Super-cheap Beachfronts and Sound Economics.
If you're in the market for cheap beachfront property, this is the place to shop. Crime is the country's biggest drawback, but south from Ceara to Natal, you can enjoy super-cheap coastal buys in safety.
Brazil is self-sufficient for fuel and making a continued big push for bio-fuel (from cane), even passing legislation requiring car manufacturers to modify vehicles to run on it. Indeed, investment opportunity abounds here, with plenty of land, and an idea climate and geography for growing one of the world's burgeoning investment commodities: coconuts.
Furthermore, Brazil stands out as unique in this part of the world. It has managed to maintain a socialist government while sticking to sound 21st-century business and economic policies. One of our editors' top picks both for lifestyle and investment.
Note that Americans need a visa to visit Brazil.
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| Population | 203,429,773 (July 2011) |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $2.172 trillion (2010) |
| GDP Per Capita | $10,800 (2010) |
| Inflation Rate | 5% (2010) |
| Currency | Brazilian Real (BRL) |
| Exchange Rate Versus U.S. Dollar | 1.77 reals = 1 U.S. dollar (2010) |
| Language | Portuguese (official) |
| Capital | Brasilia |
| Population of Capital City | 3.79 million (2010) |
| Time Zone | GMT minus 3 |
| Seasons | Tropical--wet, warm/hot year-round. Southern tip: temperate with four seasons |
| International Dialing Code | 55 |
| Electricity | 110/220V / 60 Hz; Plug Types: A & B (U.S. style), C |
| System of Government | Federal Presidential Republic |
| Name and Party Affiliation of Current Leader |
Dilma Rouseff since (January 2011) |
| Income Tax Rate for Residents | 7.5% to 27.5% (2010) |
| Property Tax | 0.5% to 4% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 15% |
| Inheritance Tax | 8% |
| Rental Income Tax | 15% |
| Transfer Tax | variable depending on location (in São Paolo it is between 0.5% and 2%) |
| Sales Tax | 17% to 25% |
| Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property |
No |
| Local Chamber of Commerce |
SBN-Quadra 01-Bloco C- Ed. Roberto Simonsen Brasilia-DF-CEP:70040-903 |
| American Chamber of Commerce | www.amchamrio.com.br Praça Pio X nº 15 / 5º andar Candelária, Centro, Rio de Janeiro Tel: 55 (21) 3213-9200 |
| Primary Exports | Transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee, autos |
| Residency and Visa Requirements | Tourist Visa: It needs to be acquired at a Brazilian Embassy/Consulate Residency: Businessman/Professional, Entreprenuer,Investor, Retiree, and High-Level Specialist visas Citizenship: uninterrupted residency of 15 years and clean criminal record; Investor Visa holders can apply after 4 years of residency |
| Special Benefits for Foreign Residents or Retirees | None |
| National Airline | VARIG www.varig.com |
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