After the United States, Brazil is the largest democracy and economy in the Western Hemisphere. Brazil is also a strategic trade and political ally of the United States.
The Brazilian economy, resource-driven but diversified, is the 8th largest in the world, and has recovered from a major depression in recent years (2013-2017). World-famous natural resources such as the Amazon Rainforest and coffee prop up its agricultural and industrial sectors, while tourism was boosted by the World Cup and Olympics events, despite public health concerns. Its 208.8 million population, the 7th-largest in the world and racially and ethnically diverse, is also a significant national resource. Brazilians are found as tourists and travelers throughout South America.
Political corruption has unfortunately slowed Brazil’s economy and stability over the years. Most recently, in 2016 President Dilma Rousseff was impeached and convicted, and her contractors were largely stripped of business opportunities, in a bold move to restore national integrity. While the country has an Access to Information Law, enacted in 2012 to encourage a more transparent government, this rarely is used.
In terms of rule of law, Brazil does not fare as well as it should, but is making progress, including under the new leadership of the Bolsonaro administration. The Brazilian judiciary can often be subject to external influence, including intimidation, especially in more isolated parts of the country; and due process, especially a speedy trial and effective counsel, rarely is provided to ordinary citizens. Its homicide rate is high— 4 of the 20 cities worldwide with the highest homicide rates are in Brazil (Natal, Fortaleza, Belém, and Feira de Santana)—and the police are infamously corrupt.
Aside from its damaging levels of corruption, lack of transparency, and limited rule of law, the country otherwise enjoys a high level of freedom. According to Freedom House’s Freedom in the World study of 2020, Brazil scores 31/40 in Political Rights and 44/60 in Civil Liberties.
The Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) is committed to fighting corruption in every corruption where it undermines the rule of law and freedom worldwide. Since 2018, GLA has been collaborating with Brazilian lawyers in anti-corruption efforts. See more in the Brazil Cuban Medical Mission Files.
The Brazilian economy, resource-driven but diversified, is the 8th largest in the world, and has recovered from a major depression in recent years (2013-2017). World-famous natural resources such as the Amazon Rainforest and coffee prop up its agricultural and industrial sectors, while tourism was boosted by the World Cup and Olympics events, despite public health concerns. Its 208.8 million population, the 7th-largest in the world and racially and ethnically diverse, is also a significant national resource. Brazilians are found as tourists and travelers throughout South America.
Political corruption has unfortunately slowed Brazil’s economy and stability over the years. Most recently, in 2016 President Dilma Rousseff was impeached and convicted, and her contractors were largely stripped of business opportunities, in a bold move to restore national integrity. While the country has an Access to Information Law, enacted in 2012 to encourage a more transparent government, this rarely is used.
In terms of rule of law, Brazil does not fare as well as it should, but is making progress, including under the new leadership of the Bolsonaro administration. The Brazilian judiciary can often be subject to external influence, including intimidation, especially in more isolated parts of the country; and due process, especially a speedy trial and effective counsel, rarely is provided to ordinary citizens. Its homicide rate is high— 4 of the 20 cities worldwide with the highest homicide rates are in Brazil (Natal, Fortaleza, Belém, and Feira de Santana)—and the police are infamously corrupt.
Aside from its damaging levels of corruption, lack of transparency, and limited rule of law, the country otherwise enjoys a high level of freedom. According to Freedom House’s Freedom in the World study of 2020, Brazil scores 31/40 in Political Rights and 44/60 in Civil Liberties.
The Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) is committed to fighting corruption in every corruption where it undermines the rule of law and freedom worldwide. Since 2018, GLA has been collaborating with Brazilian lawyers in anti-corruption efforts. See more in the Brazil Cuban Medical Mission Files.
Brazil Cuban Medical Mission Files
Media and news coverage:
CiberCuba, September 5, 2020: "Brasil revisará violaciones cometidas con las brigadas médicas cubanas."
América Tevé, September 4, 2020: "Brasil investigará explotación de médicos cubanos."
ADN Cuba, September 4, 2020: "Brasil revisará reclamos por trabajo forzado de médicos cubanos."
América Tevé, September 4, 2020: "Brasil investigará explotación de médicos cubanos."
ADN Cuba, September 4, 2020: "Brasil revisará reclamos por trabajo forzado de médicos cubanos."
