Brazil Population & Culture
Population of Brazil Largest country in South America 200 million people (2012 est) Growing population - approximately 1% per year Life expectancy - approx 72 years Population growth has slowed down over the last 30 years improved health care and access to contraception improved education more women working outside the home more people living in cities Population of Brazil
Density & Distribution Majority of population live near the Atlantic coast 133 million of 200 million live on the Atlantic coast Population concentrated in southeast and north east states Main cities Sao Paulo, Rio, Belo Horizonte, Salvador Rural to urban migration from the interior Trade links coffee, timber, soya Education Many 3rd level colleges Population Density in Brazil
Density & Distribution Interior of Brazil is sparsely populated Mainly rainforest vegetation Very humid climate in rainforest uncomfortable climate Brasilia - capital built in the interior to encourage migration to the interior of Brazil Mainly government workers Many workers fly back to coastal cities at weekends Population density by state in Brazil
Colonialism Portugal colonised Brazil in the 15th century Concentrated on sugar and coffee production Portuguese settlers farmed huge plantations (farms) Imported slave labour from West Africa Salvador - slave trade city Many slave descendants in Brazil today Migrants from Germany and Italy went to south east Brazil Sugar & Coffee production Effects of colonialism Big gap between rich and poor Divided society sugar plantation in Brazil Plantation farms were worked by African slave labour Profits went to the elite European settlers (Portuguese, German, Italian)
Rural to urban migration Many migrants have moved from the countryside to the huge cities on the coast Many migrants come from the dry north east Also from the interior (Amazon area) Small farmers are often very poor South East Brazil is the core Income is 3 times greater in south east Job opportunities for skilled and unskilled Huge favelas (slums) have developed in big cities Favela in Sao Paulo Favelas can contain millions of people and have a reputation for drug trafficking and crime.
Culture in Brazil Brazil is a multi-ethnic society Most Brazilians are descendants of European migrants and African slaves Indigenous people (Native Americans) in the Amazon Major ethnic groups descendants of Portuguese settlers Black Brazilians - descendants of slaves German and Italian descendants Japanese population in Sao Paulo & Rio Native Americans Brazil - World Cup Champions 2002 Over 40% of Brazilians are of mixed race ancestry (black, white and native american)
Culture - Language Portuguese is the official language of Brazil Spoken by all Brazilians Unites people of all descents Many native American languages Native American schools teach the tribal language and Portuguese Over 160 native American languages Many native languages have become extinct Portuguese only schooling in the past Some Spanish speaking communities near the border with Argentina & Uruguay Brazilian Portuguese Phrasebook
Culture - Religion Roman Catholic religion is the largest in Brazil Also a unifying source in Brazi Brought to Brazil by Portuguese Largest Catholic country in the world Growing number of Protestant religious groups Number of African religions Candomble religion concentrated in Salvador Main Religious groups in Brazil
Amerindian Tribes Amerindian tribes also known as native Americans 60% of native American tribes live in the Amazon Rainforest Huge decline in native Americans since the arrival of European settlers Approx 300,000 natives today Down from millions Disease - flu War Exploitation by colonists There are approximately 60 uncontacted tribes in the Rainforest today Native Americans
Amerindian Tribes Best Known tribe is Yanomami Nomadic people they move from place to place Practice slash and burn agriculture in the Rainforest Tribal lands under threat from deforestation, mining and farming gold, diamonds, soya bean, coffee, cattle ranching Tribal lands are often invaded by loggers, miners and farmers Yanomami tribe in Amazon Rainforest
Amerindian Tribes The tribes are important in maintaining the rainforest plant diversity animal diversity Many tribes people have important knowledge of plant based medicines These medicines are used by pharmaceutical companies to come up with new treatments Cashew nuts Acai Palm Cashew plants are used for medicine