As Brazil's population migrated west into the country's hinterland, Brazilian citizens have migrated across the western border and settled in neighboring states.
Police forces in Rio de Janeiro state are threatening to strike over pay and working conditions ahead of a massive influx of tourists for Carnival season.
The largest economy in Latin America, Brazil is a geographically complex country with a strong and growing influence in South America. Brazil faces many institutional and geographic challenges as it develops into a regional and someday global power.
