An Introduction to Brazilian Culture

The Brazilian Flag

Population, Religion, and Language

Similar to the United States, Brazil is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. Of the over 200 million people in Brazil, around 50% are white individuals, 40% are mixed nationalities, and 10% are black. Interestingly, about 80% of the population is Roman Catholic as a result of Portuguese settlers building churches, and spreading the teachings of Catholicism to the tribes there. Also as a result of the Portuguese settlers in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the official language of the region is Portuguese with almost 100% of the region speaking it.

Family and Economics

Family is incredibly important to the people of Brazil. Families are usually large, and even extended family members are close with one another. The success of one's family economically often depends on their skin color. The wage gap in Brazil is quite evident, with the more successful people being those with lighter skin. In addition, women, who make up 40% of the Brazilian workforce, often do lower-paying jobs such as teaching and nursing, while men statistically make more money.

A map of Brazil issued by Portuguese Explorers in 1519

Sources:

http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/brazil-guide
http://www.brazil.org.za/brazil-culture.html
http://www.hairottsalons.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/41206818_thumbnail.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Brazil-16-map.jpg