Intelligence Handbook for Special Operations: BRAZIL

IntroductionBrazil, the fifth largest country in the world, has an area greater than that of the continental United States, a population equal to that of the rest of South America, and a culture predominantly Portuguese in origin. It is located in the eastern half of South America and borders all but two of the nations of the continent. It is a land of immense dimensions, dramatic diversities, growing strength and unity, and with a determination to play an international role commensurate with its power potential.Brazil is a federal republic composed of 22 states, 4 territories, and the Federal District. For practical purposes, however, it is usually treated in five geographical regions: the North, Northeast, East, South, and West-Central, which are distinguished by variations in topography, climate, and economy. The greater part of the country consists of highlands which fall sharply to a narrow coastal plain in the east and rather gradually to the west to form an extensive and almost level plain for the vast rain forests of the Amazon and its tributaries.In 1967 there were some 85.2 million Brazilians. Their distribution, racial composition, and way of life differ widely, but most of them share the Roman Catholic faith, the Portuguese language, and values related to national pride and destiny. Eighty percent of them live within 200 miles of the Atlantic coast, where the principal cities are situated; relatively few have penetrated far inland. To stimulate westward movement and development the national capital was transferred from Rio de Janeiro to the newly built inland city of Brasília in 1960. Read more