On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions about the video, Brazil’s Rising Star. This assignment is worth 10 points. You have 15 minutes.

1) T or F: Brazil’s economy is larger than all other South American countries combined.

2) How fast is Brazil’s economy growing annually?

3) What has prevented Brazil from reaching its highest potential in the past?

4) Which president started Brazil’s latest attempt at economic greatness?

5) What is the secret to his success?

6) What is the old Brazilian Way?

7) How is Brazil dealing with favelas?

8) Give one reason why Brazil’s future seems bright.

9) When was the last time Brazil fought a war?

Brazil

Fast Facts Covers approximately half of South America Considered the heart of South America North mostly tropical South mostly temperate Largest country in South America 5th Largest country in the world

5 Major Regions North Northeast Central-West Southeast South

North lies mostly within the

Amazon rainforest mostly lush, tropical,

rain forests largest concentration of

fresh water in the world (Amazon River)

vast amounts of natural and mineral resources

Tropical climate throughout

Deforestation 1970s: govt begins

extracting mineral and natural resources from Amazon rainforest

1980s: deforestation becomes a problem

1990s: deforestation is decreased by half

today: 91% of rainforest remains intact

North: Population Lowest population

density in Brazil 3 per sq km

Cities are spread far apart

Groups separated by dense rainforest

Few paved roads Home to many

indigenous cultures 6% of Brazilians

Northeast First part of Brazil to be

colonized by Portuguese Most impoverished part

of Brazil Very hot, tropical near

the coast, hot and dry interior

Drought is common Most Brazilian culture

originated here

Brazilian Culture Multicultural society

Many languages

Core of culture comes from Portugal (colonization)

Mixed Portuguese, African, and Amerindian culture to create unique language, music, food, dance, art, etc

Language

Official language is Portuguese influenced by African, Amerindian

180 languages , but 99% speak Portuguese

Religion 65% Roman Catholic

inherited from Portugal

Recent rise in Protestantism

Ethnicity Colony of Portugal for 300

years

49% European, 50% African Mulatto, 1% Amerindian

African slaves forced to adopt Catholicism and Portuguese language

Still, Africans influenced Brazilian culture

Central-West Low population density Land used for grazing

cows, sheep, etc (savannas)

Least industrialized part of Brazil

Semi-tropical climate

Brasilia Located in central-west Growth of capital city

has caused growth of entire region

Designed in 1950s by Oscar Niemeyer (famous architect)

Rapidly growing new city

Southeast Economic powerhouse largest population of all

regions Highest population

density Produces half of

Brazilian GDP Modern, urbanized Few native vegetation

exists today

Rio de Janeiro 2nd largest city in Brazil Most visited city in

southern hemisphere Extreme wealth & poverty

San Paulo Largest city in southern

hemisphere and the Americas (population)

Largest economy in Brazil

Powerhouse city

Extreme wealth and poverty

South Highest standard of

living in Brazil Highest levels of health large European

immigrant population influenced culture

Sub-tropical and temperate climates

Modern and industrialized

1) List the 5 major regions of Brazil. Describe the geographic and

climate features of each (at least 2 sentences each).

2) Between the 1970s and today, what percentage of the Amazon

Rainforest was deforested?

3) Which regions of Brazil has the lowest population density?

4) Which region was the first to be colonized by the Portuguese?

5) Which region has the most poverty?

6) In 1 or 2 sentences, describe Brazilian culture.

7) Which region is the least industrialized?

8) Which famous architect designed Brazil’s capitol city?

9) Which region is considered the economic powerhouse of Brazil?

10) What extreme socioeconomic feature do Rio de Janeiro and San Paulo share?

11) What region has the highest standard of living in Brazil?

*This assignment is due at the end of class.