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Brazil, the largest country in South America, stretches almost 4,350 km (2,700 mi), from the Andes Mountains eastward to the Atlantic Ocean, and borders on every country of the continent except Chile and Ecuador. Its official name is the Federative Republic of Brazil. Brazil occupies almost half of South America and is the world's fifth-largest country in area; only slightly smaller in size than the United States. The capital, Brasilia, was built in the central highlands beginning in 1957 in order to encourage development of the interior. Brazil's name is derived from the Portuguese word for the reddish color of brazilwood, an important export during the 16th century. Today the country is normally the world's largest exporter of coffee and sugar. It is also a leading exporter of soybeans. Despite the availability of rich agricultural and mineral resources and recently modernized industry, Brazil has an economy that is hampered by a huge foreign debt. Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822, and in the 19th century enjoyed political stability. In the 20th century, however, social turmoil and political strife led to the overthrow of many administrations. The military controlled the government from 1964 until 1985, when a civilian president took office. more |
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