Brazil is located in Eastern South America with the Atlantic Ocean bordering it. It’s the largest country in South America, and in the Southern Hemisphere (CIA, 2017). Its land is mostly flat or has rolling lowlands in the north, with plain hills, and mountains throughout (CIA, 2017), not to mention the 3.3 million square miles of Amazon rain forest. While there are differences just in the terrain, it’s not the only example of diversity in this country.
Descent
Even though the country is the fifth most populated in the world and accounts for one-third of Latin America’s population, you probably can’t imagine of all the variety the culture holds (Britannica, 2017). Brazilians have ancestral descendants of Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Lebanese, Japanese, African and native indigenous people. From this vast mix, many skin colors are present. Black to white, and all in between (Moran and Moran, 2014).
Language
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, but there are many parts of the country who still speak the language of their ancestors, as well as English these days. It’s common to hear German and Polish spoken in the South, Italian and Japanese in Sao Paulo, and Spanish along Brazil’s neighboring countries (Moran and Moran, 2014).
Living Conditions
Most of the population lives along the eastern seaboard, with more and more people migrating inward (Britannica, 2017). There are first-world living conditions as well as approximately four million people live in favelas (shantytowns) in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
Even though the country is diverse, they’ve been able to excel over the years creating a better economy that continues to grow. Despite differences, Brazilians show their values in community, collectivisim, procreation, and a hierarchical society (Moran and Moran, 2014).
Reference:
Britannica. (2017, February 10). Brazil. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/place/Brazil
CIA. (2017, January 12). World Factbook – SOUTH AMERICA :: BRAZIL. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html
Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing cultural differences. London: Routledge.
sqf5216 says
Hi mms6304,
I thought your post was a captivating read. I felt that the most interesting point that you have mentioned was regarding the wide-range of diversity and variety that have contributed to Brazilian culture (Britannica, 2017). In addition, I felt that your citing of Moran, Abramson, & Moran (2014), highlighted the general idea of the deep-level diversity that exists among Brazil’s population: “Despite differences, Brazilians show their values in community, collectivisim, procreation, and a hierarchical society” (mms6304, 2017).
Furthermore, your post reinforced another important cultural aspect of Brazil, which is the significant the citizens place on “família” . For instance, according to Meyer (2010), “[Brazilians] focus much importance on the family structure and the values that are entrenched within that institution. Families are usually large, and even extended family members are close with one another, providing much-needed help and support to each other whenever and however necessary.” Interestingly, I find these values to be similar to the cultural values of “familismo” , which exists in most other Latin American countries, (Carteret & Ed, 2011).
In short, your post and images captured the essence that is Brazil. Moreover, I felt that your provided facts help create an image of Brazil’s diversity. Lastly, due to the rich heritage, values, and beautiful landscapes, I feel that Brazil is a deeply unique country.
Steph
References
Britannica. (2017, February 10). Brazil. Retrieved March 6, 2017 from https://www.britannica.com/place/Brazil
The Pennsylvania State University (2017) Differences Within Groups Versus Differences Between Groups. Retrieved March 6, 2017, from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1826457/modules/items/21654072
Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014) as cited by mms6304 (2017). Diversity of Brazil. Retrieved March 6, 2017 from http://sites.psu.edu/global/author/mms6304/
Meyer, A. (2010). Brazil.org.za. Retrieved March 6, 2017, from http://www.brazil.org.za/brazil-culture.html
Carteret, M., & Ed, M. (2011). Cultural values of Latino patients and families. Retrieved March 6, 2017, from http://www.dimensionsofculture.com/2011/03/cultural-values-of-latino-patients-and-families/
Callie Barbara Mcginnis says
Having very little knowledge about Brazil, it was certainly surprising to me that Brazil has such a variety of cultural holds. As you mentioned Brazilians have ancestral descendants of Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Lebanese, Japanese, African and native indigenous people. With this diversity, I was interested in their world of business, labor and their economy.
Doing business in Brazil can be quite challenging due to the economic uncertainties involving inflation, currency, exchange, and interest rates among other things. It can also be very exciting and enjoyable because of the immense economic opportunities that the country offers. Because of Brazil’s innumerable subtler cultural differences, what works in Chile or Panama will not often work in Brazil. (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2014)
Brazil’s economy has many well-developed industries including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and service. Brazil has the second highest number of airports of any nation in the world, trailing only the United States. Also, Brazil has the fourth most roadways in the world. (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2014) To be successful in business in Brazil it is very beneficial to have local expertise in the country. Brazil is still considered a developing nation, meaning that several areas of the economy remain underdeveloped. Brazils consumer base, regulatory environment and investment scope are not as mature as those of developed nations, and considerations must be made to that effect. (Top challenges of doing business in Brazil , 2016)
Brazil’s economic boom has pushed prices up in the country. The country’s stock market is also stagnant, making investments much more difficult. Brazil’s diverse and varied economy means that many companies moving into the country choose to do so in partnership with local companies. This makes the transition less disruptive for consumers, and gives companies essential insight on the local economy. Unions have a lot of influence in Brazil, and although their achievements have led to a more developed labor market, it is important for businesses to be aware of how they operate. It is easy to fall prey to Brazil’s labor laws, which are set out in 900 articles and are difficult to navigate. Non-compliance can lead to fines and a soured reputation. (Top challenges of doing business in Brazil , 2016)
It will certainly be interesting to see the changes Brazil makes in the next decade as they continue to develop.
References
Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences. New York: Routledge.
Top challenges of doing business in Brazil . (2016). Retrieved from TMF: https://www.tmf-group.com/en/news-insights/business-culture/top-challenges-brazil/