Economic Issues:

Being rich in natural resources, a young Brazilian nation inevitably established itself as an economic stronghold in South America after independence. Today Brazil is a leading exporter of Industrial and agricultural goods which include; sugar, coffee, iron ore, aircraft, steel and textiles.

Wealth distribution has however been a long term issue in the country with clearly defined classes especially within the major cities.

Unemployment which is further worsened by a large urban population has resulted in high crime rates in many parts of the country. Armed robberies, car jacking, muggings and gang warfare are a part of normal life in parts of Brazil’s cities.

A series of Military dictatorial governments between 1930 and 1985 led to a mismanagement of the country’s economy downplaying the gains that had been made since independence. The country was also affected by the Asian economic crisis of 1998 which led to a recession in Brazil in the same year.

Government:

The first democratically elected President in the country (Fernando Collor de Mello) was sworn in in 1990 after three decades of non-civilian rule. President Fernando Enrique Cardoso who was de Mello’s successor elected in 1994, embarked on an ambitious plan to stabilize the country socially and economically. This included privatization of many government owned institutions and improving the lives of the lower class Brazilians. President Cardoso was re-elected in 1998 for his last term.

The current Brazilian President is Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of the country’s liberal party. His Vice President is Jose Alencar.