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Brazil is all about contrasts and challenges. It is the 13th largest
economy in the world. At the same time, it holds one of the worst wealth
distribution ratios in the world. There are those few that are extremely
rich, especially in the Southeast and South regions. All while millions of
others live in extreme poverty.
Contrasts
These contradictions
created a strange picture, mainly in big cities like Sao Paulo, Rio and
Salvador. A picture of mansions and upscale buildings lying side by side
with shanty towns.
Decades of corrupt
governments, rigid and inhuman International Monetary Fund policies and a
high ratio of illiterate people, who lacked the means and understanding of
how to improve their lives, were major ingredients to Brazil’s present
situation.
And
Challenges
Brazil needs to improve its land reform, which is in progress but slow
in action. The country has to broaden social programs, improve the
education system greatly and develop a sustainable economic model that
creates jobs.
Even
though the challenges are huge, Brazil is home to unique natural resources
in the world and Brazilians are creative and hardworking.
A good example of how Brazil can “shine” is the Ethanol program as an
alternative to gasoline. Brazil developed the program in the 1970’s, while
first world nations still debate how to solve the petroleum crisis of the
21st century.
By 2007, Brazil will be
fuel independent, which means it will not be a slave to the oil market.
Its successful Ethanol program is an example of success in a sensitive
area. 
Brazil is the largest Ethanol producer in the world and the large
exporter. The Brazilian Ethanol is produced from Sugar Cane,
friendly to both: vehicles and the enviroment.
Yes, Brazil has the
resources, natural and human, to change its destiny. But centuries of
misconduct will not be fixed in a few decades. It will take time, but it
will happen.
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