
Brazil In Focus
A Guide to the People, Politics and Culture
Series: Latin America In Focus
Published: 1997
Pages: 88
eBook: 9781909013049
Paperback: 9781899365005
Brazil In Focus is an authorative and up-to-date guide to the giant of Latin America. It explores:
- The history: Slavery and the sugar economy as a Portuguese colony; the dictatorship of GetĂșlio Vargas; the military government from 1964-85 and the return to democracy.
- The people: The "social apartheid" of extreme inequality; discrimination against Afro-Brazilian and Indians; the women's movement; street children and child labor; Christian and African religions.
- The politics: Political parties and the government of Fernando Henrique Cardoso; the popular movements of the shanty towns and peasant villages.
- The economy: Brazil's historical role as a supplier of raw materials to the rich nations of the North; Industrialization after the Second World War; the debt of the 1980s; economic policy under President Cardoso.
- The Amazon and the environment: Myths and legends of the Amazon; economic development and its impact on the environment; urban pollution.
- The culture: Carnival and samba; Brazilian literature, cinema and architecture; soccer; gambling; the mass media and food.
- Where to go and what to see: Must-see landmarks and historical sites as well as the authors expert tips on how to get the most out of a brief visit.
Brazil In Focus is one on a series of guides covering the countries of South and Central America and the Caribbean.
Jan Rocha
Jan Rocha is a freelance reporter and wriiter and has worked for the BBC and The Guardian