Physical Features
Brazil shares its borders with several countries. It is bordered on the northwest by French Guiana, on the north by Suriname and Guyana; on the northeast by the Atlantic Ocean; on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and Venezuela; and on the southeast by Uruguay. Brazil also has a coastline on the Caribbean Sea, which runs from the east of the South American nation to the northeast.
The coastline of the Caribbean Sea in Brazil varies greatly in length, ranging from 130 km to more than 200 km depending on the region. The country’s total Caribbean Sea coastline is approximately 669 km. It is made up of a series of islands and peninsulas, including the Brazilian archipelago of São Tomé, located in the northern coastal region of the country.
Political Relationships
In terms of political relationships, Brazil and the Caribbean countries share a long history of cooperation and friendship. There are a number of bilateral treaties and cooperation agreements between Brazil and Caribbean nations, including Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. In particular, Brazil is a major trading partner for many Caribbean countries and its exports to the region with over €4 billion in 2018.
In addition, Brazil has signed the Lima Declaration, an initiative by the governments of Latin American and Caribbean countries to promote cooperation on trade, investment and sustainable development. This Declaration specifically targets the Caribbean region and seeks to further strengthen economic and trade relationships between the countries.
In recent years, Brazil has also played a key role in supporting the efforts of the Caribbean countries to improve their economic and social conditions. These include financial support for social projects, as well as providing technical assistance in areas such as education, health, energy and natural resources.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of Brazil on the Caribbean region is significant, particularly in the areas of oil, investment, staple food and trade. Brazilian oil companies are major investors in Caribbean oil and gas exploration, while the country is also a major supplier of staple food such as rice and soybeans. Brazil is also an important trading partner for the Caribbean, with total trade between the two regions amounting to €2.6 billion in 2018.
Brazil’s presence in the Caribbean has had a positive effect on the region’s economic development, and has contributed to the gradual improvement of its economies. In recent years, many Caribbean countries have been able to improve their combined GDP per capita from around €8,000 in the mid-1990s to more than €16,000 in 2018. In addition, the reduction of poverty, access to electricity and access to improved drinking water have all been boosted as a result of Brazil’s involvement in the region.
Environmental Impact
The presence of Brazil in the Caribbean Sea has also had a positive impact on the environment. This includes the reduction of illegal fishing and the protection of reefs and other important marine areas. Brazil has actively promoted the sustainable development of Caribbean marine resources, and has provided training and assistance to strengthen local conservation and management efforts.
In addition, Brazil has pledged to continue to assist in the development of sustainable energy sources in the region, such as wind and solar power. This is part of the country’s broader commitment to reduce its own emissions and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
Social Impact
Finally, Brazil’s involvement in the Caribbean has had a positive social impact. The country has provided assistance in terms of education, health and social services, helping to boost the region’s quality of life. In addition, Brazil has actively supported cultural initiatives, promoting exchanges between artists from the two regions. This has led to the emergence of a strong Caribbean-Brazilian identity, with a growing number of people identifying themselves as ‘Caribbeans of Brazilian descent’.
Cultural Exchange
Brazil is one of the most important trading partners of the Caribbean countries, but it is not just a simple economic relationship. Over the years, the two regions have developed a strong cultural exchange that has allowed them to share experiences and new ideas.
The most recognized form of cultural exchange is sport. Basketball and football have become very popular in the Caribbean region due to the strong presence of Brazilian teams. In addition, Brazilian music and traditional dances have become part of the Caribbean music scene, while Brazilian cuisine has slowly made its way into the kitchens of the Caribbean people.
Moreover, the region has seen an influx of Brazilian students and professionals, which has increased the cultural diversity of the Caribbean. This has allowed the countries of the region to learn from each other and to share experiences, thus strengthening the ties between the two regions.
Education and Research
In the educational field, Brazil has been a key provider of scholarships and partnerships for Caribbean students, enabling them to study abroad and gain international experience.
In addition, Brazilian universities have conducted numerous studies and research projects in the region in areas such as biotechnology, healthcare and renewable energy. This has allowed the region to benefit from the latest scientific advancements and to further improve its economic, social and environmental conditions.
Finally, Brazil has actively supported organizations and initiatives dedicated to promoting peace, democracy and human rights in the Caribbean. This has been done through several diplomatic missions and initiatives, such as programs to build confidence-building measures and provide legal advice and assistance to victims of conflict.
Transnational Crime Prevention
Brazil has also taken an active role in fighting transnational crime in the Caribbean, in cooperation with governments and other international organizations. This includes combating drug trafficking and organized crime, fighting money laundering, eradicating illegal fishing, and trying to stop the illegal trafficking of people and goods.
Brazil is also one of the leading countries in the region in promoting cybersecurity and combating cybercrimes. The country is a major player in supporting efforts to build a secure and resilient cyberspace, and has taken considerable proactive steps to preventing cybercrime in the Caribbean.
In addition, Brazil is a major partner of Interpol in providing investigative support and intelligence to fight transnational crimes in the region.
Tourism and Trade
Brazil and the Caribbean countries have a well-developed tourism industry, with both regions relying on each other for visitors and trade. The popular Brazilian destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Bahia and Salvador are major tourist attractions for Caribbean tourists, while Caribbean nations such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are also popular destinations for Brazilian travellers.
In addition, the Caribbean countries are important trading partners for Brazil, with total trade between the two regions amounting to €3.3 billion in 2018. In particular, the region is a major supplier of oil and gas, as well as tourism services.
Finally, Brazil is one of the leading countries in the region in promoting investment and business. Companies from the country have established operations in the Caribbean, while a number of regional organizations and initiatives have been set up to promote trade and investment between the two regions.
