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Brazil   Why children in Brazil need your helpBrazil is one of the world's largest democracies and, in more recent years, has had a steadily growing economy. However, the country's development has been hampered by high inflation and foreign debt.
Education is also a major issue for children living in economically undeveloped regions, and although Brazil is on the way to achieving universal primary education, many children leave school without being taught basic skills. This has a dramatic impact on their employment options and limits their opportunities for escaping poverty. Country factsBrazil is the largest and most populous country in Latin America. Brazil gained independence in 1822 following three centuries of rule under the Portuguese, and became a republic in 1899. Much of Brazil's population is concentrated along the coastline in large urban centres. It has a predominately tropical climate and is home to extensive natural resources, including oil, gold and iron ore.
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There is a wide gap between rich and poor, and a large
proportion of the population live in slums in the cities of Rio
de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Around 12 million children live in
Brazil's semi-arid region, which includes some of the country's
most impoverished states. In these areas, infant mortality rates
are higher and literacy rates significantly lower than the
national average.
