Brazil in South America

Brazil comprises 48% of South America in physical terms
and borders on all South American nations except Ecuador and Chile.

This is an aerial photograph of much of South America including Brazil.
The areas of vegetation stand out clearly from the drier coastal Northeast region.

The regions are Norte (North); Nordeste (Northeast); Centro-Oeste (Central West); Sudeste (Southeast); and Sul (South). Each region is markedly distinct although the similarities outweigh the differences.

Climate map of Brazil:

Orange = amazonian
purple = tropical
yellow = semi-arid
dark yellow = higher altitude tropical
grape = subtropical

Altitude Map of Brazil

Altitude is a critical factor in determining climate. Standing on a mountain at 20,000 feet on the Equator is freezing cold whereas standing at sea level in very hot.

Green = 0 - 200 meters
Yellow = 200 - 800 meters (planalto)
Purple = 800 - 1,000 meters (mountains)

Political Map of Brazil
Economic and Political power was concentrated in the sugar zones of Bahia and Pernambuco until 1695.

Power than shifted to Minas Gerais with the discovery of gold in 1695.

In 1750, Rio de Janeiro replaced Salvador, Bahia as the colonial capital and remained as capital until 1960 when the capital was officially moved to Brasília.

In the 19th century economic and political power expanded to include São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro state as coffee became a major product.

Industrial power is still concentrated in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais.

Exercise:

Pretend you are president of Brazil in 1900 (or the king of Portugal in 1600, 1700, or 1800), what challenges would the geography of Brazil present to your plans to develop the country?
Your essay should be less than one word-processed page.