Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and sixth in population. There’s a huge land of mass that you might notice below North America.
The landmass is the South American continent. It is famously called Latin America. It is compact and triangular and running from north to south of the Southern Hemisphere.
But, there is an enormous country big enough to get your attention when you look a little longer. It is Brazil. The country that touches all countries in the Americas except for Chile and Ecuador.
So, why Brazil is so big?
Well, geographically speaking, Brazil stretches from north to south of the southern hemisphere. It extends 2, 965 miles north-south and 2, 691 east-west. It is almost the size of the continent itself.
By comparison, all countries in the European Union could fit into the territory of Brazil. And any major country, France and Spain, is Brazil’s major state like Bahia.
Even its former colonizer, Portugal, could fit in its land area. Great Britain itself is in comparison to the size of Sao Paolo, Brazil’s 12th largest state.
The gigantic territory of Brazil is the product of European colonial power politics. In the case of Brazil, the negotiation between Spain and Portugal.
Okay, let me give you a brief background on why Brazil became so big. It will take some knowledge of history, and yes, geography.
During the European colonial years, Spain and Portugal were in a tight competition. Both of them tried to compete with territorial ownership in the new world.
Yet, in South America, rather than fighting and going to war, they amicably negotiated on the territory. The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 delineated division to the territory. Portugal became in control of the landmass east of the Amazon River, the present area of Brazil.
Thus, the massive territory of Brazil is the result of Portugal’s luck. A good fortune to secure territory in South America, which generally Brazil.
List of Contents
What percentage of South America is Brazil?
South America is found in the bottom area of the United States. It is a separate continent that comprised almost 3.5% of the total earth land area. By figures, South America stretches from about 17, 840 000 square kilometers. Among the continents, Asia, Africa, and North America surpass the size of Latin America.
Yet, as big as it is, Brazil occupies a large percentage of South America. The eastern part of South America is part of Brazil’s territory. It is the largest country on the continent.
As you can see on the map, it is a huge triangle on the continent’s eastern side. It forms a coastline that stretches most of the Atlantic Ocean. Its borders occupied most of the counties in Latin America except Chile and Ecuador.
It covers 47.3% of South America’s land area. Gigantic, right? Almost half of the continent is Brazil. The enormity of the country, some would say, will pass as another continent. It is 10% large than Australia, the smallest continent on earth.
So, yes, it is that massive that it can be considered a continent when we speak about the land cover. Yet, as big as it is, Brazil is very distinct and different from South America.
How is Brazil different from the rest of South America?
So, how Brazil is different from the rest of the continent?
Brazil may be residing in South America, but it stands out among all other countries, not only inland areas. It is culturally and linguistically different than the rest of South American countries.
As I mentioned earlier, Brazil is a former Portuguese colony. Compared to its neighbors in the west, Brazil was colonized by Portugal.
Based on the Treaty of Tordesillas signed in 1494, Spain controls the west while Portugal to the east. A big landmass in the east, Brazil, was under the colonization of Portugal.
It resulted in cultural differences among many countries in Latin America. Here are the key distinguishing features of Brazil, making it to stand out among the rest of the continent:
Language
Most South American countries speak Spanish. Brazil is the only country on the continent that speaks Portuguese. It is the biggest influence of Portugal on Brazil. It made the country very distinct from its neighbors like Peru and Guatemala.
History
Brazil has endured years of colonization and transition before its independence. It becomes a Portuguese colony, then faced years of instability and military dictatorship. Before enjoying full democracy, the country had gone through a lot.
Diversity
In the aspect of environmental diversity, Brazil is a very diverse country. Given its humongous size, the country stretched from north to south of the continent. It means the natural resources are varied and cover a huge territory. The Amazon River, for example, is partly Brazil. The long stretch of its waterline corresponds to wildlife and exotic plants and trees.
Popular Culture
While other Latin American countries seemed to be the same, Brazil stands out. The carnival in Rio de Janeiro, the passion for football, samba, and Caldeira made it unique. Brazil’s culture and way of life allow it to become the top tourist destination in South America. From a tourist perspective, Brazil will be visited more than the rest of the continent.
Economic Potential
The country is part of the BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Its economic potential is recognized in the world. It is one of the emerging economies. Being part of that, Brazil is a major player in economic development in South America. We all know that most of the countries on the continent are part of the developing world. Brazil stands out. It has the largest GDP in Latin America.
Why is Brazil so populated?
Since Brazil is a big country, it is also highly populated. Most of the millions of people in South America resides in Brazil. So, why is it largely populated? Here are the reasons why:
Booming Economy
Brazil is an emerging economy. Many people will flock to the country for job opportunities. It poses a new way to increase the level of living conditions of people. Unlike other South American countries that still live in poverty, Brazil is different. It has great potential for employment and better living condition.
Increasing Number of Migrants
Brazil, as a country, has a lot to offer. The vast land has a huge level of diversity, making it a top destination for migrants. Even in the 1800s, the global population increase, and technological innovation in the world happens, a new way of transportation began. With the development of the steam engine, people can move from country to country easily. At that time, Brazil became accessible to Europe. In the 1990s, a new wave of migration occurred in Brazil. There are groups of Korean and Chinese who migrate to the country.
Agriculture Flourish
With a vast land, agriculture in Brazil is easy. The country is near the equator with a temperate climate for agriculture. Many crops grow in Brazil because of its tropical climate. Meaning, food is abundant and cheap in this part of the globe. Aside from that, the migration of many European nationalities brought knowledge and innovation. Agriculture flourished with innovation and new technology.
Interesting Culture
Again, it is fun and exciting to live in a country filled with interesting sights, and yes, culture. The country has a lot to offer, from famous festivals to Capoeira. Brazil is highly livable and can provide you with amazing experiences in a lifetime.
What is the safest part of Brazil?
Brazil has a reputation for being dangerous. Some of you might have a second thought whether you want to visit the country, or live there long term.
Yet, when you practice safety and precautions, any place is livable. Here are the top places ex-pats and migrants choose to live in Brazil:
Brasilia
It is the capital of Brazil. In the global ranking, Brasilia is the most successfully planned cities in the world. It is populated with almost 2.48 million people. The population will double overtime. The city is self is declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is a government hub more than in the industrial site. Most government offices in Brazil are located there. You will notice legal and finance officers around the city. Brasilia is a safe place to live, particularly the central district.
São Paulo
The city is the most densely populated place in the country. A lot of ex-pats and migrants concentrate in São Paulo. The place is a cultural melting pot, where many nationalities from different parts of the globe live. There is a large number of Italians and Japanese in São Paulo. The culture range from west to east, making it diverse and interesting.
São Paulo is overly populated with 12 million people living there. Given the level of people, congestion and traffic are of main concern. The main reason for its large population is the cheap cost of living. Compared to London, the city is 50% cheaper.
Another attraction here is the temperate climate. Most people do not prefer living in places with winter. São Paulo is a great escape. It is also an industrial hub, so the employment rate is relatively high.
Rio de Janeiro
A place to live ideally. Mountains, rain forests and beaches surround the city. By living in Rio, you can choose what kind of activity to experience. Aside from being blessed with natural resources, Rio is a cosmopolitan site. You can go nature tripping, and at the same time, dwell in the dynamism of the place.
The city is culturally diverse, where a lot of Europeans like French and Spanish choose to live. It is the home of the infamous Rio de Janeiro festival. The colorful grand parade is a must-see for every visitor and tourist.
Belo Horizonte
It is the capital city of Minas Gerais. It is both dynamic and modern with a mixture of economic development. Belo Horizonte has a population of 2.5 million. Meaning, this is a favorite place of the people. There are lots of bars in the city with over 12,000 in numbers. Compared to other popular areas in Brazil, it is cheaper to live in Belo Horizonte.
Salvador
The city is a reflection of a meaningful Brazilian past. The stunning architecture and city layout reflect Portuguese influences. It also exhibits the Afro-Brazilian theme that some cities in Brazil lack. Going in and out internationally is easy in Salvador. It is the home of the country’s major airport and harbor.
Does Brazil have a good economy?
As part of the BRICS, the economic development of the country is globally recognized. It ranks as the number one country in Latin America when it comes to economic development. In the past years, the country exhibited rapid growth in economic development. Based on 2019 data, it is considered the ninth-largest economy in the world.
The growth can be attributed to its rich natural resources and growth in tourism. Aside from agriculture, the country has established the steel industry. The steel industry is one of the main reasons why other countries demonstrated growth. Its proximity to the north allowed the country to establish a steel partnership with the US.
At present, there is a shipbuilding hub in Brazil than other navies around the globe, import. The shipbuilding industry is a perfect indicator that there is a growth in the economy of Brazil.
Brazil is a very large country. The vastness of land allows agricultural and economic development to flourish. Moreover, the geographical location, in proximity to North America and Europe, encourages growth. The country is blessed with geography that can exhibit progress overtime. Unlike other countries in Latin America, Brazil has a great potential to become a top economy.