Glencoe World Geography

Chapter 10: Latin America Today

“Brazil”


Introduction
Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest country in the world. Occupying almost half of the continent, Brazil borders every South American country except Chile and Ecuador. After decades of military dictatorships, democracy returned to Brazil in 1989. However, this democracy is threatened by social conditions that include rampant poverty and the world's most unequal distribution of wealth.

Destination Title: Destination Brazil

Directions
Start at the Destination Brazil Web site.
  • Click on Background Info on the left side of the page. Click on and read about the Government, People and Society, and Culture and History.
  • Refer back to the menu on the left side of the page, and click on See. Read about Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and The Amazon.
  • You may click on the map of Brazil for reference.

Using the information gathered from this site, answer the following questions.

1
What type of government does Brazil currently have?
2
Who designed Brasilia? What are the disadvantages of living there?
3
What is Brazil's major religion? How was this religion brought to the country?
4
What problems does Brazil's government face today?
5
The Amazon River and its surrounding forests are one of the world's most important and beautiful habitats. As you have learned, however, the rain forests and resources of the Amazon are rapidly being depleted or destroyed. Research to find out more about this problem. What specifically is causing the destruction? What is being done to counteract and correct the problem? What are some species that are being directly affected? Find data to support your research. Create a multimedia presentation (such as a PowerPoint presentation) to share your findings, or decorate a large poster board with pictures and information to share with your class.
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