Introduction

The Federative Republic of Brazil is the largest country in South America.  It is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the East and neighboring countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela in the North, West, and South. ¹ The country has a highly diverse population that includes indigenous Americans along with descendants of African slaves and European settlers.

• Former Portuguese colony
• Major language is Portuguese
• Population is approximately 198.3 million people ²
• Capital city is Brasilia
• Two largest cities are São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro

Economy and Business

The business climate rating in Brazil is A4 which is an acceptable risk.  The business environment is acceptable but occasionally unstable.  In recent years the business environment has become increasingly more stable. ³

Brazil is the world’s 6th largest economy and has the largest economy in South America:⁴

• Income Level: Upper middle income
• Level of Development: Developing
• Top 3 Trade Partners (2015): China, United States, and Argentina
• Top 3 Exported Goods (2015): Oil Seeds, Ores, and Oil & Mineral Fuels
• Top Industries: Textiles; Shoes; Chemicals; Cement
• Exports are higher than 87.17% of all other countries

The trade balance for Brazil is very good and they are rated #15 out of 137 countries: ⁵

• Total Exports (2015) $191,126,885.834
• Total Imports (2015) $171,446,212,232
• Trade Balance (2015) $19,680,673,602

Top corporations include: Petrobras (energy); Banco Bradesco (financial services); Banco do Brasil (financial services); JBS (food and beverage); Vale (mining, minerals, metals).⁶

Strengths

Brazil is South America’s most influential country and a rising economic power. It has natural resources in abundance, a developing industrial base and high standards in scientific research.⁶ Brazil is one of the world’s most rapidly developing economies and has a GDP greater than both India and China.⁶

• Improved institutional transparency ³
• Increasing activity within the population ³
• Varied and rich mineral resources and agricultural harvests ³
• Advanced manufacturing industry: aeronautics, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas industry engineering ³
• Strong industrial, business, and consumer base ⁶
• Sustained period of economic growth ⁶
• Political stability and a solid democracy ⁶

Business Market and Job Opportunities

Brazil is labeled as one of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China): ⁷

• The BRIC countries are argued to have economic potential that will be immense in the coming decades.
• These countries cover 25% of the world’s land mass and hold 40% of the world’s population.
• Popular predictions state that in the coming years the economies of the four BRIC countries will outstrip the G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, and the U.S.)

Growing and Top Sectors¹⁰

• Aerospace: The Brazilian Aerospace Industry is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Automotive: 7th largest producer of vehicles in the world.
• Creative Industries: This industry needs to be boosted but it is a priority of the Brazilian government.  As of now this sector accounts for 16.4% of Brazil’s GDP.
• Energy: The largest energy market in South America.  Brazil has the 2nd largest oil reserves in Latin America.
• Healthcare: Seen as a major Life Sciences and healthcare hub in Latin America Brazil has grown by 35% over the past three years.
• Sports Infrastructure: Having hosted the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics and Paralympic Games there is plenty of potential for growth within this sector.

Important Links

• Class Schedule
• SDSU Catalog 
• Academic Calendar