Rio de Janeiro

Iguassu Falls

Manaus, Amazon

Salvador, Bahia

Pantanal South

Fortaleza

Fernando Noronha

Natal

Recife

Ouro Preto

Brasilia















Population

In 2004 Brazil's population reached 180 million, the sixth largest in the world after those of China, India, the United States, Indonesia and the Russian Federation. The population is predominantly young: 62% of Brazilians are under 29 years of age.

Where people live

Although Brazil is the sixth most populous nation in the world, its average population density is low compared to that of other countries. Most people live along the Atlantic coastal areas of the southeastern and northeastern states. Industrial activity is concentrated in the southeastern region, with 50 percent of industrial production located in the state of São Paulo. Migration from the northeast to the southeast, as well as from rural to urban areas has been very significant since 1970. More recently, the population flow has turned towards the less inhabited central-western and northern regions.

Language

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. There are no regional dialects. Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America.