Life in Brazil is interesting and amazing for almost all foreigners. After all, this is the largest state in South America, about which everyone knows that they love football, celebrate a carnival and spend a lot of time on the famous local beaches with ocean views. In this article we will talk about the duration, level and characteristics of life in this country.
Statistical indicators
Life in Brazil, compared to other Latin American countries, is not so bad. As of last year, it was the state with the highest level of economic development on the continent. At the same time, Brazil is still classified as a developing country; it still lags significantly behind the United States and Western Europe.
Moreover, with fairly high rates for the middle class in the country there is a class of just extreme poor. In large megacities, there are whole blocks of slums where not only visitors but even local police are afraid to enter.
From here one of the main problems of life in Brazil follows - this is high crime. In the country, 26 people are killed per 100 thousand inhabitants per year. This is a very high indicator, especially considering the number of people and the size of the state itself. Researchers have even claimed that it is crime that slows the increase in life expectancy in Brazil. Now Brazilians live on average 74 years. This figure is lower than the average for Latin America.
Economic situation
Interestingly, the economic situation in the country has recently begun to improve. Thus, the poverty level has already reached 25%, while over the past few years it has fallen by as much as 67 points. Thus, social inequality in the country reaches its lowest level in recent years.
Today, the Brazilian economy is ahead of any other in the region. It is based on agriculture and industry, they provide a high standard of living in Brazil. In recent years, the food industry and engineering have been actively developing. Gradually, from a supplier of raw materials, the country turns into a high-tech economy. The service sector is growing, in which tourism occupies the main place.
Of course, such a transition from a third world country to a developed high-tech economy requires qualified specialists. Therefore, there are so many foreigners in the country who share their experiences and train local employees. Life in Brazil is increasingly interested in compatriots who have gathered not for vacation, but for work.
Salaries in Brazil
The high level of economic development leads to the fact that prices here are much higher than in neighboring countries. This especially affects real estate, which is already very expensive compared to the rest of Latin America.
There is a clear separation in housing for the poor and the rich, so meeting a person with a different social status in his quarter is a rarity. In large cities, the rental housing market is developed.
But salaries and pensions in the country are lower than in America and Western Europe, and even some Latin American states.
The average salary in the country is one thousand dollars a month. At the same time, its value still remains volatile, because the local currency rate is constantly jumping, within a few weeks it can go up or down by 30%.
The standard of living in Brazil, as in many neighboring countries, depends not so much on qualifications and education as on acquaintances and connections. The level of nepotism is high in all areas, as in most countries on the continent.
But due to economic growth and the development of many sectors of the economy, primarily agriculture and industry, the unemployment rate here is one of the lowest. Even in the poorest neighborhoods and slums, residents usually have some kind of income. At the same time, asking for alms is not considered shameful here, especially from foreigners.
Shop prices
According to reviews, life in Brazil as a whole is quite inexpensive. Especially for foreigners who come here to get a highly qualified job. Of course, the cost of goods depends on where they are produced.
Local vegetables and fruits are worth a penny year round, the same applies to clothing and shoes of local production, which is of high quality.
But products from abroad are prohibitively expensive. This applies to the latest gadgets, cosmetics, household appliances. All this costs many times more than in Russia or Europe.
Local education
The quality of life in Brazil largely depends on what kind of education you can get. Until recently, the country had a very high literacy rate, and many poor families preferred to let their children work rather than learn.
The education system in Brazil is divided into five levels: preschool, elementary (8 years), secondary (3 years), higher (from 4 to 6 years) and additional (for those who wish to receive a specialty in several areas).
Mandatory and free for everyone is only primary education. Parents have to pay for secondary and higher education, so it is voluntary. The same goes for the preschool level. The cost of educational services is quite high, so this is far from affordable for everyone.
Interestingly, the country's higher education system attracts many foreign students. There are many really old universities in Brazil, whose history goes back more than a century. State universities are considered prestigious in which there are no problems with financing and higher requirements are imposed on students.
Russians in Brazil
According to reviews, life in Brazil for Russians is full of pleasant and exotic surprises. The obvious pluses are the climate: the country has a real summer all year round, so you can safely save on winter clothes and shoes, warming an apartment, heating, winter tires for a car.
In addition, due to the hot tropical sun, cheap fresh fruits are constantly sold here, some can be picked up for free - in gardens and city parks. With such a life in Brazil for Russians, they immediately forget what vitamin deficiency and depression are.
Another obvious advantage is pleasant and friendly people and an unobtrusive state that allows you to develop independently without putting sticks in the wheels. There is no Nazism in Brazil, so everyone is welcome here without exception, foreigners are always treated kindly. Problems with neighbors are extremely rare.
A favorable relationship with the state is that tax inspectors, traffic police officers and military commissars do not cause fear, disgust, or the feeling that they are extorting a bribe from you. They honestly carry out their work, ensuring the normal performance of the state and citizens.
By the way, another interesting feature. In Brazil, there are no concepts of registration and registration, so there are no guest workers by definition.
Negative sides
Among the minuses of living in Brazil, it is worth noting the poor level of secondary education, which is free in the country. It is recommended to send your children to private schools, for which you have to pay. Most local residents simply do not have money for this.
In addition, in Brazil absolutely everything has to be paid. There are no state subsidies to pay for utilities, you will have to pay for any breakdown.
True, there is free medicine in the country, but at a very low level. Therefore, if in reality you are faced with health problems, then you will have to go to a private clinic or buy health insurance in advance.
Animal world
Too many diverse Brazilian wildlife scares many. There are a lot of dangerous snakes, poisonous spiders and scorpions. All this living creature is so widespread that individual representatives can be found in the city itself, without going outside the metropolis.
This problem is especially acute in the Amazon forests. In the south of the country, geckos who like to overcome vertical walls can run into the house, and at night it is necessary to put mosquito nets on the windows, otherwise huge night butterflies will fly into the apartment. Ants can be found in the house, which will not be so easy to remove.
A special situation at local dachas. Due to the fact that most of the time they stand idle without owners, a variety of animals live in them, for example, lizards, toads, spiders, which begin to feel at home here. There are times when even anacondas settle in cottages, so you should be especially careful and careful.
Brazilian society
Brazilian culture is still being formed as a mixture of the traditions of the most diverse peoples that make up this nation in our time.
At the same time, the Portuguese beginning remains dominant, because the official language here is Portuguese. Most believers are Catholics. The customs of the first settlers who were colonizers were widespread. The culture of Africans and Indians has a significant impact.
Interestingly, the Tupi-Guarani language is still very widespread, to which missionaries in the 16th century translated the catechism.