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Basic Indicators

Source: UNICEF: The State of the World's Children Report

Population: 193,734,000 (2009)
National language: Portuguese
Per capita income: US$ 8,070 (2009)
Life expectancy: 73 years (2009)
% of population using
improved drinking water sources:
97% (2008)
% of population using
adequate sanitation facilities:
80% (2008)
Under 5 Mortality Rate: 21/1,000 live births (2009)

Sponsor a child today! Brazil is the largest country in South America, and holds the vast majority of the Amazon Rainforest. Slightly smaller than the United States (including Alaska), Brazil shares borders with 10 other South American countries and has roughly 4,600 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.

Although considered successful in comparison to many other South American countries, Brazil does have serious issues with which it must deal. In addition to facing environmental challenges resulting from the destruction of the rainforest for farming, the country must also address tremendous wealth disparities among its population.

Much of Brazil has developed a modern economy based on a mix of agriculture, mining and manufacturing as well as a substantial service sector. The most rural areas, however, are dominated by subsistence-level farming. Brazil exports transportation equipment and automobiles as well as iron and soy products.

Plan works with nearly 75,000 children and their families, developing programs in health, education, and children’s rights. Except in emergency situations, Plan does not provide direct assistance. Instead, we help communities develop, grow and, ultimately, support themselves.

Hear from the children
