Brazil (Portuguese: Brasil), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: República Federativa do Brasil), is the largest country and the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America.

Brazil was a Portuguese colony from the landing of Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500 until 1815 when it became a united kingdom with Portugal. In 1822 the country became independent as the Brazilian Empire, but has been a republic since 1889, although the bicameral legislature, now called Congress, dates back to the ratification of the first constitution in 1824.

Brazil is a founding member of the United Nations, G20 Group, Mercosul and the Union of South American Nations, and is one of the BRIC Countries. Brazil is also home to a diversity of wildlife, natural environments, and extensive natural resources in a variety of protected habitats.

Independence and empire

History

Old republic and Vargas era

Military regime and contemporary era

Government and politics

Law

Foreign relations and military

States and municipalities

Geography

Climate

Flora and fauna

Economy

Components and energy

Science and technology

Transport

Demographics

Culture