Brazil Country and Culture

Facts at a Glance Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world and has the 6th largest population. It covers almost half of South America and it’s borders touch 10 other countries. The only 2 countries in South America that does not share a border is Chili and Ecuador.

Facts at a Glance Republica Federative do Brasil Government: Federal Republic Population: 182,000,000 Capitol: Brasilia President: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (2003) Portuguese Ethnicity: white (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%, mixed white and African 38%, African 6%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 1% Religion: 80% Roman Catholic Literacy Rate: 84% Per Capita Income: US$7400 annually Unemployment: 6.4%

Did you know? 90% of the population live in 10% of the land mass.

Early History Brazil is the only Latin American nation that derives its language and culture from Portugal. Pedro Alvares Cabral claimed the territory for Portugal in 1500. The early explorers brought back a wood that produced a red dye, “pau- brasil”, from which the land received its name. Portugal began colonization in 1532 and made the area a royal colony in 1549.

Portugal During the Napoleonic Wars, King João VI of Portugal, fearing the advancing French armies, fled the country in 1808 and set up his court in Rio de Janeiro João was drawn home in 1820 by a revolution, leaving his son as regent. When Portugal tried to re-impose colonial rule, the prince declared Brazil's independence on Sept. 7, 1822. In 1831, Emperor Pedro I was removed and his 5 year old son resumed control. Pedro II was a popular leader and remained in control until 1889 when he was overthrown by a military coup.

Return to Civilian Rule Until 1945, Brazil was led under numerous dictatorships. Presidents were elected between 1945 and 1964 when a military coup again overthrew the government. Brazil returned to Civilian Rule again in 1985 Brazil’s economy had greatly suffered due to corruption and change. In 1995 Fernando Cardoso was elected. He started many positive economic and human rights movements. In Jan. 1999, the Asian economic crisis spread to Brazil. Rather than prop up the currency through financial markets, Brazil opted to let the currency float, which sent the real plummeting-at one time as much as 40%.

Current President In Jan. 2003, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva became Brazil's first working-class president. Da Silva, a former trade union leader and factory worker who is widely known by the name Lula. Da Silva, who grew up in extreme poverty, has pledged to increase social services and improve the lot of the poor. The president's first major legislative success came in July when his plan to reform the country's debt-ridden pension system -which operates under an annual $20 billion-deficit was approved. Civil servants, however, have staged massive strikes opposing the reforms. October 31, 2010, when Dilma Rousseff was elected the first woman to lead Brazil in its history.

Do you know? Do you know that Brazil has had 3 Capitol Cities? Do you know why it was moved to Brasilia?

Economy The largest economy in South America The 9th largest in the world. Distribution is very narrow, One half of private lands are owned by 1% of the people. More than 1/3 of the population live in poverty. Monetary Unit: Real 1 US Dollar =2.09 Real

Industry Forestry Brazil has 1/3 of the world’s timber. Minerals and Ores Agriculture World’s largest producer of coffee, oranges and bananas. Fishing

Education Education is socialized. It consists of 8 years of compulsory education and 2 years of secondary. A large percentage of Brazilian students attend private schools.

Health Brazil has a National Health Care system. Rural areas have extremely poor coverage. There are outstanding private pay institutions for those that can afford it. Yellow Fever and Malaria are found in some rural areas.

Diet Staple foods include meat, bread, rice, beans, cheese, fruit and eggs. Breakfast includes strong coffee with milk, fruit and bread. The main meal of the day is at mid-day. Dinner is light. “Feijoada” is the national dish. This is made of black beans and dried meats. Most meals are served with rice and “farofa” (manioc flour). In Bahia, “dende” is a heavy oil used in cooking with a strong distinctive taste. “Moqueca” is a Bahian favorite made with meat, usually seafood, tomatoes, coconut milk, herbs, peppers, and dende. “Caipurinha” is the national drink. Be careful, it is strong!

People

General Attitudes Warm, Fun Loving, and Free Spirited. Proud of their Portuguese heritage. Dress is casual and bright to very stylish. When visiting, you should expect to stay for at least 2 hours. They will continue to invite you to stay as long as you will, however there is a time to go home! Not accepting refreshments could seem rude. If invited for dinner, one should take chocolate, wine, or a small gift. After dinner you will probably be offered “cafezinho” This is a very strong sweet coffee for sipping. Avoid politics in conversation or personal questions such as age or salary.

Lifestyles Social Relationships are primary in communicating and doing business. Family ties are strong and family members depend upon one another. Families are traditionally large and include extended family. Unmarried children do not usually leave home. It is not uncommon for children to live with their parents until age 30.

Brazilian Time? True or False: Brazilians are very prompt and business in concluded quickly and efficiently.

Cultural Clutter Business hours are usually 8:30 to 5:00 with a 2 hour lunch. In short, businesses open when they are open! Gifts of black or purple are not wise choices as they represent colors of death. Macho attitudes are prevalent in Brazilian men. Racial bias against Blacks is not uncommon. Many septic systems do not operate as in the US. Most times you do not flush the paper!

Recreation Futebol Fuetbol Beaches Dance and Music Barbeques (Churrasco) Celebrations Auto Racing TV - Night-time Soap Operas Sports such as boxing and other forms of fighting are becoming increasingly more popular.

Greetings and Gestures When arriving in a group always address individuals. This may be as a handshake or by kissing cheeks. In some areas three kisses are the norm. Men usually shake hands with a pat on the back as well. Greet superiors, elders and authorities with Senhor or Senhora followed by the surname. When departing address all individuals. Often this is with a handshake. When meeting a Brazilian, don’t introduce your self as from America, technically, so are they. You are from the “Estados Unidos”

Greetings and Gestures The use of gestures is very common. To gesture to come, wave all fingers with the palm facing either up or down. Pulling one eyelid down dignifies disbelief or caution. The “OK” sign is NOT OK. The “thumbs up” sign is good. Brazilians tend to be very touchy and stand close. Eye contact is important and passing between a conversation is considered rude. Brazilian men tend to comment, stare or “cat call” when women pass by.

Remember: Just because a behavior is acceptable in Brazil or among your friends, it is not always acceptable to those around you. Please act in the highest social standard at all times!!!!!!

Post Presentation Quiz How many Capitols has Brazil had? Why was the capitol moved to Brasilia? Hint... T or F: Brazilians are very prompt and business in concluded quickly and efficiently. What would I typically eat for breakfast if I lived in Brazil? What is special about the current President. What is your name?