Einar H. Dyvik
Research expert covering Nordics and global data for society, economy, and politics
Brazil - Statistics & Facts
With an area of approximately 8.5 million square kilometers, Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world by area, and with more than 212 million inhabitants it is the seventh most populous nation. Brazil鈥檚 largest cities are S茫o Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and the capital Bras铆lia, although much of Brazil's international reputation is attached to its nature, particularly the Amazon rainforest. With its growing economy, membership of the BRICS bloc, and prominent role in the fight against climate change, recent decades have seen Brazil gradually transition from a regional to a global power.
The South America country's exports (primarily commodities such as iron ore, petroleum, and agricultural goods) are worth over 339 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, and imported goods are valued at over 252 billion U.S. dollars, making it a net exporter of goods.
The GDP per capita of Brazil peaked in 2011, before falling significantly during the economic difficulties that followed the 2014 economic crisis, as well as during the pandemic - while the figure is expected to grow throughout the remainder of the 2020s, projections until 2028 still do not exceed 2011 levels. Brazil鈥檚 unemployment rate has also spiked throughout this period, although post-pandemic projections do show a decline. Similar trends in Brazil's inflation rate can also be observed over the past decade, with annual increases as high as nine percent in 2015 and 2022, although these are projected to fall to around three percent over the coming years.
Demographics
Brazil is highly urbanized despite its large size and it has the second highest urbanization rate of any country with over 100 million inhabitants (after Japan). The majority of the population live along coastal regions, especially to the east and south. Brazil's fertility rate has been below replacement level since the early 2000s, however its birth rate is still well above its death rate, suggesting continued population growth in the coming years. Historically, Brazil's net migration rate was negative, meaning the number of emigrants leaving was higher than the number of immigrants arriving.Economy
Brazil is also among the leading emerging countries, the so-called BRICS states (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Its gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to over 2.1 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024, making it one of the largest economies in the world. Economic growth has been ongoing in the country since 2021. In 2025, it is expected that the country will have a two percent growth.The South America country's exports (primarily commodities such as iron ore, petroleum, and agricultural goods) are worth over 339 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, and imported goods are valued at over 252 billion U.S. dollars, making it a net exporter of goods.
The GDP per capita of Brazil peaked in 2011, before falling significantly during the economic difficulties that followed the 2014 economic crisis, as well as during the pandemic - while the figure is expected to grow throughout the remainder of the 2020s, projections until 2028 still do not exceed 2011 levels. Brazil鈥檚 unemployment rate has also spiked throughout this period, although post-pandemic projections do show a decline. Similar trends in Brazil's inflation rate can also be observed over the past decade, with annual increases as high as nine percent in 2015 and 2022, although these are projected to fall to around three percent over the coming years.
Future outlook
Brazil remains a regional powerhouse with global aspirations, balancing economic recovery, demographic shifts, and environmental responsibility. Although challenges persist, particularly regarding income distribution, its large market and strategic resources position it for gradual growth in the years to come.
