35 / 64
BRAZIL’S POPULATION IS very diverse. This diversity is the result of
intermingling between Amerindians, Portuguese settlers, and African slaves.
Likewise, Brazilian culture has been shaped not only by the Portuguese—
who gave the country its principal common religion and language—but also
by Indians, descendants of African slaves, and settlers from Europe, the
Middle East, and Asia.
Brazil is the only Latin American country settled by the Portuguese.
Before the Portuguese arrived in 1500, many Amerindian tribes sparsely
populated the land. In the mid-16th century the Portuguese began to import
African slaves to work in mines and on plantations. The ethnic mix among
these three groups, along with other European peoples who immigrated to
A Stew of Peoples
and Cultures
(Opposite) Each year thousands of
people participate in parades through
Rio de Janeiro for Carnival, Brazil’s
most famous festival. It is celebrated
just before the start of the Christian
season of Lent. (Right) Brazilian star
Neymar celebrates a goal during the
2014 World Cup tournament, which
the country hosted. Soccer (
futebol
)
is a passion for many Brazilians.
4
35