Brazil is a sovereign country and the largest economy in South America, ranking as the tenth-largest economy globally and second-largest in the Western Hemisphere with a GDP of approximately $2.19 trillion in 2024[5][8]. It operates as a multiparty federal republic with a population of about 206 million in 2025, projected to reach 224 million by 2030[1]. The capital is Brasília, and the official language is Portuguese. Historically, Brazil's vast and diverse geography, encompassing rivers, wetlands, mountains, and plateaus, has shaped its complex economic and cultural landscape[1]. The country is a major global player in agriculture, mining, energy, and manufacturing, with São Paulo serving as its financial and business hub[5]. Economically, Brazil has experienced fluctuating growth rates. After a strong rebound in early 2025 with a 5.7% annualized GDP growth in Q1, the economy faced a slowdown due to rising inflation, higher interest rates, and currency devaluation, leading to a contraction in subsequent months[2][4]. Forecasts for 2025 GDP growth range from 1.6% to 2.4%, influenced by monetary tightening and fiscal challenges, although household consumption remains a primary growth driver[3][6][7]. Inflation is expected to moderate but stay above the central bank's target in the near term[3][6][7]. Brazil maintains a robust commercial relationship with the United States, its second-largest trading partner, and has a diversified domestic market that values technology and international products, especially from the U.S.[5]. Recent tax reforms aim to simplify the complex regulatory environment, enhancing export potential. Notably, Brazil's political system is a vibrant democracy with competitive elections and active public debate, despite polarization[9]. The country faces ongoing fiscal and structural challenges but continues to play a pivotal role in regional and global economic and technological developments.