World · permanent entity record · BR

Brazil

Thirty-second orientation

Brazil at a glance

Capital: Brasília; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 212,812,405; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 8,515,770 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Brazilian(s); adjective: Brazilian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: federal presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and many minor Amerindian languages; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Brazil through time

1945-10-24
Admitted to the United Nations
Brazil became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	212,812,405World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 221,359,387 (2025 est.) male: 108,753,532 female: 112,605,855CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-20

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $2.28 trillion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $10,713; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 76.0 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 88.2%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 99.8%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 84.5%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Source footnote: Source and notes: NIC.br, Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Brasília; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 8,515,770 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 212,812,405; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: reals (BRL); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and many minor Amerindian languages; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Brazilian(s); adjective: Brazilian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: federal presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1945-10-24; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: South America; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “South America.”
Coastline: 7,491 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: mostly tropical, but temperate in south; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Religions: Roman Catholic 56.8%, Evangelical 26.9%, none 9.3%, other 4%, Spirtism (Espírita) 1.8%, unspecified 1.4%, Umbanda and Candomblé 1.1%, Indigenous religions .06%, undeclared 0.2% (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: green, yellow, blue, white; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: Southern Cross constellation; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Pico da Neblina · 9,823 ft (2,994 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-20 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: After more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889. Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getúlio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. VARGAS governed through various versions of democratic and authoritarian regimes from 1930 to 1945. Democratic rule returned in 1945 -- including a democratically elected VARGAS administration from 1951 to 1954 -- and lasted until 1964, when the military overthrew President João GOULART. The military regime censored journalists and repressed and tortured dissidents in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The dictatorship lasted until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers, and the Brazilian Congress passed its current constitution in 1988. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Having successfully weathered a period of global financial difficulty in the late 20th century, Brazil was soon seen as one of the world's strongest emerging markets and a contributor to global growth under President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (2003-2010). The awarding of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympic Games -- the first ever to be held in South America -- to Brazil was symbolic of the country's rise. However, from about 2013 to 2016, Brazil was plagued by a sagging economy, high unemployment, and high inflation, only emerging from recession in 2017. Congress removed then-President Dilma ROUSSEFF (2011-2016) from office in 2016 for having committed impeachable acts against Brazil's budgetary laws, and her vice president, Michel TEMER, served the remainder of her second term. A money-laundering investigation, Operation Lava Jato, uncovered a vast corruption scheme and prosecutors charged several high-profile Brazilian politicians with crimes. Former President LULA was convicted of accepting bribes and served jail time (2018-19), although his conviction was overturned in 2021. LULA's revival became complete in 2022 when he narrowly defeated incumbent Jair BOLSONARO (2019-2022) in the presidential election. Positioning Brazil as an independent global leader on climate change and promoting sustainable development, LULA took on the 2024 G20 presidency, balancing the fight against deforestation with sustainable energy and other projects designed to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth, such as expanding fossil fuel exploration.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Geography21 fields

Location: Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geographic coordinates: 10 00 S, 55 00 W; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Map references: South America; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area: total : 8,515,770 sq km land: 8,358,140 sq km water: 157,630 sq km note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than the US; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land boundaries: total: 16,145 km border countries (10): Argentina 1,263 km; Bolivia 3,403 km; Colombia 1,790 km; French Guiana 649 km; Guyana 1,308 km; Paraguay 1,371 km; Peru 2,659 km; Suriname 515 km; Uruguay 1,050 km; Venezuela 2,137 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coastline: 7,491 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: mostly tropical, but temperate in south; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Terrain: mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Elevation: highest point: Pico da Neblina 2,994 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 320 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural resources: alumina, bauxite, beryllium, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, niobium, phosphates, platinum, tantalum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 28.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.9% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 20.7% (2023 est.) forest: 58.9% (2023 est.) other: 12.7% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Irrigated land: 91,833 sq km (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major lakes (area sq km): fresh water lake(s): Lagoa dos Patos - 10,140 sq km salt water lake(s): Lagoa Mirim (shared with Uruguay) - 2,970 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major rivers (by length in km): Amazon river mouth (shared with Peru [s]) - 6,400 km; Río de la Plata/Paraná river source (shared with Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay [m]) - 4,880 km; Tocantins - 3,650 km; São Francisco - 3,180 km; Paraguay river source (shared with Argentina and Paraguay [m]) - 2,549 km; Rio Negro river mouth (shared with Colombia [s] and Venezuela) - 2,250 km; Uruguay river source (shared with Argentina and Uruguay [m]) - 1,610 km note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Orinoco (953,675 sq km), Paraná (2,582,704 sq km), São Francisco (617,814 sq km), Tocantins (764,213 sq km); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major aquifers: Amazon Basin, Guarani Aquifer System, Maranhao Basin; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population distribution: the vast majority of people live along or near the Atlantic coast in the east; the population core is in the southeast, anchored by the cities of São Paolo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural hazards: recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geography - note: note 1: largest country in South America and in the Southern Hemisphere; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador; most of the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, extends through the west central part of the country; shares Iguaçu Falls (Iguazú Falls), the world's largest waterfalls system, with Argentina note 2: Rocas Atoll, located off the northeast coast of Brazil, is the only atoll in the South Atlantic; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

People and Society34 fields

Population: total: 221,359,387 (2025 est.) male: 108,753,532 female: 112,605,855; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Nationality: noun: Brazilian(s) adjective: Brazilian; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Ethnic groups: mixed 45.3%, White 43.5%, Black 10.2%, Indigenous 0.6%, Asian 0.4% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Languages: Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and many minor Amerindian languages major-language sample(s): O Livro de Fatos Mundiais, a fonte indispensável para informação básica. (Brazilian Portuguese) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Religions: Roman Catholic 56.8%, Evangelical 26.9%, none 9.3%, other 4%, Spirtism (Espírita) 1.8%, unspecified 1.4%, Umbanda and Candomblé 1.1%, Indigenous religions .06%, undeclared 0.2% (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Age structure: 0-14 years: 19.6% (male 22,025,593/female 21,088,398) 15-64 years: 69.5% (male 75,889,089/female 77,118,722) 65 years and over: 10.9% (2024 est.) (male 10,251,809/female 13,677,901); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 44.3 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 28.1 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 16.2 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 6.2 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Median age: total: 35.4 years (2025 est.) male: 34 years female: 36.1 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population growth rate: 0.58% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Birth rate: 13.04 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Death rate: 7.07 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Net migration rate: -0.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population distribution: the vast majority of people live along or near the Atlantic coast in the east; the population core is in the southeast, anchored by the cities of São Paolo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 87.8% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major urban areas - population: 22.620 million São Paulo, 13.728 million Rio de Janeiro, 6.248 million Belo Horizonte, 4.873 million BRASÍLIA (capital), 4.264 million Recife, 4.212 million Porto Alegre (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 67 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 12.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 14.6 deaths/1,000 live births female: 11.1 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.3 years (2024 est.) male: 72.6 years female: 80.1 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total fertility rate: 1.73 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 0.84 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 99.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 98% of population (2022 est.) total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.) urban: 0.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 2% of population (2022 est.) total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Health expenditure: 9.9% of GDP (2021) 9% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Physician density: 2.36 physicians/1,000 population (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Hospital bed density: 2.5 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 94.7% of population (2022 est.) rural: 65% of population (2022 est.) total: 91% of population (2022 est.) urban: 5.3% of population (2022 est.) rural: 35% of population (2022 est.) total: 9% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 22.1% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 6.12 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 3.84 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.24 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Tobacco use: total: 11.2% (2025 est.) male: 14.4% (2025 est.) female: 8.3% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 3.5% (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 56.9% (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Education expenditure: 5.6% of GDP (2022 est.) 12.9% national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Literacy: total population: 94.8% (2024 est.) male: 94.5% (2024 est.) female: 95.1% (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years (2022 est.) male: 15 years (2022 est.) female: 17 years (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Environment12 fields

Environmental issues: deforestation in Amazon Basin; illegal wildlife trade; illegal poaching; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and other large cities; land degradation and water pollution from mining; wetland degradation; oil spills; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International environmental agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping-London Protocol; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: mostly tropical, but temperate in south; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 28.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.9% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 20.7% (2023 est.) forest: 58.9% (2023 est.) other: 12.7% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 87.8% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 437.769 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 53.664 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 331.079 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 53.026 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 10.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Methane emissions: energy: 1,759.1 kt (2022-2024 est.) agriculture: 13,761.9 kt (2019-2021 est.) waste: 3,361.8 kt (2019-2021 est.) other: 382.6 kt (2019-2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 79.07 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 2.8% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 16.397 billion cubic meters (2022) industrial: 10.2 billion cubic meters (2022) agricultural: 41.336 billion cubic meters (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total renewable water resources: 8.647 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geoparks: total global geoparks and regional networks: 6 global geoparks and regional networks: Araripe; Cacapava; Quarta Colonia; Serido; Southern Canyons Pathways; Uberaba (2024); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Government25 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazil conventional short form: Brazil local long form: República Federativa do Brasil local short form: Brasil etymology: the country name derives from the brazil tree that used to grow plentifully along the coast of Brazil and that was used to produce a deep red dye; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Government type: federal presidential republic; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Capital: name: Brasília geographic coordinates: 15 47 S, 47 55 W time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Brazil has four time zones, including one for the Fernando de Noronha Islands etymology: the name is the Latinized form of the country name, bestowed on the new capital of Brazil in 1960; previous Brazilian capitals were Salvador (1549-1763) and Rio de Janeiro (1763 to 1960); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Administrative divisions: 26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondônia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legal system: civil law note: a new civil-law code in 2002 replaced the 1916 code; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Constitution: history: several previous; latest ratified 5 October 1988 amendment process: proposed by at least one third of either house of the National Congress, by the president of the republic, or by simple majority vote by more than half of the state legislative assemblies; passage requires at least three-fifths majority vote by both houses in each of two readings; constitutional provisions affecting the federal form of government, separation of powers, suffrage, or individual rights and guarantees cannot be amended; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 4 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Suffrage: voluntary between 16 to 18 years of age, over 70, and if illiterate; compulsory between 18 to 70 years of age note: military conscripts by law cannot vote; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (since 1 January 2023) head of government: President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (since 1 January 2023) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a single consecutive term and additional terms after at least one term has elapsed) most recent election date: 2 October 2022, with runoff on 30 October 2022 election results: 2022: Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (PT) 48.4%, Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 43.2%, Simone Nassar TEBET (MDB) 4.2%, Ciro GOMES (PDT) 3%, other 1.2%; percent of vote in second round - Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva (PT) 50.9%, Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 49.1% 2018: Jair BOLSONARO elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 46%, Fernando HADDAD (PT) 29.3%, Ciro GOMEZ (PDT) 12.5%, Geraldo ALCKMIN (PSDB) 4.8%, other 7.4%; percent of vote in second round - Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 55.1%, Fernando HADDAD (PT) 44.9% expected date of next election: 4 October 2026 note: the president is both chief of state and head of government; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: National Congress (Congresso nacional) legislative structure: bicameral; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch - lower chamber: chamber name: Chamber of Deputies (Cámara dos Deputados) number of seats: 513 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 10/2/2022 parties elected and seats per party: Liberal Party (PL) (99); Workers' Party (PT) (69); Brazil Union (União) (59); Progressive Party (PP) (47); Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB) (42); Social Democratic Party (PSD) (42); Republicans (Republicanos) (40); Other (106) percentage of women in chamber: 18.1% expected date of next election: October 2026; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch - upper chamber: chamber name: Federal Senate (Senado Federal) number of seats: 81 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: partial renewal term in office: 8 years most recent election date: 10/2/2022 parties elected and seats per party: Liberal Party (PL) (8); Brazil Union (União) (5); Workers' Party (PT) (4); Progressive Party (PP) (3); Social Democratic Party (PSD) (2); Republicans (Republicanos) (2); Other (3) percentage of women in chamber: 19.8% expected date of next election: October 2026; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Judicial branch: highest court(s): Supreme Federal Court or Supremo Tribunal Federal (consists of 11 justices) judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president and approved by absolute majority by the Federal Senate; justices appointed to serve until mandatory retirement at age 75 subordinate courts: Tribunal of the Union, Federal Appeals Court, Superior Court of Justice, Superior Electoral Court, regional federal courts; state court system; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Political parties: Act (Agir) (formerly Christian Labor Party or PTC) Avante (formerly Labor Party of Brazil or PTdoB) Brazil Union (União Brasil); note - founded from a merger between the Democrats (DEM) and the Social Liberal Party (PSL) Brazilian Communist Party or PCB Brazilian Democratic Movement or MDB Brazilian Labor Party or PTB Brazilian Renewal Labor Party or PRTB Brazilian Labor Party or PTB Brazilian Social Democracy Party or PSDB Brazilian Socialist Party or PSB Christian Democracy or DC (formerly Christian Social Democratic Party) Cidadania (formerly Popular Socialist Party or PPS) Communist Party of Brazil or PCdoB Democratic Labor Party or PDT Democratic Party or PSDC Democrats or DEM (formerly Liberal Front Party or PFL); note - dissolved in February 2022 Green Party or PV Liberal Party or PL [Valdemar Costa Neto] (formerly Party of the Republic or PR) National Mobilization Party or PMN New Party or NOVO Patriota (formerly National Ecologic Party or PEN) Podemos (formerly National Labor Party or PTN) Progressive Party (Progressistas) or PP Republican Social Order Party or PROS Republicans (Republicanos) (formerly Brazilian Republican Party or PRB) Social Christian Party or PSC Social Democratic Party or PSD Social Liberal Party or PSL Socialism and Freedom Party or PSOL Solidarity or SD Sustainability Network or REDE United Socialist Workers' Party or PSTU Workers' Cause Party or PCO Workers' Party or PT; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro VIOTTI (since 30 June 2023) chancery: 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 238-2700 FAX: [1] (202) 238-2827 email address and website: contact.washington@itamaraty.gov.br https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/embaixada-washington consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford (CT), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Francisco; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Gabriel ESCOBAR (since 21 January 2025) embassy: SES - Avenida das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03, 70403-900 - Brasília, DF mailing address: 7500 Brasilia Place, Washington DC 20521-7500 telephone: [55] (61) 3312-7000 FAX: [55] (61) 3225-9136 email address and website: BrasilliaACS@state.gov https://br.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Recife, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo branch office(s): Belo Horizonte; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International organization participation: AfDB (nonregional member), BIS, BRICS, CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, CPLP, FAO, FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-5, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer), Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OECD (enhanced engagement), OPANAL, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Independence: 7 September 1822 (from Portugal); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National holiday: Independence Day, 7 September (1822); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Flag: description: green with a large yellow diamond in the center, showing a blue celestial globe with 27 five-pointed white stars; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress) meaning: green stands for the country's forests, and yellow for its mineral wealth, with the diamond representing the country's shape; the blue globe and stars depict the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of 15 November 1889, the day the Republic of Brazil was declared; the number of stars has risen with the creation of new states, from 21 to 27 (one for each state and the Federal District) history: the flag was inspired by the former Empire of Brazil's flag (1822-1889) note: one of four national flags that reflect the shape of the country in the flag design; the others are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eritrea, and Vanuatu; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National symbol(s): Southern Cross constellation; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National color(s): green, yellow, blue; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National anthem(s): title: "Hino Nacional Brasileiro" (Brazilian National Anthem) lyrics/music: Joaquim Osorio Duque ESTRADA/Francisco Manoel DA SILVA history: music adopted 1890, lyrics adopted 1922; the anthem's music, composed in 1822, was used unofficially for many years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 24 (15 cultural, 9 natural, 1 mixed) selected World Heritage Site locales: Brasilia (c); Historic Salvador de Bahia (c); Historic Ouro Preto (c); Historic Center of the Town of Olinda (c); Iguaçu National Park (n); Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis (c); Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes (c); Central Amazon Conservation Complex (n); Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves (n); Historic Center of Salvador de Bahia (c); Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas (c ); Brasilia (c ); Serra da Capivara National Park (c ); Historic Center of Sao Luis( c); Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves (n); Historic Center of the Town of Diamantina (c ); Pantanal Conservation Area (n); Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves (n); Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks (n); Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás (c); São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão (c ); Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea (c ); Pampulha Modern Ensemble (c ); Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site (c ); Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity (m); Sítio Roberto Burle Marx (c ); Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (n);Peruaçu River Canyon (n); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Economy32 fields

Economic overview: upper-middle-income, largest Latin American economy; Mercosur, BRICS, G20 member and OECD accession candidate; growth driven by strong domestic consumption; monetary tightening helping curb inflation rate; high inequality in income and access to health and education; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $4.165 trillion (2024 est.) $4.029 trillion (2023 est.) $3.902 trillion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 3.4% (2024 est.) 3.2% (2023 est.) 3% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP per capita: $19,600 (2024 est.) $19,100 (2023 est.) $18,600 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $2.179 trillion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.4% (2024 est.) 4.6% (2023 est.) 9.3% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 5.6% (2024 est.) industry: 21.3% (2024 est.) services: 59.3% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 63.8% (2024 est.) government consumption: 18.8% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: -0.1% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 18% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -17.5% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Agricultural products: sugarcane, soybeans, maize, milk, cassava, oranges, chicken, beef, rice, wheat (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industries: textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industrial production growth rate: 3.3% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Labor force: 106.79 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Unemployment rate: 7.7% (2024 est.) 8% (2023 est.) 9.3% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 18% (2024 est.) male: 15.7% (2024 est.) female: 20.9% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population below poverty line: 4.2% (2016 est.) note: approximately 4% of the population are below the "extreme" poverty line; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 51.6 (2023 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Average household expenditures: on food: 16.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 1.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.3% (2023 est.) highest 10%: 40.8% (2023 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Remittances: 0.2% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.3% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Budget: revenues: $556.303 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $706.816 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Public debt: 83% of GDP (2023 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 14% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Current account balance: -$61.194 billion (2024 est.) -$27.933 billion (2023 est.) -$42.157 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports: $388.333 billion (2024 est.) $389.192 billion (2023 est.) $380.492 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - partners: China 30%, USA 10%, Argentina 5%, Netherlands 3%, Chile 2% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - commodities: soybeans, crude petroleum, iron ore, raw sugar, corn (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports: $377.05 billion (2024 est.) $340.195 billion (2023 est.) $369.861 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - partners: China 23%, USA 16%, Germany 5%, Argentina 5%, Russia 4% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, fertilizers, crude petroleum, vehicle parts/accessories, gas turbines (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $329.732 billion (2024 est.) $355.021 billion (2023 est.) $324.673 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Debt - external: $198.582 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exchange rates: reals (BRL) per US dollar - 5.389 (2024 est.) 4.994 (2023 est.) 5.164 (2022 est.) 5.394 (2021 est.) 5.155 (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Energy8 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 100% electrification - rural areas: 97.3%; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 240.251 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 608.451 billion kWh (2023 est.) exports: 7.186 billion kWh (2023 est.) imports: 22.294 billion kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 106.916 billion kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 8.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) nuclear: 2.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 13.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 60.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 8.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Nuclear energy: Number of operational nuclear reactors: 2 (2025) Number of nuclear reactors under construction: 1 (2025) Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 1.88GW (2025 est.) Percent of total electricity production: 2.2% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coal: production: 15.556 million metric tons (2023 est.) consumption: 32.223 million metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 5,000 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 18.257 million metric tons (2023 est.) proven reserves: 6.596 billion metric tons (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 4.221 million bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 3.163 million bbl/day (2023 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 12.715 billion barrels (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural gas: production: 22.702 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) consumption: 29.065 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) exports: 101.203 million cubic meters (2023 est.) imports: 6.356 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) proven reserves: 363.985 billion cubic meters (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 48.889 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 22.5 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 216 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 102 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadcast media: state-run Radiobras operates a radio and a TV network; more than 1,000 radio stations and more than 100 TV channels operating, mostly privately owned; private media ownership highly concentrated (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet country code: .br; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 84% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 48.4 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transportation6 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: PP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Airports: 5,297 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Heliports: 1,871 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Railways: total: 29,849.9 km (2014) standard gauge: 194 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 23,341.6 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge (24 km electrified) broad gauge: 5,822.3 km (2014) 1.600-m gauge (498.3 km electrified) dual gauge: 492 km (2014) 1.600-1.000-m gauge; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Merchant marine: total: 888 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 13, container ship 20, general cargo 38, oil tanker 27, other 790; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Ports: total ports: 45 (2024) large: 4 medium: 7 small: 19 very small: 15 ports with oil terminals: 31 key ports: Belem, DTSE/Gegua Oil Terminal, Itajai, Port de Salvador, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Santos, Tubarao, Vitoria; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Military and Security6 fields

Military and security forces: Brazilian Armed Forces (Forças Armadas Brasileiras): Brazilian Army (Exercito Brasileiro, EB), Brazilian Navy (Marinha do Brasil; includes Naval Aviation (Aviacao Naval Brasileira) and Marine Corps (Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais)), Brazilian Air Force (Forca Aerea Brasileira) (2025) note: the three national police forces – the Federal Police, Federal Highway Police, and Federal Railway Police – have domestic security responsibilities and report to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (Ministry of Justice); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military expenditures: 1.1% of GDP (2024 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 360,000 active Armed Forces (220,000 Army; 70,000 Navy; 70,000 Air Force) (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Brazilian military's inventory consists of a mix of domestically produced and imported weapons, largely from Europe and the US; Brazil's defense industry designs and manufactures equipment for all three military services and for export; it also jointly produces equipment with other countries (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military service age and obligation: 18-45 years of age for compulsory military service for men (only 5-10% of those inducted are required to serve); compulsory service obligation is generally 12 months; 17-45 (18 for women) years of age for voluntary service (2025) note: in 2024, women were reported to comprise approximately 10% of the Brazilian military; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military - note: the Brazilian Armed Forces (BAF) are the second largest military in the Western Hemisphere behind the US; they are responsible for external security and protecting the country's sovereignty but also have an internal security role; the BAF’s missions include patrolling and protecting the country’s long borders and coastline and extensive territorial waters and river network, assisting with internal security, providing domestic disaster response and humanitarian assistance, and participating in multinational peacekeeping missions; it also cooperates with neighboring countries such as Argentina and Paraguay to combat cross-border smuggling and trafficking Brazil has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation the origins of Brazil's military stretch back to the 1640s; Brazil provided a 25,000-man expeditionary force with air and ground units to fight with the Allies in the Mediterranean Theater during World War II; the Navy participated in the Battle of the Atlantic (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Space4 fields

Space agency/agencies: Brazilian Space Agency (Agência Espacial Brasileira, AEB; established in 1994 when Brazil’s space program was transferred from the military to civilian control); National Institute for Space Research (INPE, under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations); Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA, under the Aeronautics Command (COMAER) of the Ministry of Defense) (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Space launch site(s): Alcantara Launch Center (Maranhão state); Barreira do Inferno Launch Center (Rio Grande do Norte state) (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Space program overview: develops, builds, operates, and tracks satellites, including communications, remote sensing (RS), multi-mission, navigational, and scientific/testing/research; satellites are launched by foreign partners, but Brazil has a long-standing sounding (research) rocket and satellite launch vehicle (SLV) program and rocket launch facilities; cooperates with a variety of foreign space agencies and commercial entities, including those of Argentina, Canada, the ESA, individual ESA member states (particularly France and Germany), India, Japan, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Ukraine, and the US; has a state-controlled communications company that operates Brazil’s communications satellites and a growing commercial space sector (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Key space-program milestones: 1960s - established a national space program under the Air Force 1984 - began satellite launch vehicle (SLV) program (Veículo Lançador de Satélites or VLS-1) 1985 - first communications satellite jointly produced with Canada and launched on European SLV 1993 - first domestically built experimental communications satellite (Satélite de Coleta de Dados, SCD-1) launched by US 2004 - launched a sounding rocket into sub-orbital space, but the subsequent catastrophic failure of a VLS-1 during a test launch led to scaling back the program 2006 - first Brazilian astronaut to the International Space Station on a Russian rocket 2008 - began work on a 3-stage microsatellite launch vehicle (Veículo Lançador de Microssatélite or VLM-1) in partnership with Germany 2021 - first independently produced remote sensing (RS) satellite (Amazonia-1) launched by India; signed US-led Artemis Accords on space exploration cooperation and signed cooperation agreements with the space agencies of China, India, Russia, and South Africa for the joint development of an RS satellite constellation 2022 - successfully launched suborbital rocket more than 225 km (140 miles) in height; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Terrorism1 fields

Terrorist group(s): Hizballah; Tren de Aragua (TdA) note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transnational Issues3 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees: 331,097 (2024 est.) IDPs: 19,043 (2024 est.) stateless persons: 27 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Trafficking in persons: tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Brazil did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period and was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/brazil/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Illicit drugs: USG identification: major precursor-chemical producer (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

The underlying United States government material is public domain. The Almanac’s reuse terms do not change the legal status of this preserved source layer.

Brazil at a glance

Brazil through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile