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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
A Stew of Peoples and Cultures 37
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.)
Quick Facts: The People of Brazil
All figures are 2014 estimates unless otherwise noted.
Source: CIA World Factbook 2014.