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A Stew of Peoples and Cultures 37

Quick Facts: The People of Brazil

Population: 202,656,788 Ethnic groups: white 47.7%, mulatto 43.1%, black 7.6%, Asian 1.1%, indigenous 0.4% (2010 est.) Age structure: 0–4 years: 23.8% 15–64 years: 68.6% 65 years and over: 7.6% Population growth rate: 0.8% Birth rate: 14.72 births/1,000 population Death rate: 6.54 deaths/1,000 population Infant mortality rate: 19.21 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.28 years male: 69.73 years

female: 77 years Total fertility rate: 1.79 children born/woman Religions: Roman Catholic 64.6%, other Catholic 0.4%, Protestant Christian 22.9%, Spiritist 2.2%, other 1.4%, none 8%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.) Languages: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages Literacy (age 15 and older): 90.4% (2010 est.)

All figures are 2014 estimates unless otherwise noted. Source: CIA World Factbook 2014.

and took inspiration from other sources. Brazilian colonial literature was based on Old World models, steeped in classical and Roman Catholic traditions. After independence, writers worked to create a uniquely Brazilian literary style. The late 19th century produced one of Brazil’s most important literary figures: Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, whose works include Quincas borba (1891; translated in 1954 as Philosopher or Dog? ) and Dom Casmurro (1899; translated 1953). Many of his books examine the joys and sorrows of being human and contain a rather pessimistic strain. In the early 20th century, writers tended to describe the experiences of immigrants. In recent years, Brazilian writers have