Brazil is about to explode on the world's global stage. It's the largest country in South America, and 5th largest in the world in both population and geography with 190 million people across 3.3 million square miles.
It's economy is booming. Projected for 7% growth in GDP over the next 5 years, Brazil is predicted to be among the top 5 world economies by 2020. It has the world's largest cattle industry, is rich in natural resources and has many leading commodity exports. It also has a strong manufacturing base.
Rio de Janerio will be the site of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, and Brazil will also host the 2014 Soccer World Cup.
For it's size, Brazil has the world's greenest economy. It has been "green" for 75 years. They export $1.3 billion USD in ethanol annually. Their government mandates 25% of their gas be ethanol, and their sugarcane ethanol industry has become a global model.