Brazil, the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas, is considered the principal anchor economy of South America and, along with Mexico, of Latin America at large. The country is among the few Latin American nations that boast well-developed agricultural and service sectors. The country grapples with the continued effects of high-profile corruption investigations. The Brazilian political establishment has largely been decimated by voter anger over several issues, which have increased levels of polarization in the country. Brazil's lengthy and controversial anti-corruption investigations can also lead to significant unrest.
The threat matrix for the country will vary considerably depending on the area(s) visited. Opportunistic and violent crime remains a concern in Brazil's main cities, such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, although violent crime is a much bigger risk in cities in the more impoverished northeastern states. By contrast, the Amazonian region will present notable risks in terms of a lack of infrastructure, while the southeastern states are known for their relative physical safety and prosperity, but often experience dramatic weather events.
