Brazil, the world's fifth largest and fifth most populous country, is entering its second decade of civilian constitutional government. It has recently achieved sustained economic growth. Nevertheless, Brazil's population of 157 million is divided by huge inequities in income and education, which are largely correlated with race. Offering a comprehensive, multidimensional portrait of the nation, the author analyzes the historical processes of Brazil's development from the European encounter to independence and the return to democracy in 1984. He also provides a detailed treatment of contemporary government and politics, including the 1994 elections as well as an overview of Brazil's rich cultural heritage and an assessment of its place in the international arena.