Countries

Country Snapshot

Brazil is the world’s 5th largest country by population and the world’s 10th largest economy, with a GDP of US$1.7 trillion. It is also the most robust economy in Latin America, representing 35% of the region’s GDP.

After more than a decade of economic instability, Brazil’s economy started to undergo significant structural changes in the mid 1990s, leading to more rapid development. However, Brazil still faces many challenges. Disparities in wealth are well known, with only 10% of the population accounting for 35% of all income, while the poorest 10% account for only 0.9%. Currently 21% of the population lives below the poverty line and 36% of the unemployed population is between the ages of 18 and 24.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in Brazil’s prospects for a more equitable society. SMEs represent 99% of all companies in Brazil, and are responsible for 66% of jobs in the country. In 2007, for the first time, the number of entrepreneurial activities motivated by opportunity surpassed the number motivated by necessity. Nonetheless, only 3% of entrepreneurs expect to employ more than 20 people after five years of operation, while the worldwide average is 9%.