The Brazilian Population

Brazil has a population of 186 million people. Its population is growing rapidly at a rate of 10 million people per 3 year. The major part of the population is young and a large of the population consists of children.

Although Brazil covers a vast territory, most Brazilians live in cities. The most important cities are São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. If the suburbs are included, the population of São Paulo equals 24 million people whereas the population of Rio de Janeiro is estimated at 13 million people.

The population originates from a mixture of Europeans, Africans and Amerindians. Although African and Amerindian cultures have had an important influence, the Western culture of mainly Portuguese, German and Italian immigrants has been dominating the development of what is now known as Brazilian culture. African influences are strongest in the Northeast whereas the South is mainly inhabited by descendends of Europeans.