10.2 World Geography Brazil Mr. Burton 10.2 World Geography Brazil

History of Brazil Brazil’s history has been affected by Brazilian Indians, Portuguese settlers, and enslaved Africans. Brazil’s society reflects a mix of people and cultures. Brazil today is experiencing population growth in its cities and new development in rain forest areas.

Brazil past vs. present Colonial Brazil First people: American Indians arrived many thousands of years ago and hunted, fished, and farmed. 1500: Portuguese explorers arrived. Colonists brought in Africans to work as slaves on sugar plantations. Colonists established cattle ranches inland. In late 1600s and early 1700s: People discovered gold and gems. Late 1800s: Brazil began producing coffee. Independent Brazil 1822: Brazil won independence from Portugal without war. Economy did not change and slavery continued. Brazil has been ruled by dictators and elected officials. Today, Brazil has an elected president and legislature. Brazil is the largest country in South America. It has 186 million people—more than all the other countries combined.

Why could/is slavery bad if people are free? Think-Pair-Share Why could/is slavery bad if people are free?

Mixture of Brazilian cultures More than half of people are descended from Portugal, Spain, Germany, Italy, or Poland. Nearly 40 percent are of mixed African and European descent. Brazil has the largest Japanese population outside Japan. Official language: Portuguese. Others speak Spanish, English, French, Japanese, or native languages.

Religion, and Festivities About 70 percent are Roman Catholic. Protestantism is growing in popularity among urban poor. Some practice macumba, a religion that combines African, Brazilian, Indian, and Christian beliefs and practices. Festivals and Food Brazilians celebrate Carnival before Lent. Carnival mixes African, native, and European traditions. E.g., the samba adapted from Africa Cultural mix can be found in foods: vatapá, an African seafood dish, and feijoada, a black bean and meat stew.

Growth of Brazil Most people live in the southeast. São Paulo, Largest urban center in South America; 5th largest in the world A megacity, a giant urban area that includes surrounding cities and suburbs Rio de Janeiro Second largest city in Brazil Capital from 1822-1960 Richest region: industries and good farmland Poor people come to the cities for work. They live in huge slums called favelas.

Southeast of Brazil Brazil’s poorest region Illiteracy and health care are a problem. Droughts make farming and raising livestock difficult. Region’s beautiful beaches attract tourists. Old colonial cities also attract tourists. These were built during the days of the sugar industry. They feature brightly painted buildings, cobblestone streets, and churches.

Interior and the Amazon The Interior The interior is a frontier. Mild climate and land may make it good for farming in the future. Brasilia, Brazil’s capital More than 2 million people Built to help develop interior Modern buildings and busy highways The Amazon Manaus Major port and industrial city More than 1 million people Indian villages are scattered throughout the rain forest. Indians had little contact with outsiders until recently. Logging, mining, and new roads are bringing more people. This development brings income, but destroys the rain forest.

Exit Slip Grab a post-it note. Write down ONE thing you learned today.