Brazil: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Brazil 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Brazil: 44
  • Happiness Score Brazil:6.272

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Brazil. BR.

    Brazil is a federal presidential republic with a diverse cultural heritage and a significant economy.

  • Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world.
  • It is known for its vibrant carnival celebrations and its rich music and dance traditions.
  • Brazil has the ninth-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP.
  • Brazil – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History:

    The territory of modern-day Brazil was originally inhabited by numerous indigenous tribes, including the Tupi, Guarani, and Ge peoples. The first European contact was made by the Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral, who arrived in 1500, claiming the land for Portugal.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    Brazil did not have significant indigenous kingdoms or empires. It was colonized and controlled by the Portuguese Empire from the 16th to the early 19th century.

    Colonial Period:

    Portugal established its colonial presence in Brazil in 1534, initially focusing on the extraction of valuable resources like brazilwood and sugar. The enslavement of indigenous peoples and the importation of African slaves fueled the colonial economy. The Portuguese colonial rule lasted until 1822.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822, with Pedro I declared as the first emperor. After a brief period as a monarchy, Brazil became a republic in 1889. The 20th century saw periods of political instability, including a military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985. Brazil transitioned to a democratic regime in 1985.

    Current Political Situation:

    Brazil is a federal presidential constitutional republic, with a multi-party system. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was elected as the President in 2022. The current administration faces challenges related to economic recovery, environmental conservation, and addressing social inequalities.

    International Relations:

    Brazil is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and Mercosur. It has strong economic and diplomatic ties with its South American neighbors and is a key player in regional affairs.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Brazil has a diverse and rapidly growing economy, with major industries including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services. It has made significant strides in reducing poverty and inequality but still faces challenges in areas like education and healthcare.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Brazil is known for its rich cultural heritage, including indigenous and Afro-Brazilian influences. Notable aspects include the Portuguese language, vibrant music (such as samba and bossa nova), and the annual Carnival celebrations. Brazil is also renowned for its biodiversity and natural wonders like the Amazon rainforest.

    Conclusion: Brazil, with its vast territory, diverse population, and abundant natural resources, faces opportunities and challenges in areas such as economic development, environmental preservation, and addressing social disparities. The country’s rich cultural heritage and global influence position it as a significant player on the world stage.

Main facts

1. Location

Brazil is a vast country located in the eastern part of South America. It borders the Atlantic Ocean along its eastern coast and shares borders with every other country in South America except Chile and Ecuador. Notable neighboring countries include Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia.

2. Map References

Brazil is located in the eastern part of South America.

3. Area – Comparative

With an area of 8,515,767 sq km, Brazil is slightly smaller than the contiguous United States.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Brazil shares land borders with 10 countries, with a total border length of 16,885 km. The bordering countries are: Argentina (1,263 km), Bolivia (3,400 km), Colombia (1,790 km), French Guiana (673 km), Guyana (1,308 km), Paraguay (1,366 km), Peru (2,659 km), Suriname (510 km), Uruguay (1,050 km), and Venezuela (2,137 km).

5. Coastline

Brazil has an extensive coastline of 7,491 km along the Atlantic Ocean, featuring diverse coastal features such as beaches, bays, and mangrove swamps.

6. Maritime Claims

Brazil claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin.

7. Climate

Brazil has a diverse climate, ranging from equatorial in the north to temperate in the south. The Amazon Basin experiences a hot and humid equatorial climate, while the central regions have a tropical savanna climate. The southeast and southern regions have a subtropical climate, and the coastal areas enjoy a warm, tropical climate.

8. Terrain

Brazil’s terrain is diverse, featuring the Amazon Basin rainforest, the Mato Grosso Plateau, the Guiana Highlands, and the Brazilian Highlands. Major mountain ranges include the Serra do Mar, Serra da Mantiqueira, and Serra do Espinhaço. The country also has extensive plains, such as the Pantanal wetlands and the Pampas grasslands.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Brazil is Pico da Neblina at 2,994 meters, located in the Guiana Highlands near the Venezuelan border. The lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean at 0 meters.

10. Natural Resources

Brazil is rich in natural resources, including bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, platinum, tin, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, and timber.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The most significant body of water in Brazil is the Amazon River, the second-longest river in the world and the largest in terms of water discharge. Other major rivers include the Paraná, Madeira, Tapajós, and São Francisco. Notable lakes include Lagoa Mirim and Lagoa dos Patos, both shared with Uruguay.

12. Natural Hazards

Brazil is susceptible to various natural hazards, including recurring droughts in the northeast, floods and occasional frosts in the south, and landslides and severe storms along the coast and in the Amazon Basin.

13. Geography – Notes

Brazil’s geography is characterized by its vast size, diverse landscapes, and rich biodiversity. The Amazon rainforest, which covers a significant portion of the country, is a crucial ecosystem and a vital carbon sink. However, deforestation poses a significant threat to this region. Additionally, Brazil’s extensive coastline and maritime claims are strategically important for the country’s economy and trade.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 58.90%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 462,299. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 33.90%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -14.235004-51.92528.
  • Capital: The capital of Brazil is  Brasília
  • Major Cities:
    • Rio de Janeiro – Population: 6.72 million
    • São Paulo – Population: 12.25 million
    • Brasília – Population: 3.05 million
    • Salvador – Population: 2.9 million
    • Fortaleza – Population: 2.6 million
  • Population: 212,559,417
  • Area(Km2): 8515770
  • Population Density( P/Km²):25. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:55
  • Official Language(s):Portuguese – 98%
  • Currency: BRL

Main Economic Indicators

Brazil has the ninth-largest economy in the world, with a diverse economic base that includes agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors. Despite its size and potential, Brazil faces challenges such as high income inequality, infrastructure deficits, and a complex tax system. The government has implemented policies to promote economic growth, attract foreign investment, and reduce bureaucracy.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 8.3% (Source: World Bank)
2020: 3.2% (Source: World Bank)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: BB- (Stable)
Moody’s: Ba2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB- (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 4.4%
Industry: 20.3%
Services: 75.3%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus fruits, beef
Industrial Products: Textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, and petrochemicals

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 110.9 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 6th largest labor force globally

Current Account Balance

2022: -$58.8 billion (Source: Central Bank of Brazil)
2021: -$28.1 billion (Source: Central Bank of Brazil)
Comparative Ranking: 177th globally (2022 est.)

Exports and Imports

Exports (2022): $338.5 billion
Key Export Partners: China, United States, Argentina, Netherlands
Main Exports: Soybeans, iron ore, crude petroleum, raw sugar, vehicles
Imports (2022): $296.1 billion
Key Import Partners: China, United States, Argentina, Germany
Main Imports: Machinery, electrical and transport equipment, chemical products, oil, automotive parts, electronics

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves (March 2023): $352.8 billion
Gold Reserves (March 2023): 67.4 million ounces

  • GDP (Current US$):$1,839,758,040,766. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 14.20%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 65.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.02. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $1.53. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 12.08%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Nationality (noun): Brazilian

Nationality (adjective): Brazilian

2. Ethnic Groups

– White: 47.7%
– Mixed (Mulatto/Mestizo): 43.1%
– Black: 7.6%
– Asian: 1.1%
– Indigenous: 0.4%

3. Religions

– Roman Catholic: 64.6%
– Protestant: 22.2%
– Spiritualist: 2.2%
– Other Christian: 0.7%
– Other Religions: 1.4%
– No Religion: 8%

4. Age Structure

– 0-14 years: 21.36%
– 15-64 years: 68.53%
– 65 years and over: 10.11%

5. Dependency Ratios

– Total Dependency Ratio: 45.8
– Youth Dependency Ratio: 29.9
– Elderly Dependency Ratio: 15.9

6. Median Age

– Total: 33.6 years
– Male: 32.2 years
– Female: 35 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

– Obesity Rate: 22.8% (2016)
– Alcohol Consumption (liters per capita): 7.8 (2010)
– Tobacco Use: 14.7% of adults (2015)
– Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.7 years (2022)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.7. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 93.2%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:13.92. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.73. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 77.1%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 183,241,641. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):28.30%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Brazil’s military and security forces consist of the following branches:

  • Brazilian Army – The largest branch, responsible for ground operations.
  • Brazilian Navy – Oversees naval operations, including a marine corps component.
  • Brazilian Air Force – Handles air operations and air defense.

Brazil also has a specialized National Public Security Force, a military police unit responsible for maintaining internal security and supporting law enforcement operations.

Military Expenditures

Brazil’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2021: 1.5%
  • 2020: 1.4%
  • 2019: 1.5%
  • 2018: 1.4%
  • 2017: 1.4%

Brazil ranks 11th globally in terms of military expenditure.

Personnel Strengths

Brazil has approximately 334,500 active-duty military personnel, with the breakdown as follows:

  • Army: 220,000
  • Navy: 64,500
  • Air Force: 50,000

The National Public Security Force has an additional 40,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Brazil’s military equipment includes a mix of domestically produced and imported hardware, such as:

  • Tanks and armored vehicles (e.g., Leopard 1 tanks, EE-9 Cascavel armored cars)
  • Artillery and rocket systems (e.g., Astros II MLRS, M109 howitzers)
  • Aircraft (e.g., A-29 Super Tucano turboprop, F-5 fighters)
  • Naval vessels (e.g., Niterói-class frigates, Scorpène-class submarines)

Brazil is pursuing several major acquisition and development programs, including the acquisition of Gripen E/F fighter jets from Sweden and the domestic development of a new submarine program (PROSUB).

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Brazil is mandatory for men between the ages of 18 and 45. However, the conscription process is selective, and only a small percentage of eligible individuals are drafted each year. The length of service is typically 12 months.

Brazil also has voluntary military service programs, including the Brazilian Naval Academy and the Army Preparatory School.

Military Deployments

Brazil currently has military personnel deployed in the following overseas missions:

  • MINUSCA (Central African Republic) – Approximately 900 troops as part of a UN peacekeeping mission.
  • UNIFIL (Lebanon) – Around 280 troops contributing to a UN interim force.

Brazil also contributes personnel to various other UN and regional peacekeeping operations on an ad-hoc basis.

Strategic Military Notes

Brazil’s defense strategy focuses on protecting its vast territorial integrity, including the Amazon region, and ensuring national sovereignty. The military plays a crucial role in border security, counternarcotics operations, and environmental protection.

Brazil is actively engaged in regional security initiatives through organizations like the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). It also maintains strong military ties with the United States and participates in joint exercises and peacekeeping operations.

  • Armed Forces Size: 366000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.15
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 63.90%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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