Personal FinanceChapter 15: Retirement and Estate PlanningInternational FinanceBrazil is the largest country in South America. It is bordered by every other South American country except Chile and Ecuador. The Atlantic Ocean flanks its eastern border. Because of its great size, Brazil supports a variety of landscapes—coastal plains, mountainous highlands, more than 1,000 rivers, and the tropical rain forest of the Amazon basin. This region, with more than 40,000 species of plants, provides sources for one-fourth of the world's medicines. In 1822 Brazil won independence from Portugal and became a monarchy. About 70 years later it became a republic. In the 20th century the Brazilian government has seesawed between democracy and dictatorship. To learn more about Brazil, visit www.Britannica.com. |  |
