Brazil

Sub-continental region
 Background
⚫ Became a colony of Portugal in the 16th century

⚫ Gained its independence in 1822

⚫ It is the 5th largest county in the world

⚫ Brazil covers 8.5million km2 – it is 101 times the

size of Ireland
⚫ Portuguese is the official language of Brazil

⚫ Most citizens are Catholic

⚫ It has a population of approximately 212

million people (2020)

⚫ Many of the population are mixed race.

⚫ Brazil has a reputation for its culture of

music, Carnivals and its passion for soccer
⚫ Brazil is a rapidly developing
economy – it has emerged
from being almost a totally
agriculture nation to
becoming a major
manufacturing country.

⚫ However there is a major

income gap between the rich
and poor.
Physical Characteristics
Relief and Drainage:
⚫ Just over half of Brazil is drained by the
Amazon basin and its tributaries

⚫ The floodplain of the Amazon is 100km

wide in parts

⚫ At its mouth, the currents are so strong

that it pushes silt out into the Atlantic.
⚫ Most of the land around the floodplain
is low lying (0-200m)

⚫ This is the case for most of the North of

Brazil (0-500m)
⚫ The South East of Brazil is dominated by
highlands ( Eastern Highlands)

⚫ They are like rows of tables tilting westwards

from the east coast.

⚫ The Great Escarpment is an edge of highland

facing the Atlantic and is as high as 2.500meters

⚫ There is also a narrow coastal plain that exists

alone the seaboard

⚫ As you move inland the highlands gradually

slope downwards through the central plateau to
the Amazon Basin.
 Climate

Summer time : from about November

until March

Winter time: June until August

Spring and Autumn : shorter seasons

because of the position to the equator
⚫ Most of brazil lies in the tropics ( Except for
the extreme south) therefore most of the
country has a tropical climate with
temperatures on average 26°C all year round.

⚫ The climate in the Amazon basin

particularly is very hot and humid.

⚫ In the south the temperatures drop below

tropical levels. This area of Brazil
experiences cool winters with frost and
occasional snow in the uplands area
 Vegetation:

⚫ Vegetation is influenced by rainfall, temperature

and altitude.

⚫ The tropical rainforest of the Amazon Basin

occupies almost half of the country

⚫ North East- Has a semi-arid climate with

scrublands and cacti.

⚫ Central Brazil – the rainfall is lighter and more

seasonal than in the basin. This gives way to
Tropical Grasslands.

⚫ Southern Brazil- has temperate grasslands.

 Soil:
⚫ The lush vegetation that covers much of Brazil
may give the impression that Brazil has very
rich soils …….this in fact is not entirely true!

⚫ Tropical red soils known as Latosols, are found

under much of the Amazon Basin the forest is
sustained by the humus that accumulates
from the thick layer of fallen leaves.

⚫ These leaves are broken down rapidly due to

hot humid conditions and a multitude of
organisms .
⚫ When trees are removed from the forest,
the soil becomes infertile. The soils are
quickly eroded by heavy rainfall.

⚫ This means that agricultural potential is

limited in this part of Brazil. (link to
Primary Economic Activities)
⚫ In the Sao Paulo state in the South East of
Brazil, the soil is known as Terra Rossa.

⚫ This is a dark red soil, rich in minerals and

well drained with plenty of humus. This
soil is very good for growing coffee trees
(Link to PEA)
⚫ Along the river valleys all over Brazil,
Rich alluvial soils are found due to
annual flooding of the floodplains.
These have good agriculture value (
Link to PEA).
Climate Soil Relief and Vegetation
drainage
Primary Economic Activities
 Agriculture:
⚫ As a tropical country, Brazil has high temperatures
all year round and a varied landscape. Because of
this , Brazilian farmers can produce a great variety
of crops

⚫ Brazil is the fourth largest exporter of agricultural

products in the world ( After USA, France and the
Netherlands)

⚫ The most intense farming takes place in the South,

South-East and East coast.
 Brazil produces the following products:
⚫ Avocado, Bananas , Coffee , Cocoa
beans

⚫ In from its forest lands it produces

products such as :
⚫ Rubber and Nuts
⚫ Many agriculture products such as sugar
cane, coffee and soya, are grown on
plantations called Fazendas

⚫ Fazendas are very large farms that are

devoted to growing just one main crop.
 Main Types of Agriculture:
Soya
❖ In recent decades Brazil has become a major
producer of Soya.
❖ Soya is grown on large Fazendas , many of which
are owned by ‘agir-companies.
❖ In recent years the production of soya has started to
move northwards into the edges of the Amazon
rainforest.
❖ Because of this, soya has fast become Brazils most
important agricultural export.
❖ Soya is exported to the USA and Europe as feed for
pigs and poultry.
❖ Brazil ranks number two in the world for the
production of soya.
 Coffee
❖ Coffee is a major plantation (Fazenda) crop in
the west and north of the city of Sao Paulo.
❖ It grows better on sloping ground at a high
altitude of around 1,000 meters.
❖ It needs fertile and well-drained soil.
❖ The Terra Rossa soil in this region of Brazil is
perfect for coffee production.
❖ Coffee once accounted for 60% of Brazils
exports, this has now been reduced to less than
2% of total exports.
❖ Brazil still ranks number one in world for the
production of coffee
 Sugar Cane
⚫ Sugar cane was first planted along Brazils east coast by
Portuguese settlers at the end of the 16th century.

⚫ It is now widely grown throughout many regions in

Brazil.

⚫ Sugar cane is used as a fuel- the cane is crushed and

ethanol , a bio-fuel, is extracted.

⚫ More than half the vehicles in Brazil are run on

biofuels.

⚫ Brazil ranks number one in the world for the

production of sugar cane.
 Ranching

⚫ Brazil is the third largest producer of Beef in

the world.
⚫ Meat is one of Brazil’s major agricultural
exports
⚫ Cattle are reared in many parts of Brazil.
⚫ Farmers have been moving west and north
resulting in the clearing of forests in order to
rear cattle on large farms
⚫ Large cattle ranches now exist in the centre
of Brazil.
⚫ The environmental cost of forest destruction due
to certain types of agriculture has caused a great
deal of controversy both in Brazil and
internationally.
⚫ Why??????
Human factors that affect
agriculture in Brazil
Markets:
Brazil's population is over 212 million and it is
increasing.
This means there is a large domestic market to sell
products to.
Brazil has access to international markets both in South
America and the wider world.
This is due to improved access and transport.
this all encourages commercial farming to take place.
Government policy:
Governments have encouraged the development of
agriculture in the centre and west Brazil
Brazil is part of a group called the Mercosul - this allows
trade among member countries in South America.

Population distribution:
There is a large population
They are mainly concentrated in the cities around the
coast and along the Amazon river.
Most agriculture will take place wit
Factors that affect Agriculture
Mainly physical factors:
Climate
Soil
Relief and Drainage

Some human factors:

Population distribution
Government initiatives/policy
Markets
Task:
Link the development of agriculture to the physical
factors:
⚫ Climate
⚫ Relief and drainage
⚫ Soil
 Exam question on primary economic activities:
H.L :
⚫ Describe and explain any two factors that influence the
development of agriculture in a non-European
continental/sub-continental region you have studied
(30marks)

O.L :
⚫ Name any one continental /sub-continental region
you have studied. Describe the development of
agriculture in that region. Clearly state the name of
the region in your answer. (30 Marks)
Primary Economic activities 2 :
Mineral Exploitation
Oil
⚫ Oil became expensive worldwide in the 1970s ( Oil crisis )

⚫ Because of this the Brazilian government launched a plan to find oil,

it was a major exploration drive.

⚫ Of the oil fields in Brazil the Campos offshore field is the largest.

⚫ It is situated near Rio de Janeiro .

⚫ More than 94% of Brazil's oil reserves are located offshore, and 80%
of all reserves are offshore near Rio de Janeiro.
Oil …….
⚫ Brazil produces 2.5 million barrels of oil per day , this is a massive
increase over the past 20-30 years

⚫ By 2006, Brazil became self-sufficient in oil supply.

⚫ This is very important for the Brazilian economy.

⚫ Natural gas has also been found close to the oil wells, this has now
become exploited also.

⚫ Today : Brazil is the largest oil producer in South America, the eighth
largest global oil producer, eighth largest oil consumer, and has the
largest recoverable ultra-deep oil reserves in the world.
https://www.worldometers.info/oil/brazil-oil/
Metal Ore:
⚫ Brazil is rich in metal ores.

⚫ Iron ore is produced in Mainas Gerais in the South

–East and Carajas at the edge of the Amazon Basin.

⚫ Brazil exports iron ore to China , Japan, Korea and

USA.

⚫ There are major steel smelters that produce for

domestic purposes.
Precious Metal: Gold
⚫ Brazil has a history of gold mining for centuries.

⚫ The first recorded discovery of payable gold was made

in 1693 by a second generation Portuguese exploring
the region surrounding the present town of Ouro
Preto (Portuguese for ‘black gold’), in the province of
Mainas Gerais.( South- East Brazil)

⚫ Today many gold mines are near the Amazon Basin

where gold rushes occur occasionally.
Gold……
⚫ The most recent of these gold rushes is in Eldorado do Juma in
2007, which is located deep in the rain forest.
⚫
⚫ Due to this discovery a makeshift town grow in the area as gold
diggers descended on the region .

⚫ Many of the trees in the rain forest where cut-down and

destroyed

⚫ Because of its location and lack of facilities people in the town

struggled with heat, heavy rainfall and disease.
⚫
⚫ However it has been worth it for some gold diggers as those that
find gold can earn up to $1,200 per ounce in local towns.
Types of PEA
Factors that influence the development of PEA
Mainly impacted by Physical factors but human
factors do have an impact.

Example:
Population distribution
Government initiatives/policy
Markets
 Secondary
Economic Activities:
⚫ Late developer in terms of economic development
⚫ Underdeveloped until recently ( Post WW2)
⚫ Rapidly developing economy
⚫ Massive debts slowed the countries development
⚫ Large population is beneficial as it creates a ready
made market.
⚫ It energy production is a huge driving force for the
industrial development ( link to PEA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co1cwVXhHQc
 Secondary economic activities:
⚫ Up until the 1960s 80% of Brazil's exports where
primary agriculture exports.

⚫ Today almost 65% of Brazil’s exports are

manufactured good.

⚫ Over the past number of decades Brazil has

developed from an agricultural economy to a
manufacturing economy.

⚫ Brazil is now the 6th largest economy in the world.

(2013)
⚫ Manufacturing grew in Brazil during the Second
World War (1939-1945) because of the collapse in
world trade.

⚫ The lack of good been imported forced the Brazilian

government to create an import substitution scheme
to develop its own manufacturing industry and not
rely on imports from the USA or Europe.

⚫ Its economy is the largest in all of Latin America

⚫ By 2010, the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) was split in the
following ways over the various main industry sectors:

⚫ Agriculture: 5.5% (the main products comprise coffee, rice,

corn, soybeans, sugarcane, cocoa, various citrus fruits and
beef)

⚫ Industry: 28.7% (the main industries within the sector

include automobiles, petrochemicals, machinery,
electronics, cement, textiles, food, mining and tourism)

⚫ Services: 65.8% (e.g. telecommunications, internet,

insurance and so on)
⚫ The labour force comprises about 1.4 million people
and is distributed as follows:

⚫ • Agriculture: 20%
⚫ • Industry: 14%
⚫ • Services: 66%

⚫ Approximately 16% of the Brazilian population lives

below the poverty line, while almost 6% are
unemployed.
Brazils Steel industry:
⚫ Brazil`s first major steel mill was built in Volta Redonda in
Rio de Janeiro in the 1940s

⚫ This has developed over the past few decades and has led
to the manufacturing growth in Brazil that we see today.

⚫ Some of the major manufactured goods produced in Brazil

today include:
⚫ Cars , Steel, Aircraft, Electronics, Tractors , Electrical and
Consumer goods.

⚫ This programme led to the development of cars that used

ethanol produced from locally-grown sugar cane instead of
imported oil.
⚫ Car manufacturing is now a major industry in Brazil.

⚫ Several factors account for this:

⚫ The market is underdeveloped. There is only 1 car for

every 6.5 people.

⚫ The market is getting wealthier due to the economic

growth which is increasing demand for cars.

⚫ The government has removed taxes on new cars to

encourage car manufacturing.
The role of foreign investment:
⚫ Foreign investment has played a key role in the
development of many manufacturing sectors in Brazil

⚫ The car industry has benefited greatly with investment

from many European car companies such as , Renault and
Volkswagen. Companies such as these have invested in car
assembly plants in Brazil.

⚫ Transfer of technology from abroad has also lead to the

development of the manufacturing industry in Brazil.
⚫
⚫ This has resulted in increased employment in secondary
industries.
Mercosul:
⚫ Mercosul is an economic and political agreement
among Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and
Venezuela; with Bolivia becoming an accessing
member on 7 December 2012 to be ratified by the
Member State's legislatures.

⚫ Its purpose is to promote free trade and the fluid

movement of goods, people, and currency. Like the
European Union.
Mercosul:
⚫ Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and
Suriname currently have associate member status.

⚫ This Union provides a great export market for Brazil.

⚫ Brazil is the largest market in the Mercosul.

Where is all the industry
located………………….
⚫ Most of the Manufacturing industry in Brazil is
located in the South-East

⚫ Sao Paulo , Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte are

known as the industrial triangle because they are the
strongest manufacturing region.
Current president
Luiz Inácio Lula da
Silva
⚫ The Triangle is the core region of Brazil’s economy.

⚫ All of the cities in the region have large populations that

provide a workforce for industry.

⚫ Because of this, the standard of living is much higher in

the South-east than in other part of Brazil.

⚫ There is also great wealth in the region, which provides a

market for manufactured products.

⚫ For example, São Paulo has the highest rate of helicopter

ownership in the world as wealthy business people use
them instead of road transport to avoid traffic congestion.
Factors that have influenced the
location and development of
industry in the SE
⚫ The SE has many industrial raw materials such as Iron
Ore. Iron and Steel mills are located in the area of
Minas Gerais ( just outside Rio) because of the rich
source of iron ore.

⚫ Offshore oil and gas find close to Rio de Janeiro

(Campos) has led to the development of the oil
refining and petrochemical industry in the region.
⚫ Large ports such as Santos and Rio de Janeiro.

⚫ Large supply of labour has attracted foreign investment

into the region (Especially car manufacturing)

⚫ Communication infrastructure – roads and rail networks

are well developed in the region. Broadband facilities are
also available. These factors allow for fast and efficient
movement of good.

⚫ Itaipu Dam on the Parana River is one of the largest dams

in the world, this provides hydroelectric power the most
of the South-East.
SEA in Brazil :
1. Know types of Industry

2. Factors :
⚫ Access to raw materials,
⚫ Government involvement
⚫ Access to labour force
⚫ Markets
⚫ Transport
⚫
3. Location of industry and why
Tertiary Economic
Activities
Continental / Sub continental
Brazil
Introduction to Tertiary Economic
Activities
⚫ Although Brazil is still a developing country many parts of
the country is are more developed than other parts

⚫ The South- East relies on good services as it is important

for the economy

⚫ 65% of the workforce in Brazil work in tertiary activities.

This reflects hindered importance of the informal
economy in the country.
Introduction Continued…..
⚫ Millions of Brazilians work providing services for others
such as cleaning, car repair and childcare.

⚫ However, tourism and transport are growth industries.

Transport
⚫ Because Brazil is a very large country, building national route
ways is a challenge.

⚫ Transport in the South- East are good this is because they

connect the main tourist and industrial cities in the South East
such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Rail transport is poorly
developed outside of the cities and because of the long
distances transport costs are high.

⚫ Transport services in Central Brazil are underdeveloped. This

is due to human factors such as the low population density
outside of the cities and the lack of investment. Most roads are
old and do not have to tarmac surfaces.
Road Transport
⚫ Road transport is the most important mode of transport in
Brazil

⚫ The road network is good between the main cities in the South-
East ( Sao Paulo, Rio , Santos and Belo Horizonte) they are all
connected by motorway

⚫ In recent decades, Brazilians migrate inland, Due to this the

Trans-Amazonian Highway was built as far north as the
Amazon rainforest.

⚫ Due to this, much of the rainforest has been cut away leaving it
open to miner, ranchers and loggers ( link to PEA)
 North and Central Brazil Road Network
⚫ Less Developed than the South- East
⚫ Maunas and Santarem on the banks of the Amazon
River are now connected by road to Central Brazil

Maunas

Santarem
⚫ Environmentalist fear that the opening of new roads in the
north will increase the rate of deforestation

⚫ Since the development of the Mercosul – road connections

to Brazils Mercosul partners such as Argentina and
Uruguay are being modernised.
Rail – Transport- Tertiary Economic Activities
⚫ Eastern Brazil has extensive rail networks that are
mostly used for freight transport.

⚫ These were built to connect mineral deposits to the

coast for export. Eg in the area of Minas Gerais

⚫ Most of the rail network is used for transporting

commodities such as coffee beans, soya and sugar for
export ( Link to PEA and SEA)
⚫ Public rail transport is not well developed in
Brazil.

⚫ There are a small number of passenger rail services

in the South and South-east along the main tourist
routes ( link to tourism)
Urban Mass Transit/Public
transport:
⚫ The main cities in South and South East of Brazil have
good transport networks, this is to accommodate the
mass amount of commuters into the cities each day.
Sao Paulo has three underground metro lines for commuters that
are widely used. (total population 11,037,593)
⚫ Rio de Janeiro has a modern and efficient metro line
used by over 500,000 people per day ( total population
6.3 million people)

⚫ The city of Curitiba ( in the South) has an excellent

bus service network that carries up to 2 million
passengers per day.( total population of city 1,760,500)
Airports
⚫ Air Travel is important in a country the size of Brazil

⚫ Most Brazilians are to poor to afford air travel so it is

usually used for business commuters and tourist

⚫ International airports in Rio de Janeiro , Sao Paulo ,

Manaus and Santarem have connections to many
European, Latin American and USA states.

⚫ Sao Paulo international airport handles approximately 29

million passengers per year.

⚫ Brazils national airlines include TAM and Varig

⚫ Internal air travel is important for the business
community therefore most inland urban centres have
small regional airports.
Water Transport
⚫ Amazon and its tributaries drains most of the north of
Brazil.

⚫ Water traffic is very light on the Amazon because of

the low population density in the area

⚫ The tributaries of the river are used by local tribes for

fishing and barter
⚫ River transport is very important in the areas of
Manaus and Santarem in the north.
⚫ It connects these areas to Peru
⚫ Belem is an important port in the north of Brazil, it is
at the mouth of the amazon
⚫ Coastal shipping is important along the coast of Brazil

⚫ The ports the constantly being upgraded to cope with

the increase in foreign trade
TRANSPORT
⚫ Introduction 1-2 SRPs
⚫ Road 3-4 SRPs
⚫ Rail 3-4 SRPs
⚫ Urban public transit 2-3 SRPs
⚫ Air 3-4 SRPs
⚫ Water 3-4 SRPs
Think physical and human factors when it
comes to types of Transport and development
of Transport.
Tourism – Tertiary Economic Activity
⚫ Brazil's tourist industry is under developed
⚫ Part of this reason is because of the distance of Brazil
from the USA, Europe and Asia. Also because of the
difficulties in directly accessing the country.
⚫ Brazil only receives around 6.5 million tourist per year.
( 2022)
⚫ This less than Ireland
⚫ However it is a country of great natural beauty,
interesting culture and a unique ecosystem , that has
lead to some government intervention
⚫ Plano Aquarela 2020 is a government incentive set up by
the Brazilian government to increase tourism in the
country . The international tourist marketing strategy sets
forth goals and objectives over the next decade outlining
work highlighting five key areas:

⚫ sun and beach,

⚫ eco-tourism,
⚫ culture,
⚫ sports
⚫ business/events
Brazil's Attractions
⚫ Coast : Sun and Beach
⚫ Brazil's coast is almost 9,000km in length facing onto the
Atlantic Ocean

⚫ This gives tourist long stretches of beautiful beaches and a

tropical climate

⚫ Copacabana is a world famous beach in Rio de Janeiro – It

attracts many local and international tourist
⚫ Paraty is a port dating back to colonial times is a popular
resort for the wealth from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo –
it is situated between Rio and Sao Paulo along the coast.
Eco Tourism:
⚫ Eco tourism is a modern niche tourism that allows tourist
to explore and enjoy unique ecosystems and see plants and
animals in their natural habitats. This offers tourist an
unusual and distinctive holiday.

⚫ Brazil offers many forms of ecotourism, two most notable

are the Pantanal wetlands along the western border and the
Amazon Rainforest to the north.
 Pantanal Wetlands:
⚫ Situated in the interior of Brazil along the western border

⚫ During the rainy season , Pantanal wetlands comprises of the

largest wetlands in the world

⚫ It is a unique ecosystem of plants, birds and fish

⚫ Tourist can visit the region on guided tours where they may get
the opportunity to see crocodiles , anacondas, monkeys and a
variety of birds.

⚫ The region is accessible through the Campo Grande regional

airport.
 The Amazon Rainforest
⚫ Tourism in the Amazon rainforest is popular for tourists
who want to see natural beauty untouched.

⚫ However due to underdeveloped transport networks,

getting to the rainforest can be a challenge.

⚫ There are guided tours available in selected areas of the

rainforest where tourist can explore plant life.

⚫ The Amazon Rainforest contains more than half of all

plant life, animals and insects in the world. Total size is
5,500,000 km² ( 84,421 km² Ireland )
“ God is big but the forest is bigger” – Brazilian Proverb
Carnivals – Event tourism
⚫ Brazil is famous for its carnivals and party atmosphere.

⚫ The most famous event is CARNAVAL which takes place for

the four days before Ash Wednesday each year.

⚫ During Carnaval, the main cities of Brazil are filled with

parades and parties

⚫ Rio de Janeiro has the most famous celebration. Specially

constructed stadiums are built for samba schools who put on a
parade in the city. Many of these samba schools come for poor
areas in the city (Favelas)
Sports Tourism
⚫ World cup 2014
⚫ Olympics 2016
⚫ All encourage tourism
⚫ Chance to show the country off

Business and events

⚫ Encourage business tourism –
⚫ Conferences
⚫ Meetings of trade groups
Tourism
Introduction
Types of tourism:
Think physical and human factors when it
comes to types of tourism and development
of tourism
 Types of Questions:

⚫ Q. Account for the development of tertiary activities in

one non-Irish region of your choice.
⚫ Q. Examined the development of tertiary activities in
a continental/sub-continental region that you studied

⚫ ( 30marks)
⚫ Depending on the question asked you need to be able link
Tertiary activities to

⚫ Physical factors- Climate, Terrain, Size of Brazil, natural

resources

⚫ Human factors - Crime, Government policy ,

Infrastructure and Facilities
⚫ Some SRPS :
⚫ Brazil is the region I have studied.

⚫ Over 65% of people in Brazil work in tertiary activities. This

reflects hindered importance of the informal economy in the
country.

⚫ Millions of Brazilians work providing services for others such

as cleaning, car repair and childcare. However, tourism and
transport are growth industries.

⚫ Physical and human factors affect tourism and transport in

Brazil. Tourism in Brazil is hindered by the long distances
required to get there (a physical factor) and a reputation for a
crime (a human factor).
 ⚫ Tourism
⚫ The government has set up a policy to improve tourism over the next
decade “ Plano Aquarela 2020”
⚫ This plan will aim to increase the number of tourist to the country
and promote Brazil in five main ways : Sun and Beach holidays,
Eco- tourism , Culture, sports and business/event tourism.
⚫ Brazil receives around 6.5 million tourist per year which is a very
low number for the size of the country.
⚫ Brazil has many attractions. Physical and natural attractions include
the Amazon Rainforest and the Pantanal Wetlands. (explain)
⚫ Brazil has a warm tropical climate and beach holidays are popular
along the coastline
⚫ Human attractions include the Brazilian culture in cities such as Rio
De Janeiro and Salvador. Each year millions of people visit Rio De
Janeiro for are the annual four-day carnival.
⚫ The World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 will give the
Brazillian government an opportunity to promote the Country as a
tourist resort.
 ⚫ Transport
⚫ However, transport services in Brazil are underdeveloped. This is
due to human factors such as the low population density outside
of the cities ( In the interior and North ) and the lack of
investment. Most roads are old and do not have to tarmac
surfaces.
⚫ The best road networks connect the main tourist and industrial
cities in the SE such as São Paulo. Rail transport is poorly
developed outside of the cities and because of the long distances
transport costs are high.
⚫ To improve transport connections to neighbouring countries the
Trans-Amazon Highway is being built across the Amazon to
Columbia and Peru. This project is the largest in Brazil and will
open up isolated regions to development.
⚫ Main airports are situated in Rio and Sao Paulo in the
South-East and Manaus and Santarem in the North.
⚫ There are small regional airports in other cities in Brazil the
mainly accommodate business commuters and tourist.
 Human Processes
Brazil

● Population Dynamics
● Population distribution
● Migration
● Urban development
● Culture
Human Processes in Brazil:
⚫ Brazil is a multi- racial and mixed race society
Past:
⚫ Originally inhabited by native tribes until it became
colonised by Portugal in the 16th century

⚫ Slaves were later brought from Africa to North- East

Brazil where they worked on sugar plantations

⚫ Freedom was awarded to slaves in 1888- it was the last

country in the world to do so ( USA 1865)
Today….
⚫ The North- East of Brazil has the greatest concentration of
African-Brazilians

⚫ There are more people of African origin in the NE of

Brazil than in any other country outside of Africa

⚫ Southern Brazil, by contrast has mainly people from

Portuguese, Italian and German decent.
Mixed Race Brazil:

⚫ There are many distinctive people of mixed-race in Brazil

.
⚫ Mestizos- Decedents of European and Native tribes

⚫ Mulattos – Decedents of European and African people

⚫ Cafuzos- Decedents of Africans and Native tribes

⚫ Brazil has been known for its racial mixing for generations,
however despite this, there is still a divide between the races
and lack of racial integration.
⚫
⚫ Much like a class system ( Upper, Middle, Working etc) , the
different races in Brazil come from different socio- economic
back grounds.

⚫ African- Brazilians are more likely to lower levels of education

and work in unskilled jobs and live in slums compared to
white-Brazilians.

⚫ African Brazilians have lower life expectancy and are more

likely to become involved in crime.

⚫ More white Brazilians engage in third level education and

politics.
Brazil’s Native Tribes:
⚫ Native tribes are divided into about 200 cultural groups
with about 120 different languages.

⚫ There is approximately 350,000 people part of native

tribes, this number has decreased from an estimated 6
million who lived there 500 years ago ( Pre colonialism)

⚫ Many died from European diseases , most notably

smallpox.
⚫ They suffered from mass slavery and confiscation of
lands.

⚫ Most of the tribes live in the Amazon Basin.

⚫ Today native people are under threat from deforestation.

⚫ The government has set aside 20% of the rainforest

reserve for the native tribes
Population Dynamics in Brazil:
⚫ Population of approximately 214 million in 2022

⚫ Rapid population growth in the 20th century – 17 million

in 1900

⚫ Population growth due to high birth rate and high inward

of migration from abroad
Fertility rates
⚫ On average there is now less than two babies per mother

⚫ This represents a decline in recent decades and shows that

Brazil has reached stage four in the demographic
transitional model – low fluctuation phase

⚫ Decline is due to high urbanisation , economic

development and high standards of education.
Life expectancy:
⚫ Life expectancy is typical of a middle income country.

⚫ 68 years for Men and 76 years for Women. ( 78 for men in

Ireland, 83 for women in Ireland)

⚫ A man’s life expectancy is several years lower in Brazil

compared to European countries.
Population dynamics
⚫ Explain the population dynamics of a continental/ sub
continental region you have studied.
Population Distribution:
⚫ Brazil's population is unevenly distributed.

⚫ Most people live on or near the east coast.

⚫ The highest population densities are in the South, South-

East and North East Coastal Regions.
⚫ Reasons for this are:
⚫ When emigrants came from Europe they settled on the
coast and found work in coffee, sugar , cocoa and cotton
plantations ( Human Factors)

⚫ Large cities are situated on the coast and they provide

employment ( means people are attracted to these areas-
inward migration) – ( Human factor)

⚫ The coast has a cooler climate compared to the hot humid

interior of Brazil. The influence of the sea and uplands
create a more tolerable climate (Physical factors)
⚫ Only 15% of the population live in the North-West of Brazil
and Amazon Basin
⚫ The population density is very low in these regions of
Brazil

⚫ Reasons for this are:

⚫ Climate in the North-West and Amazon are extreme- High

temperatures , rainfall and humidity
⚫ Dense rainforest makes it difficult to build settlements
⚫ The interior of Brazil was underexposed until the 1960s
⚫ Until recently, communication and transport where very
poor
Population dynamics:

Who makes up the population? - Explain this

what are the Birth and life expectancy - have they
changed? Why ?
Where do people live? Why
How is the population spread out?
Internal Migration:
⚫ Migration from the coast to the interior of Brazil was
greatly encouraged by the government, especially during
the 1950s when Brasilia was developed as the countries
capital in 1960 (previously Rio de Janeiro)

⚫ People from the North East are still migrating from

drought ridden and disadvantaged areas to the interior of
Brazil, Causing roads to cut through grasslands and
forestry.

⚫ Settlers find work mainly in agricultural industries on

cattle ranches and timber industry.
⚫ This is having an effect on further deforestation in the
Amazon Basin.
⚫
⚫ Most migration to the main cities along the South- East
coast are from rural areas where farmers may be unable to
sustain their farm and move to the cities in hope of a better
life and employment.

⚫ However because most are unskilled they settle in poor

shanty towns ( Favelas) and have low skilled jobs or
unemployed.
Urban Development:
⚫ Most of Brazil major cities are on or close to the East
Coast
⚫ This is due to access to ports,raw materials & Climate

⚫ Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are the largest urban areas

⚫ In the 1950s the government decided to focus on the

interior of Brazil and developed Brasilia as the new capital
in 1960.
⚫ The government tried to encourage people to move
from the cities on the coast in order to reduce
overcrowding in the cities. However it was not as
successful as they would have liked.

⚫ Rich moved to Brasilia for work but due to climate and

lack of facilities they remained residents in the main
cities and commuted weekly for work.

⚫ Poor moved in search of a better life style however

same problem of overcrowding and development of
favelas occurred in Brasilia
 Urban Development:
⚫ Most of Brazil major cities are on or close to the East Coast
⚫ This is due to access to ports and raw materials
⚫ Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are the largest urban areas
⚫ In the 1950s the government decided to focus on the interior of
Brazil and developed Brasilia as the new capital in 1960.
⚫ The government tried to encourage people to move from the
cities on the coast in order to reduce overcrowding in the cities.
However it was not as successful as they would have liked.
⚫ Rich moved to Brasilia for work but due to climate and lack of
facilities they remained residents in the main cities and
commuted weekly for work.
⚫ Poor moved in search of a better life style however same
problem of overcrowding and development of favelas occurred
in Brasilia
Case Study of Urban Development
: Sao Paulo .
Sao Paulo :

⚫ Largest city and most important city in Brazil

⚫ Greater Sao Paulo has a population around 20 million ( 11
million in the city itself)
⚫ Has a Tropical/ Sub tropical Climate
⚫ Altitude of 760m about sea level making the heat tolerable
⚫ Transport
⚫ Access
⚫ Population
Culture:
Religion :
⚫ Mainly Catholic due to colonisation by Portugal

⚫ Brazil has more Catholics than any other country in

the world

⚫ Catholicism is evident in church architecture and

religions festivals

⚫ However the Evangelical Christians are starting to

convert many people in poorer districts
 Other religions:
⚫ The native tribes have their own religions and practices,
these can vary between tribes
⚫ African slaves brought their own beliefs to Brazil- During
slavery they were forbidden to practice their religious
rituals in case they strengthened their identity group
⚫ African slaves disguised there gods and practices by
naming them after Catholic saints.
⚫ Candomble and Macumba are two religions that come
from African origin in Brazil
⚫ Today many of the descendants of slavery still practice
these religions.
⚫ This adds to the cultural diversity of Brazil
Languages:

⚫ Official language is Portuguese

⚫ However Brazilian Portuguese is slightly different to European

Portuguese ( Some Different words , expressions etc)

⚫ This is due to influence from native and African languages

⚫
⚫ Many of the native tribal languages still exist but are only spokes
by around 600 people.

⚫ Guarani is a tribal language that is spoken by around 35,000

tribal people.
Music :

⚫ Brazil has a distinctive music tradition

⚫ Music is central to the culture of Brazil

 Samba:
⚫ Brazil is the home of Samba music

⚫ Samba is based on African music brought to Brazil by

African slaves

⚫ Samba is dance music and strongly linked to

CARNAVAL

⚫ The 1930s was known as the golden age of samba

⚫ Since then , it has evolved into many new styles and

influenced other styles of music
 Bossa nova ( new wave)

⚫ Bossa nova emerged in the 1950s

⚫ It is slower and more mellow than samba

⚫ It was first composed in Rio and became very popular

among the wealth upper classes.

⚫ Bossa nova is influenced by American jazz which was

also very popular at that time