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Country facts
| Capital city: |
Brasilia |
| Surface area: |
8,515,000 sq km |
| Population: |
189.3 million |
| Official language(s): |
Portuguese |
| Government: |
Federal Republic |
| Head of State and Head of Government: |
H.E. President Mr Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva |
| Australian exports to Brazil: |
A$938 million |
| Australian imports from Brazil: |
A$1,041 million |
| Brazil's principal export destinations: |
USA, Argentina, China |
| Brazil's principal import sources: |
USA, China, Argentina | (Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet) |
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Economic climate
Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America, and is characterised by large agricultural, mining, manufacturing and services sectors.
Key economic indicators and statistics for 2008:
- GDP – US$1,664.7 billion
- GDP per capita – US$8,676
- Real GDP growth – 5.2 per cent
- Inflation – 6.3 per cent
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)
Brazil has undergone a significant move towards modernisation and a reduced role for the government in the economy. This change was driven principally by a more liberal trade regime, deregulation and privatisation of state companies.
São Paulo is the most developed state financially and industrially, and accounts for 45 per cent of Brazil’s GDP. Following São Paulo, the next most developed states in Brazil are also in the south and southeast regions, and include: Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais.
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Political climate
Brazil is a federal republic comprising 26 states and a federal district (Brasilia). The political climate is stable, with a government that welcomes foreign investments. The three tiers of government include Federal, State, and there are over 5500 municipal councils.
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Trade relations and statistics
Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay have formed the Southern Cone Common Market (known as 'Mercosul' in Portuguese). Chile and Bolivia have also special trade agreements with the member countries. Under the treaty agreement, tariffs are being lowered gradually to reach zero on practically all products.
Mercosul represents a market of almost 200 million people with a combined GDP of more than US$1 trillion. Brazil accounts for 67 per cent of all goods and services produced within Mercosul.
Brazil also belongs to the World Trade Organisation and is holding conversations to integrate the Americas Free Trade Zone.
Major Australian exports to Brazil (2007-08):
- Coal – A$439 million
- Passenger motor vehicles – A$33 million
- Nickel ores and concentrates – A$20 million
- Specialised machinery and parts – A$19 million
Major Australian imports from Brazil (2007-08):
- Aircraft, spacecraft and parts – A$205 million
- Animal feed – A$107 million
- Fruit juices – A$71 million
- Pig iron – A$71 million
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet |
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