BRAZIL

The land and Its Regions Chapter 12 - section 1 Brazil is the largest country in area and population in South America (slightly smaller in area than the U.S.) 2 landforms of Brazil: 1. Plains - along the coast and Amazon River Basin Coast - climate humid subtropical 2. Interior plateaus with steep cliffs that separate the plateaus from the plains -- Escarpments

Colonizing of Brazil Brazil was colonized by the Portuguese who built up sugar plantations on the northeastern coastal plains They enslaved many Africans for work there. The interior plains of Brazil are called sertao Farmers raise chickens and cattle and grow corn.Tropical wet/dry climate

Climates Sertao region - tropical wet and dry Southeast region - humid subtropical climate and fertile soil

Southeast Region Crops are rice, sugar, cotton and cocoa beans (chocolate) The most important crop is coffee -- Brazil grows 1/4 of the worlds coffee

Major Cities of Brazil Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro coastal cities -- many people have migrated to these cities but haven’t found work. Favelas -- poor areas of the city, often built on the hillside

End of section 1 notes Brasilia -- capital of Brazil since 1960 Moved inland to keep people away from the coastal areas Amazon River Basin is over 1/2 the country but only 10% of the people -- mostly indigenous and some are very primitive

SECTION 2 -- Brazils Quest For Economic Growth Unequal distribution of wealth -- small % control the plantations and therefore the wealth In 1940 the Brazil Government starts 2 programs 1. Boast Brazils economy - steel mills, dams, oil refineries 2. Develop the infrastructure of the interior to help move people from the coast 1970 - road building 1970-1985 -- 1 million people moved to the Amazon Basin (Gov. was giving away grants of land).

Sect. 2 continued Gasohol - gasoline and ethanol Ethanol - fermentation of sugars from carbohydrates found in agricultural products used to make fuel Brazil - sugar cane is used for ethanol Brazil -- 1940 - 2/3 of pop. were working in ag. 2000 - less than 1/3 1/3 in manufacturing and another 1/2 in service industries This causes a lot of problems with over population and unemployment Negative effects: 1. Poor people flocking to already over populated cities 2. Deforestation - leading to erosion and soil depletion 3. Hardships for indigenous people - disease and homeless

Sect. 2 notes 90 % of Brazils electricity is generated by falling water Ecotourism is helping the economy of Brazil - tourism that encourages environmental awareness Natural resources - gold, iron ore, and nickel Arable land - 5% Currency the “Real” - $1.8 to $1 dollar

End of Sect. 2 notes Brazil is a republic with a President, cabinet, Leg. Branch, and Jud. branch Oct. 27, 2002 and 2006 - President Luis Lula de Silva was elected 26 states in Brazil