About Brazil

BRAZIL

The Federative Republic of Brazil is the largest country in both South America and the Latin American region. It is the world's fifth largest country by geographical area and the seventh by population ( 203 million in 2022). It is the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world, and the only one in the Americas.

Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of 7,491 km (4,655 mi). It borders all other South American countries except Ecuador and Chile and occupies 47.3 percent of South America. Its Amazon River basin includes a vast tropical forest.

Brazil was inhabited by numerous tribal nations prior to the landing of explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral on April 22^nd 1500, who claimed the area for Portugal. For over three centuries, Brazil was colonized by the Portuguese. In 1808, just before Napoleon forces invaded Portugal, the royal family was transferred from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro.. In 1815, Brazil  was elevated to the rank of kingdom upon the formation of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves. Its independence was 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, although the bicameral legislature, now called National Congress, dates back to the ratification of the first constitution in 1824. Brazil's current Constitution, promulgated  in 1988, defines it as a federal republic. The Federation  consists of a government system in three levels: (i) union, (ii) states and Federal District, and (iii) municipalities (Federal District, 26 states, and 5,564 municipalities).

According to World Bank,  Brazilian economy is the world's ninth largest by nominal GDP and the eighth largest by purchasing power parity, as of 2022.  The country is a member of the BRICS, as well as of the G20 groups. Brazil is a founding member of the United Nations,  the G20, CPLP, the Organization of Ibero-American States, the Organization of American States and MERCOSUR (Southern Common Market). It is one of 17 megadiverse countries, home to a variety of wildlife, natural environments, and extensive natural resources. Brazil has been the world's largest producer of coffee for over 150 years.

BRAZILIAN CULTURE

The Afro-Brazilian Culture

Brazil has the largest population of African origin outside Africa and its culture is therefore highly influential in the northeast of Brazil.  In the beginning of the nineteenth century, the rituals and African customs were prohibited, as they did not fit into the European cultural standards . However, during the twentieth century,  Afro-Brazilian culture fairly became accepted as genuinely national art.

Music
Samba was one of the first expressions of the Afro-Brazilian culture to be admired, and it has occupied a distinguished position in popular music.  African drums have also brought something other than chants and dances with them. Besides  samba, the African influence on Brazilian music goes from  Maracatu to  Congada, Cavalhada and Mozambique, sounds and rhythms that travel and conquer Brazil from end to end.

Capoeira

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art developed during slavery. Elements of Capoeira were brought by enslaved people were combined in Brazil to create a unique means of  self defense disguised as a dance by its chants and musical accompaniment. Nowadays Capoeira is practiced all over the world - from Argentina to Australia and beyond. This Brazilian martial art is one of the most known cultural manifestations in the world.

Religion

During the slavery , Africans were baptized on their arrival and forced to follow the catholic religion. Although some of them in fact  converted to Catholicism,  many  continued  practicing their African religion  in secret.

In Africa, religion and worship were in the family circle of a particular lineage, clan or group of priests. With the separation of the families, nations and tribes in Brazil, this structure was fragmented.  Nonetheless, the Africans united and shared their different forms of worship and knowledge in secret rituals of their religion and culture.

Afro-Brazilian religions constitute a relatively recent phenomenon in the Brazilian religious history. Candomblé, the most traditional and African among these religions, began in the Northeast. It started in the state of Bahia, and has been synonymous of Afro-Brazilian religions in general.

Cuisine

The African presence is outstanding and fundamental in the Brazilian gastronomy, with dishes such as vatapá, acarajé, caruru, mungunzá, sarapatel, baba de moça, cocada, coconut candy, and many others.

Another very popular dish is feijoada, which originates from the senzalas (slave-quarters) during slavery. At that time, the best meat used to be offered to the masters, and the leftovers to the slaves. Dry-meat and leftover pork were mixed with black beans and cooked in a very big caldron.

Gastronomy

For over 500 years, Brazilian gastronomy has been a large mixture of traditions and ingredients that were introduced not only by the indigenous native population, but also by enslaved Africans and  immigrants mostly from Europe (Italians, Spaniards, Germans and Portugueses), Middle East (Lebaneses) and Asian (Japaneses). Each region in the country has its own specialties according to its climate and geography. The discovery of Brazil itself has a connection with gastronomy  since the Portuguese caravels berthed here in 1500 on their way to India  in search of spices. Due to the differences in climate, landform, types of soil and vegetation, as well as various peoples inhabiting the same region, it is very difficult to establish a typical Brazilian dish.

Rice and beans, which are cooked  slightly different according to the region, can be considered a national unanimity. Although the mixture of both is so characteristic and common in Brazil, it is not enough to summarize the whole complexity and richness of the Brazilian cuisine.

Northern region

Influences: The strong indigenous presence mixed with European immigration differs the Northern cuisine  from any other in the country. Many consider it  the major example of typically Brazilian gastronomy. In spite of its Amazon roots, the regional cuisine is  strongly influenced  by the Portuguese, early in the colonization. Later, during the Amazon rubber boom  in the end of nineteenth century, other peoples arrived and left their traces, such as the Lebanese, Japanese, Italians and even Brazilians from the Northeastern region  who migrated to this region in the same period.

Main ingredients: manioc (cassava), cupuaçu, açaí, pirarucu, urucum (Brazilian turmeric), jambu, guaraná, tucunaré, Brazilian nut.

Typical dishes: Duck in Tucupi, Caruru, Tacacá, Maniçoba.

Northeastern region

Influences: The climatic diversity (tropical on the coast and semi-arid inland) has direct reflexes in Northeastern gastronomy. From Pernambuco’s shore up to Bahia’s, the African presence is strong due to the vestiges of slavery period   and the sugar cane cycle. In Alagoas, seafood is common because of its various coastal lakes. In the countryside of the Northeast, the climate itself favors the consumption of meat, above all “carne de sol” (a local technique used to dry meat under the sun) and dishes made of roots. The recipes to celebrate religious parties in June are also typical.

Main ingredients: Palm oil, manioc, coconut juice, ginger, corn, sour sop, shrimps, crab.

Typical dishes: Acarajé, vatapá, caranguejada, buchada, paçoca, tapioca, sarapatel, couscous, cocada.

Midwestern region

Influences: The local cuisine is highly influenced by cattle raising, one of the main economical activities of the territory, where people are big fans of beef and pork. The immigration cycles also brought along African, Portuguese, Italian and Lebanese cuisine. And the strong indigenous presence led to the regional preference for roots. Up North, the proximity to Pará reflected directly on some dishes preparation, especially the ones made of ‘carne de sol’ (sun dried meat) and pequi (local fruit with yellow pulp). Mato Grosso do Sul , state which borders Paraguay and Bolivia , has a big influence from Latin American cuisine and its fish soups. Due to animal diversity in Pantanal, exotic meats and typical fish, as Pacu, Pintado and Dourado, are also part of the menu.

Main ingredients: Pequi, manioc, dried meat, mate tea, corn

Typical dishes: Rice with pequi, beef stew with okra, Paraguayan soup, empadão goiano (chicken pie with sausage and vegetables), piranha broth, vaca atolada (pot roast cooked with manioc)

Southeastern region

Influences: Up to the  19^th century, Southeastern cuisine was essentially influenced by Portuguese, Indigenous and African origins. Simple foods as roots, meats, grains and vegetables were disseminated throughout the territory, which made each state’s gastronomy quite similar in terms of ingredients and procedures. The exception is Espírito Santo state that, being close to Northeast and with a big coastline, concentrates on fish and seafood on everyday dishes. After the arrival of Japanese, Lebanese, Syrian, Italian and Spanish immigrants, the gastronomic diversity increased, above all in São Paulo. In this state, the Italian cuisine is very assimilated to the local habit .

Main ingredients: Rice, beans, egg, meats, pasta, palm heart, manioc, banana, potato, cassava starch

Typical dishes: Tutu de feijão, virado à paulista, moqueca capixaba, feijoada, picadinho paulista, pão de queijo.

Southern region

Influences: The ethnic mixture in the South result in a completely different culinary from the rest of the country, with a stronger touch of the German and Italian cuisines – besides the  Portuguese and Spanish influence. Barbecue, the main specialty of Rio Grande do Sul state, comes from a historical fact. To catechize the local Indians during colonization, Jesuit priests introduced cattle raising to the region and left the responsibility to the natives. Upon arrival of explorers from São Paulo and Minas Gerais (called “bandeirantes”), who slaved Indians, the cattle broke loose on the fields and spread throughout the territory, where there weren’t predators. From that historical events come the abundance of pasture and the tradition of gaucho barbecue. When the Italians migrated to that region from the end of 19^th century onward , pasta, polenta (cornmeal porridge) and chicken were added to the regional eating habit. German influence, on the other hand, was restricted to countryside colonies of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina states. Paraná state, despite the strong Italian influence, has also a significant indigenous cookery culture, with roots and grains above all.

Main ingredients: Beef and lamb, corn flour, mate tea

Typical dishes: Barreado (beef stew), barbecue, chicken, capeletti soup, arroz de carreteiro (rice with various meats), sopa catarinense (fish soup)

HISTORY

Cultural and Architectural Heritage

As of 2023, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) considers 23 World Heritage Sites in Brazil, fifteen of them are cultural sites, seven natural sites and one mixed site.  There is also intangible cultural heritage which consist of nonphysical intellectual wealth of a country or region, such as tradition, language, folklore and customs. According to UNESCO,  “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” includes the following Brazilian elements: Samba de Roda of the Recôncavo of Bahia; Oral and graphic expressions of the Wajapi                ; Call for projects of the National Programme of Intangible Heritage; Fandango's Living Museum; Yaokwa, the Enawene Nawe people's ritual for the maintenance of social and cosmic order; Frevo, performing arts of the Carnival of Recife; Círio de Nazaré (The Taper of Our Lady of Nazareth) in the city of Belém, Pará; Capoeira circle; and Cultural Complex of Bumba-meu-boi from Maranhão.

                Among World Heritage Sites in Brazil, it can be highlighted the following:

Ouro Preto (MG)

The city, which until 1897 was the capital of Minas Gerais, is famous for its chapels, churches, fountains and bridges, built in the 18th Century. The city has masterpieces from the baroque and rococo artistic periods, in which both Portuguese masters and local artists worked, the most famous being Antônio Francisco Lisboa, better known as Aleijadinho (“the Little Cripple”). Ouro Preto was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980.

Olinda (PE)

The historic centre of Olinda, a city founded back in the 16th century, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Olinda is famous for its buildings, gardens, baroque churches and convents, most of which were built in the 18th century.

São Miguel das Missões (RS)

The ruins at São Miguel das Missões have been a cultural asset of humanity since 1983. This heritage goes back to the Jesuit missions of the 17th and 18th centuries, established to occupy land assigned to Spain and also to spread the word of the Christian faith.

Salvador (BA)

The historic quarter of the city of Salvador, the first capital of Brazil (from 1549 to 1763), was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1985, and preserves buildings from the period between the 18th and 20th centuries. Salvador is famous for the colors of the Pelourinho and the architectural complex of houses, manors, palaces, churches and convents.

Congonhas (MG)

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, in the Minas Gerais city of Congonhas, was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1985. Built in the 18th century, this city offers the largest collection of colonial art in Brazil, including a church with rococo interior and Italian inspiration, as well as chapels and other baroque sculptures by Antônio Francisco Lisboa, better known as Aleijadinho. The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos is considered to be the artist’s masterpiece.

Brasília (DF)

The city of Brasília was given the title of Cultural Heritage City in 1987, when only 27 years old. Its construction was planned by city planner Lúcio Costa and by architect Oscar Niemeyer, who had the intention of bringing each element of this location into harmony with the general plan of the city. In particular, Unesco considers the official buildings to be “innovative and imaginative”.

São Luís (MA)

Homogeneous groups of architecture, mainly on the civil side, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, make up the centre of the city of São Luís, a city which has been a Unesco Heritage Site since 1997. The city boasts close to a thousand buildings from the colonial and imperial periods.

Diamantina (MG)

The historic centre of Diamantina was granted the status of World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1999. The city blends in well with the local landscape of rocky mountains, and its architectural heritage includes colonial houses with baroque inspiration, churches, and other historic buildings.

Goiás Velho (GO)

In 2001, Unesco granted the status of World Heritage Site to the historic quarter of the city of Goiás Velho (Old Goiás). The development of mining activities in the past has adapted to the physical conditions of this location, the architecture of which has its origins in the occupation and colonization of central Brazil in the 18th and 19th centuries.

CLIMATE

Although most of Brazil lies in the tropics, more than 60 percent of the population live in areas which are cooled either by altitude, sea winds or polar fronts. While the coastal cities of Rio de Janeiro, Recife and Salvador can get extremely hot, plateau cities such as São Paulo, Brasília and Belo Horizonte have more mild climates, and the southern cities of Porto Alegre and Curitiba have a climate similar to that of southern Europe.

Despite the popular image of the Amazon as a region of blistering heat, temperatures of more than 32°C (90°F) are in fact rare. The annual average temperature in the region is 22-26°C (72-79°F), with not much variation between the warmest and the coldest months. The hottest part of Brazil is the northeast, where temperatures of more than 38°C (100°F) are frequently recorded during the dry season between May and November. Along the Atlantic coast from Recife to Rio de Janeiro, average temperatures range from 23 to 27°C (73-81°F). Inland, on higher altitude, temperatures are lower, ranging from 18 to 21°C (64-70°F). In the area  of Rio de Janeiro the seasons are more defined and the range of temperatures significantly wider, with the annual average falling between 17 and 19°C (63-66°F).

Brazil's most intense rain falls around the mouth of the Amazon river at the Atlantic Ocean, near the city of Belém, and also in the upper regions of Amazon region where more than 2,000 millimeters (78 inches) of rain fall every year. In general, Brazil has moderate rainfall of between 1,000 and 1,500 millimeters (39 to 59 inches) a year, most of it coming between December and April. The driest part of the country is the northeast, where rainfall is irregular and the evaporation rate very high, making it difficult to grow crops.

Average temperatures and rainfall

EDUCATION

The Federal Government of Brazil regulates country’s educational system through the Ministry of Education. The government provides each region with funding and educational guidelines, and the states are responsible for implementing and enforcing them . Brazil has  public and private sector schools.

The Brazilian education system covers pupils in the following stages:

• Elementary school (Ensino Fundamental) – from 6 to 14 years of age
• High school (Ensino Medio) – 15 to 17 years of age
• Higher education (Ensino Superior) – this occurs after schooling is completed.

School is compulsory for all children between 7 and 14 years of age. The rate of literacy among the adult population is 93.2%.

In terms of higher education , there is a mixture of publicly- and privately-funded institutions. Publicly-funded universities are completely financially supported by the government and on average offer a superior education to those that are privately-funded.

A Bachelor degree in Brazil takes between four and six years to be completed.

The grading system is usually either based on percentages (from 0% to 100%) or on a scale system, where 0 is the worst and 10 is the best mark. The grading system works as follows:

A: 90% – 100% (Excellent)
B: 80% – 89% (Very good)
C: 70% – 79% (Good)
D: 60% – 69% (Satisfactory)
E: < 60% (Failing grade)

The lowest passing grade is usually 6 or 7 out of 10, which is equivalent to a C or D symbol.

 The most prestigious universities in Brazil are:

• The University of São Paulo
• The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
• The Federal University of Santa Catarina
• The Federal University of Minas Gerais
• The Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte
• The Federal University of Pernambuco

ECONOMY

According to World Bank, Brazilian economy is the world’s ninth largest by nominal GDP and the eighth largest by purchasing power parity, as of 2022.  The Brazilian economy is characterized by moderately free market economy.

After registering a 4.1% shrinkage in the national GDP in 2020, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brazilian economy showed a recovery process throughout 2021 - 2022. World Bank estimates that Brazil’s GDP growth in 2023 of 3,1% mostly due to the exceptional agriculture performance during the year. In 2024 Brazilian economy is project to grow at least 1.5%.  

Economic Components

According to Statista,  service sector is the largest component of Brazil’s GDP at  58.91% , followed by the industry sector at 20.7% . Agriculture represents 6.81% of GDP (2022). The number of employed people in Brazil reached approximately 100 million in the second quarter of 2023. Together with the non-employed population, they formed the Brazilian labor force, which amounted to almost 108.4 million. Around 70% of all employment in Brazil is in the service sector.

Agriculture and food production

Brazil has created and expanded a complex agribusiness sector. Agribusiness contributes massively  to Brazil’s trade balance. In 2023, Brazilian agriculture and livestock exports amounted to USD 81.5 billion, which contributed to a record trade balance surplus of USD 98.8 billion. The country is essentially self-sufficient in basic foodstuffs and is a leading exporter of a wide range of crops, including sugar, coffee, orange juice, soybean and cattle.

The importance given to the rural producer takes place in the shape of the agricultural and cattle-raising plan and through another specific program geared towards family agriculture (Pronaf), which guarantee financing for equipment and cultivation and encourage the use of new technology. With regards to family agriculture, over 800 thousand rural inhabitants are assisted by credit, research and extension programs. A special line of credit is available for women and young farmers.

Over 600,000 km² of land are divided into approximately five thousand areas of rural property; an agricultural area currently with three borders: the Central-western region (savanna), the Northern region (area of transition) and parts of the Northeastern region(semi-arid). ”Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento” (National Supply Company) estimates that grain crops 2023/2024 will produce 306.6 million tons - around 155 million tons of which will be soybean

In the bovine cattle-raising sector, the "green ox," which is raised in pastures, on a diet of hay and mineral salts, conquered markets in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Brazil has the largest cattle herd in the world, with 234,4  million heads, responsible for beef exports surpassing the mark of US$10 billion in 2023.

A pioneer and leader in the manufacture of short-fiber timber cellulose, Brazil has also achieved positive results within the packaging sector, in which it is the fifth largest world producer. In the foreign markets, it is responsible for 25% of global exports of raw cane and refined sugar; it is the world leader in soybean exports and is responsible for 80 percent of the planet's orange juice. Since 2003, Brazil has been leading the market of  beef and chicken worldwide.

Industry

Brazil has the third largest manufacturing sector in the Americas. Accounting for 20,7% of GDP, Brazil's diverse industries rangefrom automobiles, steel and petrochemicals to computers, aircraft, and consumer durables. With increased economic stability provided by the Plano Real (1994), Brazilian and multinational businesses have invested heavily in new equipment and technology, a large proportion of which has been purchased from U.S. firms.

Brazil has a diverse and sophisticated services industry as well. During the early 1990s, the banking sector accounted for as much as 16 percent of the GDP. After undergoing a major overhaul, Brazil's financial services industry provides local businesses with a wide range of products and is attracting numerous new entrants, including U.S. financial firms.

Proven mineral resources are extensive. Large iron and manganese reserves are important sources of industrial raw materials and export earnings. Deposits of nickel, tin, chromite, uranium, bauxite, beryllium, copper, lead, tungsten, zinc, gold, and other minerals are exploited.

Largest companies

Below are Brazil’s largest companies organized by asset value in February 2024. Shown within parentheses is the primary industry in which each company operates.

1. Petrobras (oil, gas): US$ 112.44 billion

2. Itaú Unibanco (bank): US$ 67.75 billion

3. Vale (iron, steel): US$ 56.82 billion

4. Nu Holding (bank): US$ 49.73 billion

5. Banco Santander Brasil (bank): US$ 42.52 billion

6. Ambev (alcoholic beverages and soft drinks): US$ 41.06 billion

7. BTG Pactual (bank): US$ 36.72 billion

8. Banco do Brasil (bank): US$ 33.48 billion

9. Banco Bradesco (bank): US$ 28.94 billion

10. WEG ON (electric-electronic equipment): US$ 28.01 billion

Seven of these large Brazilian exporters grew their asset base from 2017 to December 2018, led by payment systems provider Cielo via its 166.5% increase. In second place was industrial conglomerate Itaúsa (up 9.2%) trailed by food processor BRF (up 3.8%).

Sales is the life blood of most businesses, particularly for firms that compete in international trade. Eight of the biggest Brazilian companies grew their sales from 2017 to December 2018, ranging from 2% for payment processor Cielo up to 25.6% for iron and steel producer Vale.

1. Petrobras: US$90 billion, up 11% from 2017
2. Banco Bradesco: $76.5 billion, up 9.1%
3. Banco do Brasil: $55 billion, down -4%
4. JBS: $51.1 billion, up 4.5%
5. Vale: $34.1 billion, up 25.6%
6. Braskem: $12.1 billion, down -12.4%
7. Metalurgica Gerdau: $12.1 billion, up 12%
8. BRF: $10.5 billion, up 8.5%
9. Cielo: $3.6 billion, up 2%
10. Itaúsa: $1.6 billion, up 19.4%

Eight of the Brazil’s largest firms were profitable at December 2018. Two companies endured losses during the latest period, specifically food processor BRF plus iron and steel maker Metalurgica Gerdau.

1. Banco Bradesco: US$4.7 billion, up 8.5% from 2017
2. Vale: $4.6 billion, up 20.4%
3. Banco do Brasil: $3.4 billion, up 47.8%
4. Itaúsa: $2.6 billion, up 10.2%
5. Cielo: $1.3 billion, up 13%
6. Braskem: $1.3 billion, reversing a -$136 million loss%
7. Petrobras: $642 million, reversing a -$4.3 billion loss
8. JBS: $189 million, up 75.2%
9. Metalurgica Gerdau: -$102 million, down -74.2%
10. BRF: -$352 million, up 229.6%

Food processor JBS increased its profits by 75.2% from $108 million in 2017 to $189 million at December 2018.[u1] 

Six of Brazil’s top 10 major companies have their headquarters in the state of São Paulo, located in the Brazil’s south-eastern region and the second-most highly populated Brazilian city. Rio de Janeiro is the second-most populous Brazilian city and home to two other top enterprises. In contrast, just Banco do Brasil is based in Brazil’s capital city of Brasilia.

1. 1. Petrobras: Rio de Janeiro

2. Itaú Unibanco: São Paulo3. Vale: Rio de Janeiro

4. Nu Holding: São Paulo

5. Banco Santander Brasil: São Paulo

6. Ambev: São Paulo

7. BTG Pactual: São Paulo

8. Banco do Brasil: Brasília

9. Banco Bradesco: Osasco, state of São Paulo

10. WEG ON: Jaraguá do Sul, state of Santa Catarina

Energy

Brazil generated nearly 93% of its electricity from clean sources during the first nine months of 2023, up more than 2 percentage points from the same period in 2022, while the global average is around 25%. Brazil is also a global leader in second generation biofuels and flex-fuel cars provide a large domestic market. Ethanol supply is set to average 660 kb/d in 2026, up 90 kb/d compared with 2020 and 35 kb/d higher than in 2019. Nevertheless, the fossil fuel sector still plays an important role in both the global scenario and the national economy.

The Brazilian government has undertaken an ambitious program to reduce dependence on imported petroleum. According to The Brazilian National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), the 2022 average oil production was 3.02 million barrels per day, 2.47% higher than the previous annual record, in 2020, totaling 1.1 billion barrels of oil and 50.3 billion cubic meters of natural gas Imports previously accounted for more than 70% of the country's oil needs but Brazil became self-sufficient in oil in 2006-2007.

The country is a net exporter of crude oil (net exports of 56 Mt in 2022); crude oil exports increased by around 20%/year between 2013 and 2020, reaching 69 Mt in 2020. They decreased by 2.9% in 2021 and increased by 1.7% in 2022.

. Brazil is one of the world's leading producers of hydroelectric power, with a current capacity of about 190.000 megawatts (2023). Brazil's first commercial nuclear reactor, Angra I, located near Rio de Janeiro, has been in operation for more than 30 years. Angra II was completed in 2002 and is in operation too. An Angra III is under construction. The three nuclear reactors will have a combined capacity of 9.000 megawatts.

Brazil is also a significant producer of biofuels, mostly produced from sugarcane, and is increasing production of biodiesel, as well as wind and solar power electricity.

Renewable energy sector accounts, on average, for about  83% of the Brazilian electricity matrix. .