Brazil Country Report

Brazil, the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas, is considered the principal anchor economy of South America and, along with Mexico, of Latin America at large. The country is among the few Latin American nations that boast well-developed agricultural and service sectors. The country grapples with the continued effects of high-profile corruption investigations. The Brazilian political establishment has largely been decimated by voter anger over several issues, which have increased levels of polarization in the country. Brazil's lengthy and controversial anti-corruption investigations can also lead to significant unrest.

The threat matrix for the country will vary considerably depending on the area(s) visited. Opportunistic and violent crime remains a concern in Brazil's main cities, such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, although violent crime is a much bigger risk in cities in the more impoverished northeastern states. By contrast, the Amazonian region will present notable risks in terms of a lack of infrastructure, while the southeastern states are known for their relative physical safety and prosperity, but often experience dramatic weather events.

There are no major conflict threats for Brazil, either internally or externally. Crime in Brazil ranges from principally opportunistic in cities like Florianopolis to a mix of opportunistic and violent in Rio de Janeiro to more heavily violent in cities such as Salvador. In general, most violent crime is concentrated in the northeast. There exist minor concerns over the presence of radical Islamist sympathizers in the tri-border area (TBA). Arrests of such sympathizers have also been made elsewhere in the country. Brazil has developed an increasingly strong protest culture, particularly over political and economic issues.

Air travel is safe and in compliance with international safety standards.

Apart from the Amazon and Pantanal regions, the Brazilian road network is rather comprehensive. However, road quality will vary.

The Port of Santos is considered the busiest port in Latin America and is efficient and safe.

Basic services such as water, electricity, and fuel availability are generally reliable in most urban areas as well as in many rural areas apart from the Amazon and Pantanal.

The country is considered an attractive target for cyberattacks. Its defenses against such an attack are thought to be weak.

Brazil’s climate varies immensely due to its diversity of geography. Extractive industries bring some risk of environmental hazard, and deforestation for agricultural purposes raises additional concerns. Earthquakes are not common in Brazil, save in the country's far west. The southeast is known for particularly powerful storms that can pass through, though heavy rainfall can also occur throughout most of the country in general.The majority of natural disasters in Brazil result from floods, flash floods, landslides, and droughts. The rainy season is typically from October through April in the southern and southeastern parts of the country and from April through July in the northeast. Prolonged droughts are more likely in the northeast and can cause crop losses, water scarcity, and an increased risk of forest fires.

Mosquito-borne diseases, including yellow fever in some areas, are the major non-routine epidemiological concern in the country. High-quality medical facilities can be found in all major cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Brasilia. More rural areas will have lesser facilities that may or may not suffice depending upon an individual’s specific healthcare needs. All major medications can be obtained in most cities and towns, but the availability of medicines in less populated areas will vary. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless otherwise directed.

Corruption is endemic in Brazil, though anti-corruption investigations have encouragingly become more common. Rule of law has improved somewhat due to crackdowns on corruption and the country’s system of governance is fundamentally sound. Sanctions are not a major concern for Brazil.