Brazil

Brazil, a Portuguese colony from 1500, declared independence in 1822. As the world's fifth-largest country, it was defined by plantation agriculture and massive African slavery (abolished 1888). Military dictatorship (1964-85) drove rapid GDP growth but suppressed political freedom. Brazil returned to democracy, experienced the Workers' Party social programmes under Lula, and a polarised Bolsonaro era before Lula's return in 2023.

• Existed: 1889 CE – present
• Type: Entity
• Government: Federal Presidential Republic
• Capital: Brasilia