People

Tribes of Brazil

Brazil's population is multicultural.  There are many people of different nationalities living there including many tribes that are the aboriginal people of Brazil.  The aboriginals, like the Kayapo and the Yanomami have their roots in Brazil from the beginning of time.  The people of other nationalities immigrated to Brazil from other countries from as early as the 1500's.

Brazil is the fifth largest populated country in the world.  Its population today is estimated at more than 155 million.  Two thirds of these people live in towns and cities and most people live along the coast.  About 62% of the population is below the age of 29.  Brazil's population is continuing to grow, but at a slower pace than it was in 1960's.  In the 1960 census, Brazil's population was growing rapidly with women having six children on average.  Today, women are having less children (an average of three).  The population is increasing in Brazil, but the rate has slowed down. Over the next ten to twenty years there will be more people than ever before of child-bearing age.   We will certainly see an influx of the population in Brazil.

Student Activities:

1.  Using this chart of Brazil's population and its annual growth, plot two graphs showing these statistics.  Once you have done that, answer the following questions.

a) Look at the growth of Brazil's population.  The steady growth is interesting. Why is the growth rate now declining?  

b)  What factors contribute to this reduced rate?  

c)  How will the population structure of Brazil change if these trends continue?

2.  Print this outline map of Brazil and complete the following activities:
a)  Label each of the regions of Brazil and shade in the areas according to their population density.  Make sure to add a title, a compass rose and a legend to your map.

b)  Use an atlas or any of the recommended links for research, and locate the ten central Brazilian cities.  Add up their total populations and work out what proportion of the country's population lives in each urban center.

3.  Find the population statistics of Canada, United States, Asia, India and China,  Rank these countries in relation to their population, area and density.  What do you observe?  What statements can you make for each country?