monarchy
Luís I
Alexsander da Rosa
Independence
 - Declared
 - Recognized 		from Portugal
September 7, 1822
August 29, 1825
Area
 - Total

 - Water (%)
8,691,092 km²
3,355,635 sq mi
0.66
Population
 - 2007 estimate
 - 2000 census
 - Density
 
193,334,553
173,198,407
22.25 /km²
57.61 /sq mi
GDP (PPP)
 - Total
 - Per capita 		2007 estimate
n/a
n/a
GDP (nominal)
 - Total
 - Per capita 		2007 estimate
n/a
n/a
Gini n/a (n/a) (unranked)
HDI n/a (n/a) (unranked)
Currency Real (R$) (BRL)
Time zone
 - Summer (DST) 		BRT (UTC -3 to -5)
BRST (UTC -2 to -5)
Internet TLD .br
Calling code +55

The Empire of Brazil (Portuguese: Império do Brasil) is the largest and most populous country in Latin America, and one of the largest - in size and population - in the world. Its territory covers 8,691,092 km² between central South America and the Atlantic Ocean, and it is the eastern-most country of the Americas.

It borders Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and the department of French Guiana to the north, Colombia to the northwest, Bolivia and Peru to the west, Argentina and Paraguay to the southwest, and Uruguay to the south. Numerous archipelagos are part of the Brazilian territory, such as Penedos de São Pedro e São Paulo, Fernando de Noronha, Trindade e Martim Vaz and Atol das Rocas.

A tropical climate is predominant. In the south of the country, subtropical climate prevails. Brazil is cut through by the Equator and Tropic of Capricorn. It is home to varied fauna and flora and extensive natural resources.

Brazil was colonized by Portugal from 1500 until its independence in 1822. Upon gaining independence, Brazil became a constitutional monarchy, and remains one to this day. While the Brazilian government remains openly contemptuous and skeptical of democracy - which it describes as "tyranny by majority" and "the god that failed" - Brazilians nevertheless enjoy plentiful civil liberties; the economy is among the freest in the world; and political debate is open and lively. Brazil does have open elections, however, the franchise is restricted to those who successfully pass a political and economic aptitude test and own property, and only local officials are directly elected; others are either indirectly elected or appointed.

The Brazilian population tends to concentrate along the coastline in large urban centers. While Brazil has one of the largest populations in the world, population density is low and the inner continental land has large areas of low population. It is a multiracial country composed of European, Amerindian, African and Asian elements. The official language is Portuguese, and it is the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas. Catholicism is both the state religion and the most widely practiced religion; however, all faiths are tolerated, and the non-Catholic population, particularly the Protestant communities, has experienced significant growth in the last decades. Brazil has the largest Roman Catholic population in the world.

The Brazilian economy is among the largest, most robust, and most powerful in the world. The country is highly developed and industrialized, with a large and rapidly expanding middle class, high standards of living, and one of the highest rates of economic growth in the world.

Contents

Politics

Brazil is a highly-decentralized confederal constitutional monarchy (originally a unitary state) in which state and local governments wield considerable autonomy over their affairs, and the federal government's powers are circumscribed by the constitution. Aside from providing national defense, courts, and law enforcement, the government exercises little power. Education, maintenance of infrastructure, health issues, etc. are the jurisdiction of state and local governments, although in practice these things are handled entirely (or mostly, in the case of infrastructure) by the private sector. The Brazilian constitution is among the most liberal in the world, and guarantees the rights to life, liberty, property, privacy, self-defense, the right to adopt whatever lifestyle one wishes, and the right to chart one's own destiny and do whatever they wish provided they follow the law and do not infringe upon the rights of others.

Monarchy

File:180px-Brazilian Emperors Coat of Arms Complete.jpg
Coat of arms of the Brazilian Imperial House.

While Brazil is a constitutional monarchy in that the Emperor's duties are confined to those delineated by the constitution, he nevertheless exercises more power - and plays a more prominent role - than most constitutional monarchs play. Rather than being limited to performing ceremonial duties, the Emperor also has the authority to name senators and judges; the authority to break deadlocks by summoning and dissolving parliaments and cabinets; and the power to make and ratify treaties. He is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, although this is strictly a titular role; de facto command of the military is held by the Ministry of Defense.

The Emperor is widely respected as a symbol of national unity and deeply revered for his wisdom, tact, and pragmatism; most of the time, he oversees the nation's political transactions from behind the scenes with an air of impartiality. He is seen as a fatherly figure and a moderating influence on the nation, and his statements carry great moral weight. His image adorns the obverse of every coin and banknote, and most homes and businesses display his portrait as well, as a sign of respect and love for their Emperor, whose benign rule, moral authority, incorruptibility, and selfless devotion to his nation and people endear him to Brazilians of every race, color, class, creed, and background. The Emperor views his role as "protecting the people from their government," and "providing moral leadership through the exercise of humble service to the people."

It should also be noted that the Emperor, like every other Brazilian, is not above the law. His constitutional duties are taken very seriously, and the constitution prescribes his mandatory abdication if he is found guilty of corruption or violating the constitution.

List of Brazilian monarchs

Name Reign Consort Royal House
Pedro I October 12, 1822 - April 7, 1831 Maria Leopoldina of Austria
Amélia of Leuchtenberg 		House of Braganza
Pedro II April 7, 1831 - December 5, 1891 Teresa of the Two Sicilies House of Braganza
Isabel December 5, 1891 - November 14, 1921 Gaston, Count of Eu House of Braganza
Pedro III November 14, 1921 - July 5, 1981 Maria of Bavaria House of Orléans-Braganza
Luís I July 5, 1981 - present Maria Pavlovna, Grand Duchess of Russia House of Orléans-Braganza

Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is the head of government of the Empire of Brazil. The Prime Minister is elected by a majority of the members of the General Assembly upon the proposal of the Emperor; the vote is by secret ballot. Upon being elected, the Prime Minister is formally appointed to the position by the Emperor. The Prime Minister is the de facto wielder of executive powers and exercises many of the executive functions that are not vested in the Emperor. He heads a cabinet composed of members selected by himself, who are then appointed by the Emperor.

Cabinet

Position held Name
Prime Minister Alexsander da Rosa
Deputy Prime Minister Olavo de Carvalho
Minister of Commerce Afonso Luiza Rezende
Minister of Foreign Relations José Cabral Guimarães Rosa
Minister of Interior Paulo Inácio dos Santos
Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals João Vieira Soares
Minister of National Defense Deodoro de Alencar Tavares
Minister of the Pen Francisco de Oliveira Pinheiro
Minister of State Affairs Antonio Aureliano Gomes
Minister of Treasury Fernando Cautiero e Silva

General Assembly

The General Assembly, known informally as the Imperial Parliament, is the national legislature of the Empire. It is comprised of two houses: the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) and the Senate (upper house). Members of the former are indirectly elected by state legislatures and serve five-year terms (there are no term limits); members of the latter are appointed by the Emperor from a list of candidates chosen by indirect ballot. Senators serve for life.

The Chamber of Deputies has the power to initiate legislation; the Senate cannot initiate legislation, though it can block or defer bills. Bills that pass through both houses are either signed into law by the Prime Minister, or vetoed by him (although, if his veto is overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses, it becomes law without his signature). However, before any law can take effect, it must also receive Royal Assent; if the Emperor refuses to grant this, the bill fails to become law, although the Chamber of Deputies can re-introduce the bill if it so chooses. Note that even if the General Assembly overrides the Prime Minister's veto, the bill still needs Royal Assent to become law.

The General Assembly is presided over by the President of the General Assembly, whose official role is to moderate debate, make rulings on procedure, announce the results of votes, and the like. The President is, ideally, politically neutral and not concerned with substantive issues. In the event of a tie, he is permitted to vote, but only according to established conventions. The President of the General Assembly is appointed by the Emperor from a list of three candidates, chosen by indirect ballot. The current holder of this office is Jânio de Lira Franco.

Supreme Federal Tribunal

The Supreme Federal Tribunal is the highest court of law of the Empire of Brazil. The court also functions as a last resort tribunal, and its rulings therefore cannot be appealed. It can declare the unconstitutionality of laws passed by the General Assembly. This happens when the court judges a Direct Action of Unconstitutionality. Members are appointed by the Emperor and serve for life, unless they become incapacitated, violate the constitution, or are found guilty of corruption, in which case they are removed. The Supreme Federal Tribunal is presided over by the Chief Justice. The current holder of this position is Marco Lúcia Grau, who was appointed in November 1989.

Local, state, and district governments

There are four levels of government in Brazil: Local (city), district, state, and federal.

Only local officials are directly elected in Brazil. District council members are elected by a slate of electors comprising the mayors of each city within that district. Members of state legislatures are elected by a slate of electors composed of each of the state's district commissioners. State governors are indirectly elected by the legislature of their state. The length of a governor's tenure, and the number of terms he can serve, varies by state.

Foreign relations

For many years, Brazil followed an independent foreign policy based on the principles of "positive non-alignment; indiscriminate open-mindedness to the world; and complete non-interference in the internal affairs of other states." Brazil rarely intervened in international disputes, except to offer mediation services as an impartial arbiter; did not hold membership in any international organizations; and was not in any alliances with other countries. Above all else, it sought to zealously guard the country's sovereignty and maintain a low profile - even in regional affairs. Critics regularly attacked Brazilian foreign policy as "isolationist," which most Brazilians regarded as a misnomer, considering the country's extensive cultural exchanges, diplomatic contacts, and commercial relations with other nations.

Beginning in late 2007, Brazil gradually began to assume a more active role in global politics. For example, it intervened decisively in Congo-Zaire's civil war by deploying military advisors and supplying the government with military hardware. The Brazilian and Congolese governments have quickly struck up a close friendship, and Brazil is regarded as one of the strongest supporters of Congo-Zaire's president, General Kabika Tshinyama.

In December 2007, Brazil, fearing the growing clout of the American Empire and the Soviet Union, reluctantly formed a mutual defense alliance, the Coalition of Sovereign Nations (CoSN), with several other states. While Brazil maintains relatively warm relations with the Americans (and continues to actively trade with them), it views them with far more suspicion than before, and is not as uncritical of them as it once was.

As of December 2007, Brazil maintains diplomatic relations with almost every country in the world, regardless of political ideology, the sole exceptions being the Soviet Union and the Alexandrian Empire; Brazil severed relations with both countries on December 27, 2007, on the grounds of "subversion."

Brazil joined the United Nations on December 22, 2007.

Foreign relations by country

Country Diplomatic relations Current relationship Current Brazilian ambassador
Alexandrian Empire No Very strained none
American Empire Yes Strained Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro
Australia Yes Very warm Antonio de Aguiar Patriota
Congo-Zaire Yes Warm Emílio Alfredo de Varnhagen
France Yes Very warm Prince Eudes Maria
Germany Yes Neutral Prince Fernando Diniz
Iran Yes Very warm Prince Antônio João
Italy Yes Warm Prince Alberto Maria
Mexico Yes Very warm Prince Pedro de Alcântara Henrique
Romania Yes Very warm Prince Francisco Maria
Saudi Arabia Yes Neutral Ronaldo de Moraes
Soviet Union No Very strained none
Spain Yes Neutral Osvaldo Nabuco
Sweden Yes Very warm Princess Maria Teresa
United Kingdom Yes Very warm Princess Isabel Maria
United Provinces Yes Neutral Paulo Lupi
Yugoslavia Yes Warm Princess Eleonora Maria

States of Brazil

  1. Amazonas
  2. Pará
  3. Maranhão
  4. Piauí
  5. Ceará
  6. Rio Grande do Norte
  7. Paraíba
  8. Pernambuco
  9. Alagoas
  10. Sergipe
  11. Bahia
  12. Espírito Santo
  13. Rio de Janeiro
  14. Minas Gerais
  15. Goiás
  16. Mato Grosso
  17. São Paulo
  18. Paraná
  19. Santa Catarina
  20. Rio Grande do Sul
  21. Cisplatina

List of Brazilian states

State Abbreviation Capital Area Population (2005) Density
Alagaos AL Maceió 27,767.7 km² (20th) 3,015,912 (18th) 108.61 (3rd)
Amazonas AM Manaus 1,947,626.1 km² (1st) 4,279,690 (15th) 2.2 (21st)
Bahia BA Salvador 564,692.7 km² (6th) 13,815,334 (4th) 24.46 (14th)
Ceará CE Fortazela 148,825.6 km² (13th) 8,097,276 (9th) 54.40 (10th)
Cisplatina CI Montevideo 176,215 km² (12th) 3,323,906 (17th) 19 (15th)
Espírito Santo ES Vitória 46,077.5 km² (18th) 3,408,365 (16th) 73.97 (6th)
Goiás GO Goiânia 623,529.7 km² (4th) 9,258,753 (7th) 14.85 (17th)
Maranhão MA São Luís 331,983.3 km² (7th) 6,103,327 (12th) 18.38 (16th)
Mato Grosso MT Cuiabá 1,498,059.1 km² (2nd) 6,602,336 (11th) 4.4 (20th)
Minas Gerais MG Belo Horizonte 586,528.3 km² (5th) 19,237,450 (2nd) 32.79 (13th)
Pará PA Belém 1,390,504.1 km² (3rd) 7,565,173 (10th) 5.44 (19th)
Paraíba PB João Pessoa 56,439.8 km² (16th) 3,595,886 (14th) 63.71 (7th)
Paraná PR Curitiba 199,314.9 km² (11th) 10,261,856 (6th) 51.48 (11th)
Pernambuco PE Recife 98,311.6 km² (14th) 8,413,593 (8th) 85.58 (5th)
Piauí PI Teresina 251,529.2 km² (9th) 3,006,885 (19th) 11.95 (18th)
Rio de Janeiro RJ Rio de Janeiro 43,696.1km² (19th) 15,383,407 (3rd) 352.05 (1st)
Rio Grande do Norte RN Natal 52,796.8 km² (17th) 3,003,087 (20th) 56.88 (9th)
Rio Grande do Sul RS Porto Alegre 281,748.5 km² (8th) 10,845,087 (5th) 38.49 (12th)
Santa Catarina SC Florianópolis 95,346.2 km² (15th) 5,866,568 (13th) 61.53 (8th)
São Paulo SP São Paulo 248,209.4 km² (10th) 40,442,795 (1st) 162.93 (2nd)
Sergipe SE Aracaju 21,910.3 km² (21st) 1,967,761 (21st) 89.81 (4th)

Economy

The Empire of Brazil's economy has undergone profound and dynamic change since the early 1930s, when then-Emperor Pedro III made a very daring and risky gamble. While the rest of the world embraced various strains of statism as a "solution" to the Great Depression, Pedro decided to try something entirely different. He hired a team of economists and businesspersons versed in the teachings of the Austrian School, and gave them the task of drafting and implementing an economic plan. Their plan, which called for free trade, the repeal of all subsidies, privatization of state-run industries, a balanced budget, radical cuts in spending, the elimination of wage and price controls, repeal of antitrust laws, and the removal of almost all regulations on business, was implemented shortly afterwards, albeit with some reluctance. It was indeed a gamble, but it paid off immensely. Within a few years, Brazil recovered from the Depression; by 1940, the economy had recovered to pre-Depression levels, unemployment was at its lowest rate in many years, the currency was stable (the country had adopted a gold standard), prices were declining, and the standard of living rose. The number of people living below the poverty line fell as the country's middle-class - previously modest in size - grew dramatically. By 1960, Brazil had a First World country. Its economy has continued to grow ever since; there has not been a single recession since the 1930s, when the country adopted full-reserve banking.

Money and banking

The currency of Brazil is called the real, but bank notes are generally named after the bank issuing them. Bank notes are required by law to be immediately redeemable in gold (once they are redeemed for gold, the notes are burned). One real represents 1/12 a troy ounce of gold.

The Central Bank of Brazil prints notes according to the amount of gold it has. State banks, commercial banks, and government and independent auditors monitor the Central Bank's activities. Brazil has full-reserving banking, and fractional-reserve banking is illegal. This banking system has virtually eliminated the business cycle. Brazilian banks have a world-renowned reputation for their secrecy, rivalling even Swiss and Liechtensteiner banks. This has earned the country a good deal of (completely ignored) criticism from other countries, due to the large number of people who deposit their money in Brazilian bank accounts to avoid taxation.

Credit is based entirely on voluntary systems such as bank savings bonds and term deposits. Interest rates are set by the market, rather than by the government. The government gave up its monopolies on banking and gold minting in the late 1940s.

Taxation

Each state collects revenue through a poll, or head, tax; the federal government, in turns, taxes the states (rather than the people directly) in proportion to their populations. Capital gains, corporate income, personal income, property, real estate, luxury goods, retail sales, gifts, services, and inheritance are not taxed. The tax rates are among the lowest in the world, earning the country a reputation as a tax haven. Brazil regularly tops the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's "List of Unco-operative Tax Havens," a distinction Brazil takes great pride in. Deficit spending is strictly unconstitutional; the only way the government can increase spending is by raising taxes. Ever since the country adopted laissez faire in the 1930s, the treasury has run surpluses every year.

Trade

The country has adopted nearly 100% free trade; the only restrictions on trade are in weapons (excluding individual firearms) and nuclear materials. There are no tariffs, quotas, excises, or duties on imports or exports. As such, the country enjoys a high - and rapidly growing - volume of trade. The country's major trading partners include the CoSN member states; the American Empire; Yugoslavia; and Italy.

Labor

The government does not set or regulate wages. Wages are decided by mutual agreement between the prospective employer and employee. Labor unions are legal, but do not enjoy a privileged status, and only a small percentage of the workforce is unionized. The rights to strike and of collective bargaining are constitutionally guaranteed for workers, although the former does not apply to those working in law enforcement or the armed forces. Labor conditions are among the freest and least regulated in the world.

Privatization

Education, healthcare, energy, the postal service, transportation, telecommunications, utilities, and social services are all fully privatized. The vast majority of infrastructure is also privatized, with the exception of some roads and inter-city and inter-state rails, which are owned and maintained by state and local governments. Aside from the courts, military, and police, virtually everything is handled entirely by the private sector (or, some cases, by state and local governments). Businesses are almost entirely unregulated. As a result, there is an extremely high level of foreign investment in Brazil, and the country is a popular destination for outsourcing.

Industries

The country's largest industries include motor vehicles, chemicals, lumber, aircraft, machinery, natural gas, hydropower, petroleum, tourism, and agriculture. Brazil is self-sufficient in energy production and does not rely on imports. Brazil is also the largest producer of coffee (by far) in the world.

Demographics

Age structure

0-14 years = 25.3%
15-64 years = 68.4%
65 years and over = 6.3%

Sex ratio

At birth = 1.05 male(s)/female
Under 15 years = 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years = 0.983 male(s)/female
65 years and over = 0.697 male(s)/female
Total population = 0.976 male(s)/female

Infant mortality rate

Total = 3.92 deaths/1,000 live births
Male = 4.38 deaths/1,000 live births
Female = 3.42 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth

Total population = 78.87 years
Male = 75.6 years
Female = 82.36 years

Total fertility rate

2.13 children born/woman

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.3%

Nationality

Noun: Brazilian(s)
Adjective: Brazilian

Ethnic groups

White = 50.8%
Mulatto (mixed white and black) = 22.5%
Black = 17.3%
Asian = 5.4%
Middle Eastern = 2.7%
Amerindian = 0.36%
Mestizo = 0.32%
Unspecified = 0.62%

Religions

Roman Catholic = 81.6%
Baptist = 2.6%
Buddhist = 2.11%
Seventh-day Adventist = 1.62%
Lutheran = 1.5%
Calvinist = 1.5%
Jewish = 1.04%
Muslim = 1.01%
Hindu = 0.72%
Shinto = 0.5%
Mormon = 0.41%
Pentecostal = 0.36%
Jehovah's Witness = 0.33%
Traditional African religion = 0.3%
Spiritist = 0.3%
Anglican = 0.05%
Agnostic = 0.545%
Atheist = 0.005%
Other = 3.5%

Languages

Portuguese (official)
Spanish (widely spoken)
English (widely spoken)
Almost 200 indigenous languages

Literacy rate

Definition: Age 15 and over can read and write
Total population: 99.2%
Male: 99.2%
Female: 99.2%

Culture

National symbols of the Empire of Brazil
Anthem Hino da Independência
Animal Jaguar
Bird Macaw
Flower Tabebuia alba flower
Tree Tabebuia alba
Inanimate objects Southern Cross, Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain
Patron saint Our Lady of Aparecida

A wide variety of elements influenced Brazilian culture. Its major early influence derived from Portuguese culture, because of strong colonial ties with the Portuguese empire. Among other inheritances, the Portuguese introduced the Portuguese language, the Roman-Germanic legal system, and the colonial architectural styles. Other aspects of Brazilian culture are contributions of European and Asian immigrants, Native South American people (such as the Tupi), and African slaves. Thus, Brazil is a multicultural and multiethnic society. Italian, German and other European immigrants came in large numbers and their influences are felt closer to the Southeast and South of Brazil. Amerindian peoples influenced Brazil's language and cuisine and the Africans, brought to Brazil as slaves, influenced Brazil's music, dance, cuisine, religion and language.

In the 1950s, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes, Baden Powell de Aquino, and João Gilberto popularized the Bossa Nova style in music. Later Elis Regina, Milton Nascimento, Chico Buarque and Nara Leão had an important role in shaping Música Popular Brasileira (literally translated as "Brazilian Popular Music," often abbreviated to MPB). In the late 1960s, tropicalismo was popularized by Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil.

Brazilian Carnival (Portuguese: Carnaval) is an annual celebration held 40 days before Easter and marks the beginning of Lent. Brazilian Carnival has distinct regional characteristics. Other regional festivals include the Boi Bumbá and Festa Junina (June Festivals).

Religion

The most popular religion in Brazil is Roman Catholicism, which is also the state religion (however, all faiths are tolerated). The country has the largest Roman Catholic population in the world. Adepts of Protestantism are rising in number. Until 1970, the majority of Brazilian Protestants were members of "traditional churches", mostly Lutherans, Presbyterians and Baptists. Since then, numbers of Pentecostal and Neopentecostal members have increased significantly (although the number of Protestants is still dwarfed by the number of Catholics). Islam in Brazil was first practiced by African slaves. A recent trend has been the increase in conversions to Islam among non-Arab citizens. Around 1,950,000 Muslims live in Brazil as of 2007. The largest population of Buddhists in Latin America lives in Brazil, mostly because the country has the largest Japanese population outside Japan (around 2% of the population is of Japanese descent).

Sport

Football is the most popular sport in Brazil. The Brazilian national football team is currently ranked second in the world according to the FIFA World Rankings. They have been victorious in the World Cup tournament a record five times, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. Basketball, volleyball, auto racing, and martial arts also attract large audiences. Though not as regularly followed or practiced as the previously mentioned sports, tennis, team handball, swimming, and gymnastics have found a growing number of enthusiasts over the last decades. In auto racing, Brazilian drivers have won the Formula 1 world championship eight times: Emerson Fittipaldi (1972 and 1974), Nelson Piquet (1981, 1983 and 1987) and Ayrton Senna (1988, 1990 and 1991). The circuit located in São Paulo, Autódromo José Carlos Pace, hosts the annual Grand Prix of Brazil.

In basketball, Brazil’s men’s team has won the Basketball World Championship twice, in 1959 and 1963. The women’s team has won the FIBA World Championship for Women only once, in 1994. Currently though, both national teams have become less competitive; as of June, 2007, FIBA ranks the men's team 17th in the world and the women's team as 4th. volleyball, the country didn’t enjoy much success until the early 1990s, but as of 2006, Brazil’s men’s national team is on top of the FIVB rank, winning multiple titles. The women’s team also won several competitions and is currently ranked second in the world by FIVB. Some sport variations have their origins in Brazil. Beach football, futsal (official version of indoor football) and footvolley emerged in the country as variations of football. In martial arts, Brazilians have developed Capoeira, Vale tudo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Cuisine

Brazilian cuisine is a mix of the cuisines of its inhabitants and immigrants: Native Americans, Portuguese, Africans, Italians, Spaniards, Germans, Syrians, Lebanese, and others. The country is divided into five main cuisine regions:

  1. North (Picadinho de Jacaré, Tacacá, and Açaí)
  2. Northeast (Vatapá, Moqueca, and Acarajé)
  3. Central-West (Pamonha and Pequi)
  4. Southeast (Feijoada)
  5. South (Churrasco)

Other popular dishes include:

  • Caipirinha
  • Pão de Queijo
  • Brigadeiro
  • Pastel
  • Tapioca

National holidays

Date English Name Local Name Remarks
January 1 New Year's Day Confraternização Universal, Ano Novo
moveable Carnival Carnaval Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, although festivities begin on the preceding Friday.
moveable (44 days before Good Friday) Ash Wednesday Quarta-feira de Cinzas Only the morning is considered a holiday.
moveable Good Friday Sexta-Feira da Paixão, Sexta-Feira Santa
moveable Easter Páscoa
moveable (62 days after Good Friday) Corpus Christi
Second Sunday in May Mother's Day Dia das Mães
June 6 Emperor's Birthday Imperador Aniversário
July 10 Coronation Day Dia do Coroação Commemorates the coronation of Emperor Luís I.
July 14 Day of Commemoration of the Victims of Genocide Dia de Comemoração de Vítimas de Genocídio Honors the victims of the French Revolution.
Second Sunday of August Father's Day Dia dos Pais
August 25 Soldier's Day Dia do Soldado Commemorates Brazilian war hero Luís Alves de Lima e Silva.
September 7 Independence Day Dia da Independência
October 12 Our Lady of Aparecida Nossa Senhora de Aparecida Also celebrated as Children's Day (Dia das Crianças) on the same date.
November 1 All Saints' Day Dia de Todos-os-Santos
November 2 All Souls' Day Dia de Finados
November 15 Freedom Day Dia da Liberdade Celebrates the failure of Deodoro da Fonseca's coup, and the triumph of monarchism in Brazil.
December 24 Christmas Eve Véspera de Natal
December 25 Christmas Day Natal Commemorates the birth of Christ.
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