Brazil

The largest country in South America and part of the “BRIC” grouping of rapidly developing countries, Brazil has a long and rich history as well as an extremely diverse resource base. Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu falls and the Amazon are just three of the best known icons of Brazil.

Brazil is a world leader in agriculture, alternative energy and mining. A visit to the interior states reveals vast soybean and cotton farms. The States of Sao Paulo and Parana are major suppliers of citrus, sugar, beef, wood products and flowers. Sustainable forestry is found in the Amazon basin.

While poverty still exists, the Brazilian government has sustained a successful program of education and health care improvements, and has provided incentives for poor families to improve their lives.