How to Do Business In Brazil By Understanding Its People And Customs

Brazil is the largest economy in South America, and the tenth largest economy in the world. I recall that in the 1980s, Brazil suffered from national debt and a rampant inflation. Since 1992, however, inflation reduced considerably. Economic reforms over the years have helped to stabilize the economy. Today, income distribution is still not equal. The social programs and social reforms have been instrumental to decrease poverty to a large extent.

Brazil has a population of 160 million and is 8.5 million square kilometers in size. Brasilia is the capital, with 2 million people. Sao Paulo is the major commercial and industrial center, with a population of 20 million people.

The government is made up of a Federal Republic consisting of states and a federal district. The Executive Branch is made up of the President, the Vice President, and the Cabinet. There is a National Congress composed of the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. Brazil is considered one of the most stable democracies in South America.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Major industries in Brazil are automobiles, auto parts, textiles, minerals, iron ore, steel, petrochemical, machinery, consumer goods, cement, wood products, ship building, tourism, metal products, f
• Brazil's natural resources are iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, gemstone, petroleum, phosphates, tin, gold, platinum, timber, hydro electric power, granite, limestone, clay and sand.
• As Brazil lies south of the equator, it has largely a tropical climate. Heat and humidity are common in the coastal and forest regions. Moderate temperatures are normal in high lands such as Sao Paulo
• Currency is the Real $.
• Family element is very strong in Brazil. Families are large and include extended families.
• Brazilians believe in the concept of the traditional family, where fathers lead the families while mothers take care of the home.
• Brazilians insist that the elderly and the infirm should live with the families at the home, rather than being sent to nursing homes.
• Brazil has more Roman Catholics than any other country in the world, estimated to be 70%, with 20% Protestants.
• Literacy in Brazil has increased from 60% to 80% in recent years due to national adult literacy programs.
• Students can only enter universities in Brazil if they pass special college preparatory courses and difficult entrance exams.
• In terms of sports, soccer is the national sport. Brazilians consider themselves the best soccer players in the world. Pele was one of the world's best soccer players.
• A popular recreation pastime is visiting family and friends.
• Brazilians enjoy music and dancing the samba.
• Religious and national festivals are very popular.
• The Carnival is celebrated in February each year, when people from all over the world travel to Rio de Janeiro for the festivities. The parade feature decorated floats, costumes, street dancing and pa
• Brazilians are warm and friendly. Friends embrace.
• My next publication will be on Chile, which I found to be the role model for economic change for the entire South American region.

1. The Brazilians is made up of 50% Europeans, 20% Mulatto, 10% Mestizo, 10% African ancestry, among other ethnic groups. Brazil has the largest population of Japanese outside of Japan. Brazil has more Lebanese residents than in Lebanon. Certain regions in Brazil comprise of blond, blue-eyed residents who speak German or Italian, and have done so for generations. The Brazilians are friendly, warm and free-spirited. In view of the variable economy and uncertainties, the Brazilians have become very risk-oriented and creative. These are important traits that help the Brazilians survive years of unstable economic conditions. Brazilians speak Portuguese and most understand Spanish.

2. Brazilians are outgoing and emotional. Physical contact is an important part of communication. Brazilians stand very close. You should not ask sensitive questions about age, salary, marital status or job. When talking about soccer, be sure to say "football" and not "soccer". Brazilians are very expressive and passionate conversationalist. When Brazilians argue their points, you should note that it is just a style of communication, and that they are not angry. Brazilians are extremely casual about time. Being 15 minutes late to business appointments is normal and even being 30 minutes late is not unusual. While you should always be punctual for a meeting, be prepared to wait for your Brazilian counterpart. When you are invited to lunch or dinner, you should never arrive on time. You are expected to be at least 30 minutes late.

3. In business, the person doing the business is more important than the company. Your personality makes more of an impression on Brazilians than the prestige of your company. In order to do business in Brazil, you need to dedicate a long time to establish personal and business relationships. Relationships are more important than legal documents, when doing business. Meetings are normally casual and slow paced. You should never get right down to business, and instead engage in conversation first. Having name cards printed in Portuguese is a good idea, however, English-only name cards are acceptable. Doing business requires face-to-face communication. You must be very patient in negotiations, as it may take various meetings to conclude a contract. Do try to stick to the same negotiating team. Brazilians are great for bargaining, and they make concessions slowly.

[kp3028]

on 9/22/2009 People buy from people they are comfortable with and an important part of bonding is to understand the culture in a foreign country, so that people you are talking with become at ease with you. Important information.

[cbsmethurst]

on 9/2/2009 What an incredibly to the point and informative article! Thank you Mr. Braga for your insight. I have enjoyed reading your articles and look forward to learning more from you.