INDIALanguageHindi   as the official language of India . However, when doing business in India, English is the language of international commerce.

Doing Business - Meeting and Greeting

When doing business in India, meeting etiquette requires a handshake . However, Indians themselves use the namaste. This is where the palms are brought together at chest level with a slight bow of the head. Using the namaste is a sign of your understanding of Indian etiquette.

Names speak volumes about an Indian's background. For example, a Singh will always be a Sikh. The suffix "-jee" ( as in Banerjee) is a sign of a high caste. "Kar" (as in Chandraskar) denotes that person is of Maharashtan high caste. Arabic sounding names will be used by Muslims.

When addressing an Indian whom you know personally, always use the appropriate formal title, whether Professor, Doctor, Mr, Mrs or if you do not know their names then Sir or Madam will suffice.

When doing business in India, business cards should be exchanged at the first meeting. It is a good idea to have it translated on one side into Hindi, more as a sign of respect as opposed to linguistic necessity. Be sure to receive and give with your right hand. Make sure the card is put away respectfully and not simply pushed into a trouser pocket.

Doing Business - Building Relationships

Doing business in India involves building relationships. Indians only deal favourably with those they know and trust -  even at the expense of lucrative deals. It is vital that a good working relationship is founded with any prospective partner.

Doing Business - Meetings and Negotiations

Meetings should be arranged well in advance. This should be done in writing and confirmed by phone. Avoid meetings near or on national holidays such as Independence Day, Diwali or either of the two Eids. Avoid the heat by scheduling between October and March.

Punctuality is expected, although being 10 minutes late will not have disastrous consequences. Flexibility is paramount. Family responsibilities take precedence over business so last minute cancellations are possible when doing business.

When entering a meeting room you must always approach and greet the most senior figure first. Meetings should always commence with some conversation. This is part of the 'getting to know you' process. Favourable topics of conversation are the latest business news, the fortunes of the Bombay Stock Exchange or cricket. Avoid talking about personal matters and, if new to India, do not comment on matters such as the poverty or beggars.

If your business dealings in India involve negotiations, always bear in mind that they can be slow. If trust has not yet been established then concentrate efforts on building a rapport. Decisions are always made at the highest level. If the owner or Director of the company is not present, the chances are these are early stage negotiations.

Indians do not base their business decisions solely on statistics, empirical data and exciting PowerPoint presentations. They use intuition, feeling and faith to guide them. Always exercise patience, show good character and never exhibit frustration or anger.

When negotiating avoid high pressure tactics. Do not be confrontational or forceful. Criticisms and disagreements should be expressed only with the most diplomatic language. Indian society has an aversion to saying "no" as it is considered rude due to the possibility of causing disappointment or offense. Listen carefully to Indians' responses to your questions. If terms such as "We'll see", "I will try" or "possibly" are employed then the chances are that they are saying 'no'.

Once terms have been agreed you will be expected to honour them. When negotiations end successfully continue the relationship building process with a celebration dinner.

Meeting and Greeting

Westerners may shake hands, however, greeting with 'namaste' (na-mas-TAY) (placing both hands together with a slight bow) is appreciated and shows respect for Indian customs.

Men shake hands with men when meeting or leaving. Men do not touch women when meeting or greeting. Western women may offer their hand to a westernized Indian man, but not normally to others. Traditional Indian women may shake hands with foreign women but not usually with men.

Body Language

Public displays of affection are not proper. Indians generally allow an arm's length space between themselves and others. Don't stand close to Indians. Indians value

personal space. Indian men may engage in friendly back patting merely as a sign of friendship. When an Indian smiles and jerks his/her head backward -- a gesture that looks somewhat like a Western "no" -- or moves

his head in a figure 8, this means "yes." The Western side-to-side hand wave for "hello" is frequently interpreted by Indians as "no" or "go away." Use your right hand only to touch someone, pass money or pick up merchandise. The left hand is considered unclean. Do not touch anyone's head. The head is considered sensitive. Feet are considered unclean. Feet are sacred for holy men and women. Pointing footwear at people is considered an insult. Indians are very sensitive to being beckoned rudely. Hand and arm waved up and down (Western "good-bye") means

"come here." To beckon, extend your arm, palm down and make a scratching motion with fingers kept together. Never point with a single finger or two fingers (used only with inferiors). Point with your chin, whole hand or thumb. The

chin is not used to point at superiors.

Corporate Culture

Business cards are exchanged and Indians are very conscious of the protocol. Always present business cards when introduced. English is appropriate for business cards.

Decisions are strongly influenced from the top. Usually one person makes all major decisions. Attempt to deal with the highest-level person available.

It is considered rude to plunge into business discussions immediately. Ask about your counterpart’s family, interests, hobbies, etc. before beginning business discussions.

Business is slow and difficult in India. Be polite, but persistent. Do not get angry if you are told something "can't be done." Instead, restate your request firmly but with a smile. Plan on several visits before you reach an agreement.

You may be offered a sugary, milky tea, coffee or a soft drink. Don’t refuse. Note that your glass or cup may be refilled as soon as it is emptied.

Indian counterparts may not show up for scheduled meetings. Be prepared to reschedule.

Dining and Entertainment

Initial business entertainment is done in restaurants in prestigious hotels. Business can be discussed during meals. Allow your host to initiate business conversation.

Never flatly refuse an invitation to a home or dinner of a business counterpart; if you can’t make it, offer a plausible excuse.

Spouses are often included in social/business functions. Strict orthodox Muslims don't drink any alcohol. Most Hindus, especially women, do not consume alcohol. Arrive 15-30 minutes later than the stated time for a dinner party. At a social gathering a garland of flowers is often placed around a guest's neck. Remove it after a few minutes and carry it

in your hand to show humility. Allow hosts to serve you. Never refuse food, but don’t feel obligated to empty your plate. Hindu hosts are never supposed

to let their guests’ plates be empty. If hosts eat with hands, assure them you enjoy doing the same. If utensils are not used, use your right hand and your first

three fingers and thumb only. Take food from communal dish with a spoon; never your fingers. Use chappati or poori (bread) torn into small chunks to

scoop up food.

The host pays for guests in a restaurant. Guests give gifts to the host and the host's children as a "thank you." You should reciprocate invitations with a meal of comparable value. Never invite someone to a far more lavish dinner -- it

might embarrass them.

Dress

For business, men should wear suits and ties. During summer months, you may omit the jacket. Women should wear conservative pantsuits or dresses.

Gifts

Give gifts with both hands. Gifts are not normally opened in the presence of the giver. Gifts from your country are appreciated (perfume, chocolates, small china or crystal objects). Gifts are not normally expected at the first meeting. Gifts may be given once a relationship develops.

Especially for Women

India is a difficult place to do business, but particularly tough for women. India is a male-dominated society. Western women may be accepted, but must establish their position and title immediately to warrant acceptance.

Addressing others

Get used to people always calling you Mr this or Madam this or saying "yes, Sir" or "yes, Madam" all the time.

Giving GiftsGifts are not opened in the presence of the giver. If your Indian host insists on your opening the gift, do so and show appreciation for his/her choice. If you are invited to an Indian home for dinner, take some small gift, like a box of chocolates or flowers or a gift for the children (if they have any). Wrap in red, yellow, green or blue colored wrapping paper. White and black colors in wrappings are considered inauspicious. A small gift from your culture or a framed photograph with the host or colleagues would be valued as a gift. If your Indian host drinks and keeps alcoholic drinks at home, a bottle would be an appreciated gift.

 Email, SMS or Talk: Indians love to talk and mobile calls are dirt cheap, so there is an expectation that you will talk often and talk for a long time. Talking comes at the expense of the written word. Do not be offended if the email does not bring a written reply but an oral reply or a sms reply – via the mobile phone of course. Topics of conversation – anything will go. However religion, Pakistan, Kashmir and poverty are best avoided.

 Handshake versus Namaste: Handshake is an acceptable gesture, particularly in most urban centres. One may like to combine that with the Namaste (which literally means I bow to you) – so do a Namaste and then shake hands if the non-verbal cue indicates so. In urban India, it is perfectly fine to shake hands with women as well, unless the non-verbal cue says otherwise. A male-male hug is not recommended, nor a kiss on the cheek with a women – even if you know the women very well.

Business cards: Business cards should be exchanged at the first meeting. It is neither necessary nor expected to have a Hindi translation of your business card – Hindi is only the official language by constitution and one of approximately 26 official languages according to the constitution - i.e. India can not have an election until the electoral role is published in all the official languages. Cards should be handled with respect – not chucked across the table! Have lots of business cards on hand. Do not assume that the mobile phone number of your counterpart will be on the card – check for it and ask for it if it is not there – the answer may give you a cue of how well your relationship is going!

Negotiations: If your business dealings in India involve negotiations, always bear in mind that they can be slow. If trust has not yet been established then concentrate efforts on building a rapport. Decisions are always made at the highest level.

Food: Most Westerners assume that India is a vegetarian country and that most Indians do not drink alcohol.

Alcohol: India does not allow any public advertising for alcohol but they do drink quite a bit of alcohol. However sometimes, some people drink alcohol at some places and then at other times the same people do not drink alcohol at a different place or in the presence of some people! Alcohol is typically taken before and not with a meal – the wine culture is growing fast but it is a beer and hard drinks country still. The best way to handle the issue is to ask “what would you like to drink?” rather than “would you like a glass of wine or beer?” 

BRAZILBusiness Negotiation

Expect questions about your company since Brazilians are more comfortable doing business with people and companies they know.

Wait for your Brazilian colleagues to raise the business subject. Never rush the relationship- building time.

Brazilians take time when negotiating Do not rush them or appear impatient. Expect a great deal of time to be spent reviewing details. Often the people you negotiate with will not have decision-making authority. It is advisable to hire a translator if your Portuguese is not fluent. Use local lawyers and accountants for negotiations. Brazilians resent an outside legal presence. Brazilian business is hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person. Brazilians negotiate with people not companies. Do not change your negotiating team or you may have to start over from the

beginning.

Business Meeting Etiquette Business appointments are required and can often be scheduled on short notice;

however, it is best to make them 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Confirm the meeting in writing. It is not uncommon for appointments to be cancelled or

changed at the last minute. In Sao Paulo and Brasilia it is important to arrive on time for meetings. In Rio de Janeiro

and other cities it is acceptable to arrive a few minutes late for a meeting. Do not appear impatient if you are kept waiting. Brazilians see time as something

outside their control and the demands of relationships takes precedence over adhering to a strict schedule.

Meetings are generally rather informal. Expect to be interrupted while you are speaking or making a presentation. Avoid confrontations. Do not appear frustrated with your Brazilian colleagues.

Dress Etiquette Men should wear conservative, dark coloured business suits. Three-piece suits

typically indicate that someone is an executive.

Women should wear suits or dresses that are elegant and feminine with good quality accessories. Manicures are expected.

Business Cards

Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting. It is advisable, although not required, to have the other side of your business card

translated into Portuguese. Present your business card with the Portuguese side facing the recipient. 

Meeting Etiquette Men shake hands when greeting one another, while maintaining steady eye contact. Women generally kiss each other, starting with the left and alternating cheeks.  Hugging and backslapping are common greetings among Brazilian friends. If a woman wishes to shake hands with a man, she should extend her hand first.

Gift Giving Etiquette If invited to a Brazilian's house, bring the hostess flowers or a small gift. Orchids are considered a very nice gift, but avoid purple ones. Avoid giving anything purple or black as these are mourning colours. Handkerchiefs are also associated with funerals, so they do not make good gifts. Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette 

If you are invited to a Brazilian's house: Arrive at least 30 minutes late if the invitation is for dinner. Arrive up to an hour late for a party or large gathering. Brazilians dress with a flair and judge others on their appearance. Casual dress is more

formal than in many other countries. Always dress elegantly and err on the side of over-dressing rather than under- dressing.

If you did not bring a gift to the hostess, flowers the next day are always appreciated.

Cultural lifeThe cultures of the indigenous Indians, Africans, and Portuguese have together formed the modern

Brazilian way of life. The Portuguese culture is by far the dominant of these influences; from it

Brazilians acquired their language, their main religion, and most of their customs. The Indian

population is now statistically small, but Tupí-Guaraní, the language of many Brazilian Indians,

continues to strongly influence the Brazilian Portuguese language; other Indian contributions to

Brazilian culture are most apparent in the Amazon basin. African influences on the Brazilian way of

life are strongest along the coast between the Northeast and Rio de Janeiro; they include traditional

foods, religions, and popular music and dance, especially thesamba. Commercial and cultural imports

from Europe and North America have often competed with—and influenced—Brazilians’ own cultural

output, and critics have argued that the nation’s cultural identity is suffering as a result. Despite

numerous social and economic challenges, Brazilians continue to be exuberant and creative in their

celebrations and art forms.

Cultural institutionsThe Brazilian Academy of Letters, with its headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, is generally regarded as the most prestigious of the country’s numerous learned societies. The National Library, also in Rio, was founded in 1810 with 60,000 volumes from the Portuguese royal library; it now holds millions of books and documents. Most of Brazil’s other libraries have limited holdings. Among the major history museums are the Museum of the Republic (1960; housed in the former governmental palace) and the National Historical Museum (1922), both in Rio, the São Paulo University Museum (1895), and the Imperial Museum (1940) in Petropólis. The São Paulo Art Museum (1947) and Rio de Janeiro Museum of Modern Art (1948) are internationally renowned. Both Rio and São Paulo have major museums of anthropology and numerous theatres. A notable institution for the performing arts is the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra (1953; revitalized 1972), housed since 1999 in the Sala São Paulo, a renovated early 20th-century railroad station. Few of the country’s major cultural institutions are based in Brasília.

The artsLITERATUREBrazil has had many world-renowned literary figures whose cumulative writings are regarded by many to be richer than those of Portugal because of their variety of ethnic and regional themes. Joaquim Machado de Assis, the son of a freed slave, was a leading voice of the 19th century with his romantic novels. In the 20th century the Northeast produced a particularly wide range of superb writing, including that ofGilberto Freyre on the subject of life under slavery, Graciliano Ramos’s tragedies about the drought quadrilateral, João Guimaraês Rosa’s tales of survival and violence in the interior, and Jorge Amado’s lighthearted stories set in the cacao-growing zone of Bahia. Érico Veríssimo’s tales of southern Brazil have also been translated into many languages.

VISUAL ARTSThe landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx has made urban Brazilians especially aware of the splendours of their natural environment by replacing the traditional, formal European-style gardens containing imported plants with a profusion of native species in approximation to their natural settings. Some of Marx’s landscapes have been used to set off the imaginative structures of Brazil’s world-renowned architectOscar Niemeyer. Among his works, Niemeyer designed a striking array of public buildings in Brasília, in collaboration with Lúcio Costa, the creator of the capital’s original layout. Brazil also cherishes numerous splendid structures from its colonial and imperial past, from the tiled houses and ornate churches of Salvador to the palaces and public buildings of Rio de Janeiro. Among the most revered of these are the 18th-century churches in Minas Gerais that were adorned by facades, biblical scenes, and statues carved in soapstone by Antônio Francisco Lisboa, better known as Aleijadinho (“Little Cripple”).Western styles of painting began developing in Brazil in the 18th century. In the 19th century, particularly during the reign of Emperor Pedro II, the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts in Rio de Janeiro drove the development of Brazilian painting, which was largely influenced by Neoclassical and Romantic styles. The academy organized art collections, held exhibitions and competitions, and trained a number of Brazilian artists who specialized in the painting of landscapes and historical subjects. Among the most prominent 19th-century Brazilian painters were Victor Meirelles, Pedro Américo, José Ferraz de Almeida Júnior, and Rodolfo Amoedo. In the late 19th century Belmiro de Almeida painted scenes of Brazilian daily life, influencing a trend toward realism. In the 20th century the painter Cândido Portinari was a major proponent of a uniquely Brazilian style, which blended abstract European techniques with realistic portrayals of the people and landscapes of his native land; the painterEmiliano Di Cavalcanti, a contemporary of Portinari, gained equal international renown. In

1922, seeking to break with the conservative past, Di Cavalcanti helped to organize Modern Art Week in São Paulo, which promoted a Modernist spirit in Brazilian art. Later in the 20th century, celebrated photographic collections, such as the works of Sebastião Salgado, interpreted Brazil’s social and natural settings. The country’s most prestigious art exhibition is the International Biennial of São Paulo (established 1951), which regularly attracts participants from more than 50 countries.

Culture of BrazilFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cultural map of the world according to the World Values Survey, describing Brazil as high in "Traditional Values" and relatively

balanced between "Survival" and "Self-Expression values", as with neighboring South American countries and some other

historically Roman Catholic Western cultures .

Part of a series on the

Culture of Brazil

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The culture of Brazil presents a very diverse nature showing that an ethnic and cultural mixing occurred in the colonial period involving mostly Indigenous peoples of the coastal and most accessible riverine areas, Portuguese people and Africans. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, together with further waves of Portuguese immigration, Italians, Spaniards, Germans, Levantine Arabs,Nipponics, Poles, Helvetians and Ukrainians settled in Brazil, playing an important role in its culture as it started to shape amulticultural and multiethnic society.[1]

As consequence of three centuries of colonization by the Portuguese empire, the core of Brazilian culture is derived from the culture of Portugal. The numerous Portuguese inheritances include the language, the predominant religion and the colonial architectural styles.[2] These aspects, however, were influenced by African and Indigenous American traditions, as well as those from other Western European countries.[3] Some aspects of Brazilian culture are contributions of Italian, German and other European immigrants.[4] Amerindian peoples and Africans played a large role in the formation of Brazilian language, cuisine, music, dance and religion. [4][5]

This diverse cultural background has helped boast many celebrations and festivals that have become known around the world, such as the Brazilian Carnival and the Bumba Meu Boi. The colourful culture creates an environment that makes Brazil a popular destination for many tourists each year, around over 1 million.[6]

Religion[edit]

Main article: Religion in Brazil

The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida is the second largest in the world, after only of theBasilica of Saint

Peter in Vatican City.[11]

About 2/3 of the population are Roman Catholics. Catholicism was introduced and spread largely by

the Portuguese Jesuits, who arrived in 1549 during the colonization with the mission of converting the

Indigenous people. The Society of Jesus played a large role in the formation of Brazilian religious identity until

their expulsion of the country by the Marquis of Pombal in the 18th century.[12]

In recent decades Brazilian society has witnessed a rise in Protestantism. Between 1940 and 2010, the

percentage of Roman Catholics fell from 95% to 64.6%, while the various Protestant denominations rose from

2.6% to 22.2%.[13]

Religion in Brazil (2010 Census)[14]

Religion Percent

Roman Catholicism   64.6%

Protestantism   22.2%

No religion   8.0%

Spiritism   2.0%

Others   3.2%

History[edit]

Main article: Brazilian people

The Brazilian people have several ethnic groups. First row: White(Portuguese, German, Italian, Arab, andJapanese respectively),

Ukrainian Brazilian, Polish Brazilian and AsianBrazilians. Second row: African, pardo(cafuzo, mulato and caboclo, respectively)

and Indigenous(Amerindian) Brazilians.

Brazil was a colony of Portugal for over three centuries. About a million Portuguese settlers arrived during this

period [15][dead link] and brought their culture to the colony. The Indigenous inhabitants of Brazil had much contact

with the colonists. Many were exterminated, others mixed with the Portuguese. For that reason, Brazil also

holds Amerindian influences in its culture, mainly in its food and language. Brazilian Portuguese has hundreds

of words of Indigenous American origin, mainly from the Old Tupi language.[16][dead link]

Black Africans, who were brought as slaves to Brazil, also participated actively in the formation of Brazilian

culture. Although the Portuguese colonists forced their slaves to convert to Catholicism and speak Portuguese

their cultural influences were absorbed by the inhabitants of Brazil of all races and origins. Some regions of

Brazil, especially Bahia, have particularly notable African inheritances in music, cuisine, dance and language.[17]

[dead link]

Immigrants from Italy, Germany, Spain, Japan, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Austria-Hungary and the Middle

East played an important role in the areas they settled (mostly Southern and Southeastern Brazil). They

organized communities that became important cities such as Joinville, Caxias do Sul, Blumenau, Curitiba and

brought important contributions to the culture of Brazil.[18][19]

Carnaval[edit]

The world-famous Rio Carnaval.

The Brazilian Carnaval is an annual festival held forty-six days before Easter. Carnival celebrations are

believed to have roots in the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which, adapted to Christianity, became a farewell to

bad things in a season of religious discipline to practice repentance and prepare for Christ's death and

resurrection.

Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become an event of huge proportions. For almost a week

festivities are intense, day and night, mainly in coastal cities.[20]

The typical genres of music of Brazilian carnival are: samba-enredo and marchinha (in Rio de

Janeiro and Southeast Region), frevo, maracatu and Axé music (inPernambuco, Bahia and Northeast Region)

Cuisine[edit]

Main articles: Brazilian cuisine and List of Brazilian dishes

The national dish of Brazil, feijoada, contains black beans cooked with pork, and many other elements.

Brazilian cuisine varies greatly by region. This diversity reflects the country's mix of natives and immigrants.

This has created a national cooking style, marked by the preservation of regional differences.[21] Since the

colonial period,[22] the feijoada has been the country's national dish.[23][24] Luís da Câmara Cascudo wrote that,

having been revised and adapted in each region of the country, it is no longer just a dish, but has become a

complete food.[25] Rice and beans, also present in the feijoada, and considered basic at Brazilian tables, is

highly regarded as healthy because it contains almost all amino acids, fiber, and starches needed for basic

human nutrition,[26] aside the non-heme iron present in beans (best absorbed when consumed together with

vitamin C, richly present in bell peppers, tomatoes, oranges and acerola, for example).

Brigadeiro is a very popular candy in brazilian birthday parties.

Brazil has a variety of candies that are traditionally eaten for birthday parties, like brigadeiros ("brigadiers")

and beijinhos("kissies"). Other foods typically consumed in Brazilian parties

are coxinhas, churrasco, sfiha, empanadas, and pine nuts (inFesta Junina). Specially in the state of Minas

Gerais, are produced and consumed the famous cheese bun. The typical northern food is pato no

tucupi, tacacá, caruru, vatapá, and maniçoba; the Northeast is known for moqueca (having seafoodand palm

oil), acarajé (the salted muffin made with white beans, onion and fried in oil palm (dendê), which is filled with

dried shrimp and red pepper), manioc, diz, hominy, dumpling, and Quibebe. In the Southeast, it is common to

eat Minas cheese, pizza, tutu, sushi, stew, polenta, and masses of macaroni, lasagna, and gnocchi. In the

South, these foods are also popular, but the churrasco is the typical meal of Rio Grande do Sul. Cachaça is

Brazil's native liquor, distilled from sugar cane, and it is the main ingredient in the national drink, the caipirinha.

Brazil is the world leader in production of green coffee (café);[27] because the Brazilian fertile soil, the country

could produce and expand its market maker and often establish its economy with coffee, since the Brazilian

slavery,[28] which created a whole culture around this national drink,[29][30] which became known as the "fever of

coffee"[31] – and satirized in the novelty song "The Coffee Song", sang by Frank Sinatra and with lyrics by Bob

Hilliard, interpreted as an analysis of the coffee industry,[32][33][34] and of the Brazilian economy and culture.[35][36][37][38]

Music[edit]

Main article: Music of Brazil

The singer and actressCarmen Miranda led the samba to the world.

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Choro "1 x 0" ("Um a

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Pixinguinha and Benedito

Lacerda. Choro (or

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genre of instrumental

music.

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help.

Music is one of the most instantly recognizable elements of Brazilian culture. Many different genres and styles

have emerged in Brazil, such as samba, choro, bossa

nova, MPB, frevo, forró, maracatu, sertanejo, brega and axé.

Samba[edit]

Samba is among the most popular music genres in Brazil and is widely regarded as the country's national

musical style. It developed from the mixture of European and African music, brought by slaves in the colonial

period and originated in the state of Bahia.[85] In the early 20th century, modern samba emerged and was

popularized in Rio de Janeiro behind composers such as Noel Rosa, Cartola and Nelson Cavaquinho among

others. The movement later spread and gained notoriety in other regions, particularly in Bahia and São Paulo.

Contemporary artists include Martinho da Vila, Zeca Pagodinho and Paulinho da Viola.[86]

Samba makes use of a distinct set of instruments, among the most notable are the cuíca, a friction drum that

creates a high-pitched squeaky sound, the cavaquinho, a small instrument of the guitar family, and the

pandeiro, a hand frame drum. Other instruments are the surdos, agogôs, chocalhos and tamborins.[87]

BRAZIL Culture

The Brazilian culture is one of the world’s most varied and diverse. This is due to its being a melting pot of nationalities, as a result of centuries of European domination as well as slavery, which brought hordes of African migrants across Brazil’s borders to live in and influence the local cultures with their ancient customs and ideas. The European settlers also brought ideas, innovations and belief systems with them, shaping the local societies significantly. All of these different influences have meant that the modern-day Brazilian culture is unique and very complex.

At present, Brazil has a population of about 190 million people. Of these, more than half are white (which includes Portuguese, Italian, Polish etc... individuals), just fewer than 40% are mixed black and white and less than 10% are black. Approximately 80% of the population ascribes to the Roman Catholic faith. This is due to the intense Portuguese occupation of centuries ago. These European settlers taught the indigenous tribes Catholicism, built churches and established traditions and customs that originated in this church.

Also due to the mass Portuguese settlements during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, this language is the official language of Brazil. There are small numbers of indigenous people and immigrants who still speak their own tongues, but these are certainly among the vast minority.

Brazilians, as a nation, focus much importance on the family structure and the values that are entrenched within that institution. Families are usually large, and even extended family members are close with one another, providing much-needed help and support to each other whenever and however necessary.

Class distinctions are generally made based on the amount of money one has and the colour of one’s skin. Darker ethnicities tend to be disadvantaged. The huge differences in wage brackets is responsible for many of the disagreements and conditions of the Brazilian locals, with the upper classes seldom interacting with those at the lower end of the economic or class scale. Women are usually employed in the lower-paid positions, such as teaching and nursing.

Brazilians are usually rather affectionate, tactile people. Men shake hands with one another, while women will kiss each others’ cheeks in greeting. They will start with the left cheek and then kiss the right. In business relationships, Brazilian businessmen will usually get to know one another before committing to long-term business dealings, as they want to know those with whom they deal.

Other interesting etiquettes and expectations in the Brazilian culture include:

• When invited to dinner or an event, do not under-dress. It is considered more appropriate to over-dress than to appear too casual in appearance.• Always bring the hostess a small gift of gratitude (such as a glass of wine or some fresh flowers).• Avoid giving anyone a gift that is black or purple, as these are perceived as mourning colours. • Always arrive early for events and dinners. • In business, Brazilians tend to ‘deal’ with individuals, not companies. Therefore, you will need to establish a trusting relationship with them if you wish to gain their business. It is important that you do not try to rush them into making decisions or forming relationships. • Manicures for women and formal dress for both sexes are expected within corporate situations.

BRAZIL – FACTS AND STATS

OVERVIEW

Brazil is without doubt one of the most beautiful, fun-loving and friendly countries in the world. Its people are big-hearted and always waiting with a smile. It is one of the most geographically, ecologically and culturally diverse countries on the planet, offering sunny skies, spectacular sunsets, amazing culture, world class shopping and extreme adventure.

Brazil’s Population: 202.6 million (July 2014 est. CIA)Capital City: BrasiliaLargest City: São PauloArea: 8.55 million sq. km (3.3 million sq. miles)Languages: PortugueseMonetary Unit: 1 Brazilian RealGDP Growth: 0.9% (2014 est.)Unemployment: 4.90% (2014 est.)

GEOGRAPHY

One of the most geographically diverse countries in the world, Brazil is approximately 8.5 million km in size, making it the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world. Brazil is so vast that it occupies nearly half the continent of South America and is bordered by every South American country except Ecuador and Chile. Brazil’s geographic regions are as diverse as its people. The magnificent unspoiled Brazilian coastline spans 7,491 km along the Atlantic Ocean. Brazil offers an abundance of tropical lush rainforests, majestic rivers and bountiful agricultural lands.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, platinum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower and timber (Source: CIA World Factbook).With its ideal agricultural climate, Brazil boasts a healthy export trade in coffee, sugar, soya beans, textiles and electrical equipment. The country is rich in ethanol, ore, iron, gemstones, steel and oil. Recent discoveries of oil sources that could potentially hold more than 9 billion barrels of oil is helping to confirm Brazil as a major new oil exploration frontier. Green fuels, such as bio-diesel and ethanol made from sugar cane, is a growing industry where Brazil is expected to become a major leader in world markets.

 

GOVERNMENT

Brazil’s elected Head of Government and Head of State is President Dilma Vana Rousseff, who was voted in to power in January 2011 and won a second term in October 2014. The form of government is a federal democratic republic. The federation is divided into 26 States in 5 regions and the Federal District of Brasilia is where the federal government is located. Former Brazilian President, Lula da Silva, championed many significant federal programs to help Brazilians improve housing, education, employment and their overall standard of living. President Rousseff has continued to enforce the economic and social policies introduced by Lula.

 

ECONOMY

Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America and the 7th largest in the world. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Brazil was worth US$2245.67 billion in 2013. The GDP value of Brazil represents 3.62% of the world economy. Brazil is one of the Goldman Sach’s ‘BRIC’ (Brazil, Russia, India, China) economies touted to become the world’s most dominant economies by 2050.

 

TOURISM

Brazil is a land filled with joyous people, beautiful landscapes, the Amazon Rain forest, untouched tropical beaches – some of the most beautiful in the world – historical cities with incredible night life and some of the world’s most breathtaking waterfalls. The growing tourist and eco-tourism industries cater to all tastes. North eastern Brazil has long been a much loved holiday destination for Brazilians; 60 million Brazilians holiday in Brazil each year, the majority of whom holiday in Northeast Brazil. In more recent years it has begun to attract foreigners from around the world. In 2012, 5.7 million international tourists visited Brazil. Tourism is expected to soar further as the country will host the 2016 Olympics.

Brazil’s economic freedom score is 56.6, making its economy the 118th freest in the 2015 Index. Its score is 0.3 point worse than last year, reflecting declines in half of the 10 economic freedoms including investment freedom, the management of government spending, and monetary freedom. Brazil is ranked 21st out of 29 countries in the South and Central America/Caribbean region, and its overall score is below the world average.

Over the past five years, Brazil’s economic freedom has advanced by less than 0.5 point. Improvements in financial freedom and freedom from corruption have been largely offset by deteriorations in the area of regulatory efficiency, including business freedom and labor freedom.

The negative economic impact of stagnant economic freedom has largely been masked by strong growth driven by high commodity prices over the past decade, but a deteriorating international environment and diminished growth expectations have brought these structural issues to the forefront. More broad-based and consistent reforms will be needed to guarantee long-term economic development.

BRAZIL ECONOMIC STATUS

Brazil has the Eighth largest economy by nominal GDP in the world, and Seventh largest by purchasing power parity. The Brazilian economy is characterized by moderately free markets and an inward-oriented economy.

Brazil’s economy is the largest of Latin America and the second largest in the western hemisphere.[17] From 2000 up to 2012, Brazil was one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, with an average annual GDP growth rate of over 5%, with its economy in 2012 surpassing that of the United Kingdom, making Brazil the world's sixth largest economy. Brazil's economy growth has however decelerated in 2013 and had almost no liquid growth throughout 2014, and the country's economy is expected to grow by only 1.8% in 2015.[18] [19]

According to the World Economic Forum, Brazil was the top country in upward evolution of competitiveness in 2009, gaining eight positions among other countries, overcoming Russia for the first time, and partially closing the competitiveness gap with India and China among the BRIC economies. Important steps taken since the 1990s toward fiscal sustainability, as well as measures taken to liberalize and open the economy, have significantly boosted the country’s competitiveness fundamentals, providing a better environment for private-sector development.[20]

In 2012 Forbes ranked Brazil as having the 5th largest number of billionaires in the world, a number much larger than what is found in other Latin American countries, and even ahead of United Kingdom and Japan.[21] Brazil is a member of diverse economic organizations, such as Mercosur,Unasul, G8+5, G20, WTO, and the Cairns Group.

Economy of Brazil

The Itaim Bibi Financial District, São Paulo, Brazil

Currency Brazilian real (BRL, R$)

Fiscal year Calendar year

Trade

organisation

s

Unasul, WTO, Mercosur, G-20 and others

Statistics

GDP $1.903 trillion (2015 est.) (nominal)[1]

$3.59 trillion (PPP)[1]

GDP rank 8th (nominal) / 7th (PPP)

GDP growth -1.0% (2015 est.)[2]

GDP per

capita$12,789 (2013) (nominal; 53rd)[3]

$15,435 (2014) (PPP; 74th)[3]

GDP by

sectoragriculture: 5.5%, industry: 27.5%,services: 67% (2011 est.)[2]

Inflation 

(CPI)7.3% (June 2014)[4]

Population

belo

wpoverty

line

15.4% (2012)[5]

Gini

coefficient49.3 (June 2009)[6]

Labour

force107.1 million (2012 est.)

Labour

force by agriculture: 20%, industry: 14% and services: 66% (2003 est.)

occupation

Unemploym

ent

7.3% (December 2013)[7]

Main

industriestextiles, shoes, chemicals, cement,lumber, iron

ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts,

other machinery and equipment

Ease-of-

doing-

business

rank

130th (2013)[8]

External

Exports $256 billion (2012 est.)[9]

Export

goodstransport equipment, iron ore, soybeans,footwear, coffee, autos

Main export

partners China 17.0%

 United States 11.1%

 Argentina 7.4%

 Netherlands 6.2% (2012 est.)[10]

Imports $238.8 billion (2012 est.)[9]

Import

goodsmachinery, electrical and transportequipment, chemical products

, oil,automotive parts, electronics

Main import

partners China 15.4%

 United States 14.7%

 Argentina 7.4%

 Germany 6.4%

 South Korea 4.1% (2012 est.)[11]

Gross exter

nal debt$397.5 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Public finances

Public debt 54.9% of GDP (2012 est.)[12]

Revenues $911.4 billion (2012 est.)

Expenses $846.6 billion (2012 est.)

Credit ratingStandard & Poor's:[13]

BBB+ (Domestic)

BBB- (Foreign)

BBB+ (T&C Assessment)

Fitch:[14]

BBB

Outlook: Stable

Moody's:[15]

Baa2

Foreign

reserves$377.5 billion (November 2012)[16]

Main data source: CIA World Fact Book

All values, unless otherwise stated, are in US dollars.

List by the International Monetary Fund (2014)[6] List by the World Bank (2013)[7] List by the United

Nations (2013)[8]

List by the CIA World Factbook (2003–2014)[1]

Rank

Country/Region

GDP (Million

s of US$)

 World77,301,958[9]

 European Union[n 1]

18,495,349[9]

1 United

States17,418,925

2  China10,380,380[n 2]

3  Japan4,616,335

4  Germany

3,859,547

5 United

Kingdom2,945,146

6  France2,846,889

7  Brazil2,353,025

8  Italy 2,147,95

Rank

Country/Region

GDP (Million

s of US$)

 World75,592,941[n 5]

 European Union[n 1]

17,958,073[10]

1  United States 16,768,100

2  China9,240,270[n 2]

3  Japan4,919,563

4  Germany3,730,261

5  France2,806,428[n 6]

6 United

Kingdom2,678,455

7  Brazil2,245,673

8  Italy 2,149,48

Rank

Country/Region

GDP (Millions of US$)

 World72,689,734

1 United

States16,768,100

2  China9,181,204

3  Japan4,898,532

4  Germany

3,730,261

5  France2,678,455

6 United

Kingdom2,267,456

7  Brazil2,243,854

8  Italy2,149,485

9  Russia 2,096,7

Rank

Country/Region

GDP (Millions of US$)

Year

 World78,220,000

2014

 European Union[n 1]

18,140,000

2014

1 Unite

d States17,420,000

2014

2  China10,360,000

2014

3  Japan4,770,000

2014

4  Germany

3,820,000

2014

5  France

2,902,000

2014

6 Unite

d Kingdom2,848,000

2014

7  Brazil2,244,000

2014

2

9  India2,049,501

10  Russia1,857,461[n 3]

11  Canada 1,788,717

12 Austral

ia1,444,189

13  South Korea

1,416,949

14  Spain1,406,855

15  Mexico 1,282,725

16  Indonesia

888,648

17  Netherlands

866,354

18  Turkey 806,108

19  Saudi Arabia

752,459

20   Switzerland

712,050

21  Nigeria 573,652

5

9  Russia2,096,777[n 3]

10  India1,875,141

11  Canada 1,826,769

12  Australia 1,560,372

13  Spain1,393,040

14  South Korea1,304,554

15  Mexico 1,260,915

16  Indonesia 868,346

17  Netherlands 853,539

18  Turkey 822,135

19  Saudi Arabia 748,450

20   Switzerland 685,434

21  Argentina 609,889

22  Sweden 579,680

74

10  India1,937,797

11  Canada 1,838,964

12 Austral

ia1,531,282

13  Spain1,358,263

14  South Korea

1,304,554

15  Mexico 1,259,201

16  Indonesia

868,346

17  Netherlands

853,539

18  Turkey822,149

19  Saudi Arabia

748,450

20   Switzerland

685,434

21  Argentina

611,726

22  Swede 579,68

8  Italy2,129,000

2014

9  Russia

2,057,000

2014

10  India2,048,000

2014

11 Cana

da1,794,000

2014

22  Sweden

570,137

23  Poland 546,644

24  Argentina

540,164

25  Belgium

534,672

26  Taiwan 529,550

27  Norway 500,244

28  Austria 437,123

29  Iran 404,132

30 United

Arab Emirates

401,647

31  Colombia

384,901

32  Thailand

373,804

33  South Africa

350,082

34  Denmark

340,806

35 Malays

ia326,933

23  Poland 525,866

24  Belgium 524,806

25  Nigeria 521,803

26  Norway 512,580

27  Venezuela 438,284

28  Austria 428,322

29 United Arab

Emirates402,340

30  Thailand 387,252

31  Colombia 378,415

32  Iran 368,904

33  South Africa 350,630

34  Denmark 335,878

35  Malaysia 313,159

36  Singapore 297,941

37  Israel 290,551

38  Chile 277,199

n 0

23  Poland525,863

24  Belgium

524,806

25  Norway522,349

26  Nigeria 514,965

27  Iran 492,783

 Taiwan

489,089

28  Austria428,322

29  Thailand

420,167

30 United

Arab Emirates

402,340

31  Colombia

378,148

32  Venezuela

371,339

33  South Africa

366,060

34  Denmar 336,70

36  Singapore

308,051

37  Israel 303,771

 Hong Kong

289,628

38  Egypt 286,435

39 Philipp

ines284,927

40  Finland 271,165

41  Chile 257,968

42  Pakistan

250,136

43  Ireland 246,438

44  Greece 238,023

45  Portugal

230,012

46  Iraq 221,130

47  Algeria 214,080

48 Kazakh

stan212,260

49  Qatar 210,002

 Hong Kong 274,013

40  Philippines 272,067

41  Egypt 271,973

42  Finland 267,329

43  Greece 242,230

44  Pakistan 232,287

45  Ireland 232,077

46  Kazakhstan 231,876

47  Iraq 229,327

48  Portugal 227,324

49  Algeria 210,183

50  Czech Republic

208,796

51  Qatar 203,235

52  Peru 202,350

53  Romania 189,638

54  New Zealand 185,788

k 1

35 Malays

ia312,434

36  Singapore

295,744

37  Israel291,567

38  Chile277,043

 Hong Kong

274,027

39 Philipp

ines272,067

40  Finland267,329

41  Egypt255,199

42  Greece241,721

43  Ireland 232,077

44  Portugal

227,324

45  Pakistan

225,419

46 Kazakh

stan224,415

50  Venezuela

205,787

51  Czech Republic

205,658

52  Peru 202,948

53  Romania

199,950

54 New

Zealand198,118

55  Vietnam

186,049

56  Bangladesh

185,415

57  Kuwait 172,350

58 Hungar

y137,104

59  Ukraine

130,660

60  Angola 128,564

61  Morocco

109,201

62  Ecuador

100,755

63  Slovakia

99,971

55  Ukraine 177,431

56  Kuwait 175,831

57  Vietnam 171,390

58  Bangladesh 149,990

59  Hungary 133,424

60  Angola 124,178

61  Morocco114,836[n

7]

 Puerto Rico 103,135

62  Slovakia 97,707

63  Ecuador 94,473

64  Oman 79,656

65  Libya 74,200

66  Azerbaijan 73,560

67  Syria 71,998

68  Belarus 71,710

69  Cuba (2011) 68,234

47  Czech Republic

208,796

48  Algeria208,764

49  Qatar 202,450

50  Peru200,269

51  Iraq195,517

52 New

Zealand189,025

53  Romania

188,881

54  Ukraine

182,026

55  Kuwait 175,831

56  Vietnam

171,222

57  Bangladesh

153,505

58 Hungar

y129,989

59  Angola121,692

 Puerto 105,14

64  Oman 77,755

65  Belarus 76,139

66 Sri

Lanka74,588

67 Azerba

ijan74,145

68  Sudan 73,816

69  Syria71,998[n

4]

70 Domini

can Republic

64,077

71  Burma 62,802

72 Uzbeki

stan62,619

73  Luxembourg

62,395

74  Kenya 60,770

75  Guatemala

60,422

76  Croatia 57,159

77  Bulgaria

55,837

70  Sri Lanka 67,182

71  Sudan 66,566

72  Dominican Republic

61,164

73  Luxembourg 60,131

74  Croatia 57,869

75  Uzbekistan 56,796

76  Uruguay 55,708

77  Kenya 55,243

78  Bulgaria 54,480

79  Guatemala 53,797

 Macau 51,753

80  Costa Rica 49,621

81  Ghana 48,137

82  Slovenia 47,987

83  Ethiopia 47,525

84  Tunisia 46,994

Rico 9

60  Morocco

103,836

61  Slovakia

95,775

62  Ecuador

94,473

63  Oman 79,656

64  Cuba 78,694

65  Libya 74,597

66 Azerba

ijan73,557

67  Belarus 71,710

68 Sri

Lanka67,203

69  Myanmar

63,031

70  Dominican Republic

60,612

71  Luxembourg

60,131

72  Croatia 57,869

73  Uzbeki 57,210

78  Uruguay

55,143

79 Ethiopi

a52,335

80  Lebanon

49,919

81 Sloveni

a49,506

82  Tunisia 48,553

83  Lithuania

48,232

84  Costa Rica

48,144

85  Turkmenistan

47,932

86  Tanzania

47,932

87  Serbia 43,866

88  Panama

43,784

89  Yemen 43,229

90  Libya 41,148

91  Ghana 38,648

85  Lithuania 45,932

86  Serbia 45,520

87  Lebanon 44,352

88  Panama 42,648

89  Turkmenistan 41,851

90  Yemen 35,955

91  Jordan 33,679

92  Tanzania 33,225[n 8]

93  Bahrain 32,890

93  Côte d'Ivoire 30,905

94 Congo,

Democratic Republic of the

30,629

95  Bolivia 30,601

96  Paraguay 29,949

97  Cameroon 29,275

98  Latvia 28,373

99  Trinidad and 24,641

stan

74  Uruguay

55,708

75  Sudan 54,595

76  Bulgaria

54,481

77  Guatemala

53,797

 Macau 51,753

78  Costa Rica

49,621

79 Sloveni

a47,990

80  Ghana 47,830

81  Lebanon

47,221

82  Tunisia 46,883

83  Lithuania

46,403

84 Ethiopi

a46,017

85  Serbia 45,520

86  Kenya 44,100

92  Jordan 35,765

93

 Congo, Democratic Republic of the

34,677

94  Bolivia 34,425

95  Côte d'Ivoire

33,956

96  Bahrain

33,862

97  Latvia 31,970

98  Cameroon

31,669

99 Paragu

ay29,704

100 Trinida

d and Tobago

28,788

101  Uganda

27,616

102  Zambia 26,758

103  Estonia 25,953

104 El

Salvador25,329

105  Cyprus 23,269

Tobago

100  El Salvador 23,787

101  Estonia 24,477

102  Cyprus 22,767[n 9]

103  Zambia 20,678

104  Afghanistan 20,497

105  Uganda 19,881

106    Nepal 19,415

107  Gabon 18,661

108  Honduras 17,967

109  Equatorial Guinea

17,697

110 Bosnia and

Herzegovina17,048

111  Brunei 16,954

112  Georgia15,829[n

10]

113  Papua New Guinea

15,654

114  Jamaica 14,840

87  Turkmenistan

41,851

88  Panama

40,467

89  Syria 35,164

90  Yemen 34,714

91  Jordan 33,594

92  Tanzania

33,225

93  Bahrain

32,898

94

 Congo, Democratic Republic of the

32,691

95  Latvia 30,953

96  Bolivia 30,601

97  Cameroon

29,568

98 Paragu

ay29,208

99  Côte d'Ivoire

28,593

106  Afghanistan

20,312

107    Nepal 19,637

108 Hondur

as19,511

109 Bosnia

and Herzegovina

17,977

110  Gabon 17,182

111  Iceland 16,693

112  Mozambique

16,684

113  Georgia

16,535

114  Cambodia

16,551

115  Papua New Guinea

16,060

116  Botswana

15,789

117  Senegal

15,584

118  Brunei 15,102

119  Equato 14,308

115  Mozambique 14,588

116  Botswana 14,411

117  Senegal 14,160

118  Cambodia 14,062

119  Congo, Republic of the

13,678

120  Iceland 13,657

121  Albania 13,119

123  Namibia 12,807

 Guernsey + 

 Jersey11,515[n 5]

124  Chad 11,018

125  Zimbabwe 10,814

126  Nicaragua 10,507

127  Mauritius 10,492

128  Burkina Faso 10,441

129  Mali 10,308

100  Gabon 24,076

101 El

Salvador23,864

102 Trinida

d and Tobago

23,225

103  Cyprus 22,768

104  Estonia 22,376

105  Uganda

21,736

106  Zambia 21,490

107  Afghanistan

20,364

108 Hondur

as18,564

109    Nepal 18,029

110 Bosnia

and Herzegovina

17,319

111  Brunei 16,954

112  Georgia

15,830

113  Papua New Guinea

15,677

rial Guinea

120  Chad 13,947

121 Jamaic

a13,787

122 Zimba

bwe13,672

123 Congo,

Republic of the

13,502

124  Namibia

13,353

125  Albania 13,262

126  Mauritius

13,240

127 South

Sudan12,833

128  Burkina Faso

12,503

129 Mongo

lia11,981

130  Mali 11,915

131  Nicaragua

11,707

132  Laos 11,676

130  Mongolia 10,271

131  Madagascar 9,975

132  Armenia 9,910

133 Macedonia,

Republic of9,663

134  South Sudan 9,337

135  Laos 9,299

136  Malta 8,722

137  Bahamas, The 8,149

138  Haiti 7,843

139  Benin 7,557

140  Moldova 7,254[n 11]

141  Rwanda 7,103

142  Tajikistan 6,987

143  Guinea 6,768

144  Niger 6,568

145  Kyrgyzstan 6,473

114 Jamaic

a14,795

115 Congo,

Republic of the

14,763

116  Mozambique

14,605

117  Equatorial Guinea

14,491

118 North

Korea14,411

119  Botswana

14,410

120  Cambodia

14,038

121  Senegal

13,962

122  Iceland 13,579

123  Namibia

12,807

124  Albania 12,044

125  Mauritius

11,452

126  Burkina Faso

10,687

127  Nicara 10,508

133 Maced

onia, Republic of

11,342

134  Madagascar

10,595

135  Malta 10,582

136 Armeni

a10,279

137 Tajikist

an9,242

138  Haiti 8,711

139  Benin 8,701

140 Baham

as, The8,657

141  Niger 8,025

142  Rwanda

8,012

143 Moldo

va7,944

144  Kyrgyzstan

7,402

145  Kosovo 7,318

146  Guinea 6,529

146  Kosovo 6,238

147  Monaco 6,075

 Bermuda 5,474

148  Liechtenstein 4,826

149  Suriname 4,738

150  Malawi 4,264

151  Montenegro 4,231

152  Mauritania 4,199

  Isle of Man 4,076

 West Bank and Gaza

4,016

153  Fiji 3,908

154  Togo 3,814

155  Sierra Leone 3,796

156  Swaziland 3,744

157  Andorra 3,712

158  Barbados 3,685

gua

128 Mongo

lia10,271

129  Mali 10,262

 State of Palestine

10,255

130  Chad 10,183

131 South

Sudan10,060

132  Madagascar

9,968

133 Armeni

a9,950

 New Caledonia

9,840

134 Zimba

bwe9,802

135 Maced

onia, Republic of

9,576

136  Laos 9,100

137  Malta 8,775

138 Baham

as8,043

147  Suriname

5,297

148  Mauritania

5,079

149  Sierra Leone

5,033

150  Togo 4,604

151 Timor-

Leste4,478

152 Monte

negro4,462

153  Barbados

4,348

154  Malawi 4,263

155  Fiji 4,212

156  Eritrea 3,858

157  Swaziland

3,676

158  Burundi

3,094

159  Guyana

2,997

160  Maldives

2,854

 French Polynesia

3,448

159  Eritrea 3,092

160  Guyana 2,851

 New Caledonia

2,682

 Aruba 2,584

161  Burundi 2,472

162  Lesotho 2,448

163  Maldives 2,222

 Faroe Islands 2,198

164  Central African Republic

2,139

 Virgin Islands, U.S.

1,996

 San Marino 1,900

165  Cape Verde 1,897

166  Bhutan 1,780

167  Liberia 1,767

168  Belize 1,493

139 Tajikist

an7,633

140  Benin 7,557

141 Moldo

va7,253

142  Haiti 7,187

 French Polynesia

7,150

143  Rwanda

7,103

144  Niger 6,773

 Kosovo 6,499

145  Kyrgyzstan

6,475

146  Guinea 6,092

147  Liechtenstein

5,827

148  Monaco 5,707

149  Malawi 5,653

 Bermuda

5,593

150  Timor- 5,387

161  Lesotho

2,159

162  Bhutan 2,092

163  Liberia 2,028

164  Cape Verde

1,899

165  San Marino

1,786

166 Central

African Republic

1,786

167  Belize 1,693

168  Djibouti

1,589

169 Seyche

lles1,420

170 Saint

Lucia1,356

171 Antigu

a and Barbuda

1,242

172 Solom

on Islands1,155

173 Guinea

-Bissau1,024

174  Grenad 862

169  Timor-Leste 1,293

 Greenland 1,268

170  Djibouti 1,239

171  Saint Lucia 1,186

172  Antigua and Barbuda

1,176

173  Seychelles 1,032

 Cayman Islands

1,012

174 Solomon

Islands1,010

175  Gambia, The 917

 Somalia 917

176 Guinea-

Bissau897

177  Grenada 790

178  Vanuatu 785

179  Saint Kitts and Nevis

748

Leste

151  Suriname

5,012

152  Barbados

4,533

153  Sierra Leone

4,336

154 Monte

negro4,046

 Netherlands Antilles

4,009

155  Fiji 3,999

156  Togo 3,917

157  Mauritania

3,866

158  Swaziland

3,861

 Cayman Islands

3,393

159  Andorra

3,222

160  Eritrea 3,108

161  Guyana

2,851

a

175 Saint

Kitts and Nevis

841

176  Samoa 826

177  Gambia, The

825

178  Vanuatu

812

179

 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

731

180  Comoros

717

181 Domini

ca526

182  Tonga 454

183 São

Tomé and Príncipe

341

184 Federat

ed States of Micronesia

315

185  Palau 269

186 Marsha

ll Islands193

180  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

713

181  Samoa 677

182  Comoros 596

183  Dominica 480

184  Tonga 472

185 Micronesia,

Federated States of327

186 São Tomé and

Príncipe264

187  Palau 228

188 Marshall

Islands187

189  Kiribati 176

190  Tuvalu 37

162  Maldives

2,606

 Aruba 2,544

163  Lesotho

2,443

 Greenland

2,343

164  Burundi

2,257

165 Central

African Republic

2,184

166  Cape Verde

1,903

167  Bhutan 1,861

168  San Marino

1,853

169  Belize 1,554

170  Liberia 1,491

171  Djibouti

1,361

172 Saint

Lucia1,318

173  Somalia

1,306

187 Kiribat

i181

188  Tuvalu 38

174 Antigu

a and Barbuda

1,176

175 Seyche

lles1,031

176 Solom

on Islands1,010

177  Gambia, The

917

 British Virgin Islands

909

178 Guinea

-Bissau849

179  Grenada

783

180 Saint

Kitts and Nevis

765

 Zanzibar

755

181  Vanuatu

752

 Turks and Caicos Islands

728

182

 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

694

183  Samoa 681

184  Comoros

616

185 Domini

ca499

186  Tonga 465

187

 Micronesia, Federated States of

327

 Anguilla

288

 Cook Islands

283

188 São

Tomé and Príncipe

261

189  Palau 213

190 Marsha

ll Islands198

191 Kiribat

i176

192  Nauru 121

 Montserrat

64

193  Tuvalu 40

Brazil ( i / b r ə ̍ z ɪ l / ; Portuguese: Brasil [bɾaˈziw]),[9] officially the Federative Republic of

Brazil (Portuguese: República Federativa do Brasil,   listen (help·info)),[10] is the largest country in both South

America and the Latin American region. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by

population.[11] It is the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world, and the only one in the Americas.[12]

Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of 7,491 km (4,655 mi).[13] It borders all other

South American countries except Ecuador and Chile and occupies 47.3 percent of the continent of South

America.[14] Its Amazon River basin includes a vast tropical forest, home to diverse wildlife, a variety

of ecological systems, and extensive natural resources spanning numerous protected habitats.[13] This unique

environmental heritage makes Brazil one of 17 megadiverse countries, and is the subject of significant global

interest and debate regarding deforestation and environmental protection.

Brazil was inhabited by numerous tribal nations prior to the landing of traveler Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500,

who claimed the area for Portugal. Brazil remained a Portuguese colony until 1808, when the capital of

the empire was transferred from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro after French forces invaded Portugal. In 1815, it was

elevated to the rank of kingdom upon the formation of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves.

Its independencewas achieved in 1822 with the creation of the Empire of Brazil, a unitary state governed under

a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system. The country became a presidential republic in 1889,

when a military coup d'état proclaimed the Republic, although the bicameral legislature, now calledCongress,

dates back to the ratification of the first constitution in 1824. An authoritarian military junta had led the

nation from 1964 until 1985. Brazil's current Constitution, formulated in 1988, defines it as a federal republic.[15] The Federation is composed of the union of the Federal District, the 26 states, and the 5,570 municipalities.

The country's economy is the world's eighth largest by nominal and seventh largest by GDP (PPP) as of 2015.[6][16] A member of the BRIC group, Brazil until 2010 had one of the world's fastest growing major economies,

with its economic reforms giving the country new international recognition and influence.[17] Brazil's national

development bank plays an important role for the country's economic growth.[18] Brazil is a founding member of

the United Nations, the G20, BRICS, Unasul, Mercosul, Organization of American States, Organization of

Ibero-American States, CPLP and the Latin Union. Brazil is a regional power in Latin America and a middle

power in international affairs,[19] with some analysts identifying it as an emerging global power.[20] Brazil has

been the world's largest producer of coffee for the last 150 years.[21]

Facts and Statistics

Location: Eastern South America bordering Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay

985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km 

Capital: Brazilia 

Climate: mostly tropical, but temperate in south 

Population: 184,101,109 

Ethnic Make-up: white (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%, mixed white and black 38%, black 6%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 1% 

Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 80% 

Government: federative republic 

Business Etiquette and Protocol in BrazilRelationships & Communication

Brazilians need to know who they are doing business with before they can work effectively.

Brazilians prefer face-to-face meetings to written communication as it allows them to know the person with whom they are doing business.

The individual they deal with is more important than the company. Since this is a group culture, it is important that you do not do anything to embarrass a

Brazilian. Criticizing an individual causes that person to lose face with the others in the meeting. The person making the criticism also loses face, as they have disobeyed the unwritten

rule. Communication is often informal and does not rely on strict rules of protocol. Anyone

who feels they have something to say will generally add their opinion. It is considered acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking. Face-to-face, oral communication is preferred over written communication. At the

same time, when it comes to business agreements, Brazilians insist on drawing up detailed legal contracts.

Brazilian Society & Culture

Brazilian Diversity

Brazil is a mixture of races and ethnicities, resulting in rich diversity. Many original Portuguese settlers married native women, which created a new race, called

'mestizos'. 'Mulattoes' are descendents of the Portuguese and African slaves. Slavery was abolished in 1888, creating over time a further blurring of racial lines. Unlike many other Latin American countries where there is a distinct Indian population,

Brazilians have intermarried to the point that it sometimes seems that almost everyone has a combination of o European, African and indigenous ancestry.

Brazilian Family Values

The family is the foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability for most people.

Families tend to be large (although family size has been diminishing in recent years) and the extended family is quite close.

The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family. Nepotism is considered a positive thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and

trusts is of primary importance.

The Brazilian Class System

Despite the mixing of ethnicities, there is a class system in Brazil. Few Brazilians could be described as racist, although social discrimination on the basis of skin

colour is a daily occurrence. In general, people with darker brown skin are economically and socially disadvantaged. The middle and upper classes often have only brief interaction with the lower classes - usually

maids, drivers, etc. Class is determined by economic status and skin colour. There is a great disparity in wage differentials--and therefore lifestyle and social aspirations--

among the different classes Although women make up 40% of the Brazilian workforce, they are typically found in lower

paid jobs such as teaching, administrative support, and nursing. The 1988 constitution prohibits discrimination against women, but inequities still exist. The

one place where women are achieving equality is in the government.Brazil, which is officially known as the Federative Republic of Brazil, “Land of the Holy Cross”. It is certainly an endless discussion to define the whole country. Let’s focus upon the subject, “the traditional dress of Brazil” which is so bright andcolorful in nature. But before doing it I want to narrate its prolegomenon in few lines.