Abstract
After three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazil became an independent nation in 1822. Exploiting vast natural resources, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader. Meanwhile Brazil continues to develop its interior with an industrial and agricultural growth; it is becoming a real international actor. Indeed, Brazil is the largest and most populous country in South America, but it is also ranked 5th with its population of 186,112,794 people and its area of 8,547,403 km². Slightly smaller than the United States, it's also important to notice that, according to its numerous borders, Brazil has a strategic position in South America. We can notice it shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador. Furthermore, its important coastlines (7,491 km) permit it a beneficial access to the Atlantic Ocean, which represents a positive aspect for its sea transports. According to its government, which is a Democratic Federal Republic, Brazil is divided in twenty six states and one federal district. The largest city is São Paulo, but Brasilia which is inland, is the capital of the country. Because of The Amazonian Forest, the density is only 22/km², but a lot of populated cities are located on the coastline.
