COORDINATED BY: Secretary Off.: Ms. Maria
Malaman
CONTINGENT: Axe Brazil Dance Company
Brooklyn, NY
COORDINATE BY: Manager: Ms. Silvana Marquina
Brazil, the largest country in South America, stretching almost 4,350
km (2,700 mi), from the foothills of the Andes Mountains eastward to the Atlantic Ocean,
and borders on every country of the continent except Chile and Ecuador. Although its area
is just slightly less than the United States, it has just 60 percent of the U.S.
population. Brazil's name is derived from the Portuguese word for the reddish color of
brazilwood, an important export during the 16th century. Today the country is normally the
world's largest exporter of coffee and sugar. It is also a leading exporter of soybeans.
Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822, and during the 19th
century enjoyed a political stability unusual for Latin America. In the 20th century,
however, social turmoil and political strife have led to the overthrow of many
administrations. The military controlled the government from 1964 until 1985, when a
civilian president took office.