Geography and Challenges of Brazil

Brazil, larger than the contiguous U.S., borders all South American countries except Ecuador and Chile. Its geography is defined by the Amazon basin, tropical Savannah, and Brazilian Highlands. The Amazon region is inhospitable to agriculture, while the Savannah supports large-scale farming. Brazil faces challenges in transporting agricultural goods internationally. Most of its population and economic activity are in the Brazilian Highlands. Geographically and linguistically isolated, Brazil is shielded from military threats by natural barriers and buffer states. The country's main challenge is integrating its vast territory and improving infrastructure.

Which countries does Brazil not share a border with?

• Bolivia and Paraguay

• Argentina and Peru

• Ecuador and Chile

• Colombia and Venezuela

What are the three main features that define Brazil's geography?

• Iguazu Falls, Pantanal, Pampas

• Amazon River, Pantanal, Cerrado

• Andes Mountains, Pampas, Patagonia

• Amazon Basin, Tropical Savannah, Brazilian Highlands

Why is the Amazon region inhospitable to agriculture?

• Due to its dense rainforest and poor soil

• Because of frequent floods

• Due to extreme temperatures

• Because of its high altitude

What has allowed large-scale farming to thrive in the tropical savannah?

• Improved irrigation systems

• Introduction of new crops

• Government subsidies

• Advances in agricultural practices

What is a major challenge for Brazil in getting agricultural commodities to international markets?

• Distance and geography

• Lack of technology

• Political instability

• High tariffs

Where do most of Brazil's 197 million people live?

• In the Brazilian Highlands and the narrow strip of land between the mountains and the coast

• In the Amazon Basin

• In the southern coastal cities

• In the tropical savannah

What natural features largely shield Brazil from external military threats?

• The Iguazu Falls and the Pantanal

• The Pantanal and the Cerrado

• The Andes Mountains and the Pampas

• The Atlantic Ocean and the Amazon Basin

What has made centralized control and integration difficult in Brazil?

• Varied regions and challenging infrastructure

• Political corruption

• Cultural differences

• Economic disparity

What is Brazil's primary geographic challenge?

• Developing its northern regions

• Managing its coastal cities

• Protecting its borders

• Consolidating control over its vast peripheral territory

Why has Brazil traditionally been inward-looking?

• Because of its cultural heritage

• Due to its geographical and linguistic isolation

• Because of its economic policies

• Due to its political alliances