With an estimated 175 million inhabitants (2003), Brazil has the largest population in Latin America and ranks sixth in the world. The majority live in the south-central area, which includes the industrial cities of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte. Urban growth has been rapid; by 2000, 81% of the total population were living in urban areas. Rapid growth has aided economic development but also has created serious social, environmental, and political problems for major cities.

Four major groups make up the Brazilian population:

• the Portuguese, who colonized Brazil in the 16th century;

• Africans, brought to Brazil as slaves;

• Europeans

• Asian immigrant groups, who have settled in Brazil since the mid-19th century;

• indigenous people of Tupi and Guarani language stock.

Intermarriage between the Portuguese and indigenous people or slaves was common. Although the major European ethnic stock of Brazil was once Portuguese, subsequent waves of immigration have contributed to a diverse ethnic and cultural heritage.

From 1875 until 1960, about 5 million Europeans emigrated to Brazil, settling mainly in the four southern states of

• Sao Paulo,

• Parana,

• Santa Catarina, and

• Rio Grande do Sul.

Immigrants have come mainly from Italy, Germany, Spain, Japan, Poland, and the Middle East. Despite class distinctions, national identity is strong, and racial friction is a relatively new phenomenon.

Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking nation in the Americas. About 80% of all Brazilians belong to the Roman Catholic Church; most others are Protestant or follow practices derived from African religions.