Brazil: Key facts and figures

Brazil is Latin America’s largest country and the fifth most populous in the world with nearly 193 million people. Its economy is forecast to grow 6.5% this year. A social welfare scheme introduced by President Lula in 2003 has transformed the lives of millions of poor people, although the gap between rich and poor remains high.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8702891.stm