History Of Brazil

Historians and scientists have discovered that communities of people were

living in what is now known as Brazil as long as 8 000 years ago. These
first traceable human beings were nomadic and semi-nomadic people who
are believed (although not proven) to have come from parts of Asia in
search of abundant hunting grounds. They were called Indians by the
Portuguese, when this European nation eventually arrived. To get to South
America from Asia, they had to cross the Pacific Ocean and / or Bering
Strait.

Eventually, the population could be divided into 1) agricultural settlements,
which cultivated and lived off the land, and 2) semi-nomadic people, who
moved around to find suitable food and water. These early societies
hunted, fished and grew their own goods to survive. The farming folk lived
to the west of the Andes Mountain Range and eventually became
urbanised over time. The semi-nomadic travellers lived to the east of these
mountains. Neither of these civilisations developed a significant written
form of history or any major buildings. Therefore, little is known about
Brazils earliest inhabitants.




Individual indigenous tribes and settlements numbered around 2 000 when
the Portuguese first discovered Brazil, as it came to be known. When these
Europeans arrived in the 16th century, they found themselves amidst a
people that practiced cannibalism, were involved in tribal warfare and
would fight for the popular brazilwood tree for its valuable red dye.
Therefore, these new arrivals felt it was necessary to civilise the natives.
They also immediately began to indulge in sexual relations with these ones,
creating a very mixed culture, which remains one of the characteristics of
the country to this day. They also brought with them many diseases from
Europe, which wiped out vast numbers of the Brazilian natives. Although
unintentional, this was responsible for the deaths of entire tribes as they
swept through the country uncontrolled and untreated. The original
population of these indigenous ones is estimated to be around 200 000
today, with most of these ones inhabiting the jungles.




Portugal was experiencing a massive economic crisis at this time, leading
to a mass move of these people into South America, where they saw the
potential to trade and to settle on safe, fertile land. However, they did not
find much worth trading except the brazilwood trees. These settlers created
their homes and communities mainly along the shore, where the ocean
could provide them with food and a convenient transport route.
Slavery was a major trend in Brazil, although this was rarely recorded in the
official annals of history. These slaves were brought to South America from
Africa. Therefore, many of the modern-day people of Brazil have African
genes too.
When gold was found in Brazil in the 1690s, this country was finally
recognised for its mineral and trading potential. Approximately a century
later, though, it was clear that the gold deposits were limited and that the
agricultural value of this country remained its main asset. Napoleon
Bonaparte arrived in 1807 and the Prince Regent, Dom Joao, arrived
shortly thereafter. When Dom Joao returned to Portugal in 1821, he left
Brazil in the hands of his son, Dom Pedro. However, when the king tried to
return to what was, essentially, his territory (Brazil), his son rebelled,
declaring this countrys independence from Portugal.




Coffee and sugar became major products of Brazil, giving the locals work
and establishing the country within the worlds economy. The 19th century
coffee magnates cooperated with a military coup, removing imperialism
from Brazil, and making these coffee planters the major Brazilian powers of
the time. The economic abundance stopped, however, when the world
experienced a major depression. This created a country that was politically,
economically, socially and morally worn down and unstable.
Today, Brazil is a democracy, and boasts one of the worlds fastest growing
economies. As such, it remains a formidable competitor for other such
lands.

Brazil Geography

Brazils geography is a fascinating one. As the home of the acclaimed
Amazon Rainforest, as well as the Brazilian Highlands and vast stretches
of coastline, this South American country continues to impress visitors in its
natural splendour and complexity. Brazil has a total surface area of 8 514
877 square kilometers (3 287 612 square miles) of which 8 459 417 square
kilometers (3 266 199 square miles) is land and 55 460 square kilometers
(or 21 410 square miles) is water. As such, Brazil is the fifth largest country
in the world (both in terms of area and population) and occupies almost half
of the entire South American continent. The coastline stretches for 7 491
kilometers (or 4 655 miles), and continues to be a major tourist attraction
for the country. The shore is made up of mangroves, lagoons, dunes and
spectacular coral reefs.




Brazil Culture

The Brazilian culture is one of the worlds most varied and diverse. This is due to
its being a melting pot of nationalities, as a result of centuries of European
domination as well as slavery, which brought hordes of African migrants across
Brazils borders to live in and influence the local cultures with their ancient customs
and ideas. The European settlers also brought ideas, innovations and belief
systems with them, shaping the local societies significantly. All of these different
influences have meant that the modern-day Brazilian culture is unique and very
complex.
Language of Brazil
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, and is spoken by more than 99% of the
population.


Dresses of Brazil







National sport of Brazil
Football (or soccer) is the most popular sport in Brazil. The national team has won the
FIFA World Cup five times.









Item Name Foods of Brazil

Bob de camaro


Caldeirada


Carne-de-sol


Caruru


Churrasco


Arroz de coco (coconut rice)





Silver Oaks
Assignment

Subject: PR

Name: Azka Abid

Class: 7
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