The levels of disease, combined with extremely harsh working conditions, led to an incredibly short life-expectancy for indigenous slaves and led to a massive quantity of African captives being transported in Brazil to work (an estimated four million people before abolition). Brazil was the last country in the Western world to abolish slavery, in 1888, and it is estimated that 40% of the total number of slaves brought to the Americas were taken to Brazil.
Brazil achieved independence from Portugal in 1822 and was ruled by a constitutional monarchy until 1889, when a military coup led to the country becoming a republic. A large portion of the 20th century saw Brazil controlled by a military dictatorship (1930-45 and 1964–85), though it has seen increased political stability and liberalisation since.
Modern-day Brazil is a federal republic composed of 26 states and with a population of over 200 million people. 65% of Brazilians consider themselves Catholic, though this represents a notable reduction in the 90% who did so in 1970.
Coordinates: 10°65'S 51°55'W
Capital: Brasília
Capital Coordinates: 15°47'S 47°52'W
Other Main Cities: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador
Population: 201032714
Area: 8515767
Official Language(s): Portuguese
Ethnic Group(s): 47.73% White, 43.13% Pardoa (Mixed-race), 7.61% Black, 1.09% Asian, 0.43% Amerindian
Demonym: Brazilian
Currency: Real, R$, BRL
GDP: $2.523 trillion
Time Zone: BRT (UTC-2 to -5)
International Dialling Code: 55
Internet TLD: .br
ISO: BR
Electricity Voltage: 220 Volts AC (60Hz)