Brazil religion preferences shaped by the Catholic church
Brazil religion has a powerful heritage of Roman Catholicism which dates back to the zeal of the Iberian missionaries. The fifteenth century crusaders had the goal to distribute Christianity to those who did not believe in the Mother Church. In the Western Hemisphere, the converts included African slaves and American Indians. Not only was the adherence to the Church sought by conversion to the beliefs, but conformity was enforced by way of such measures as the inquisition, although not so heavily in Brazil. The presence of Catholicism as the Brazil religion of the majority of the people was strengthened in the latter part of the nineteenth century by an inward migration of many Italian, Polish and German Catholic citizens.
Officially there is no state religion or official religion in Brazil. In practice, there is only limited separation between the church and the state. Most government officials avoid taking positions or actions that would offend the Church officials.
Brazil is the largest of the Roman Catholic countries of the world with a population in 1996 of over 75 percent of the people, or 122 million individuals. In 1980 the declared Catholic preference was nearly 90%. It is uncertain whether the decrease is due to a loss of membership or a more objective position in answering census questions regarding religion.
A significant difference between the beliefs of nominal Catholics and practicing Catholics is also noted. Less than 20% of Catholics who classify themselves as nominal Christians attend church. The makeup of Brazil religion attendance at churches is normally older and female. Significantly, there is a identifiable difference between Catholics who practice the more charismatic forms of their religion and part of the Pentecostal group to begin revitalizing their church and increase direct participation in services.
In the central part of the country, Brazil religion is typified by the more traditional varieties of Catholicism where prayers to revered figures, patron saints and participation in church rites and fiestas such as the Festa do Divino and the Cirio in Belem.
During the 1970s, the progressives in the Church emphasized political and social causes in the local communities under the military regime. Thus, the church was recognized as the focus of resistance and championship of human rights. The religion of Brazil at present is more conservative than not. Power in the church is concentrated in the hands of the progressive clergy.
Other organized churches have minimal numbers of members and are typically Protestant in nature.
With strong African roots, many residents particularly in the state of Bahia practice both Catholicism and Candomble. Many of the <a href="http://www.bahia-online.net/
Candomble.htm">terreiros de candomble</a> allow visitors, but expect a very different worship service than that which you may be accustomed to. More information about <a href="http://www.pilotguides.com/destination_guide/south_america/brazil/
candomble.php">candomble</a> is available online. A discussion of the comparison of Candomble gods with Catholic saints can be found in the above site and in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candombl%C3%A9">Wikipedia</a>.From Brazil Religon back to Travel Brazil Guide
World Factbook Brazil
The World Factbook - Brazil contains a wealth of information about the country. Information contained in the World Factbook - Brazil is prepared by the CIA.Model Brazil
To model Brazil young women must aspire to be the most beautiful. A representative model Brazil is undoubtedly best in the world.Brazil Education
Brazil education has high quality university education and high illiteracy rate amongst younger children. Only 40% of high school agers use Brazil education.Brazil National Anthem
The Brazil national anthem is a sincere and melodious piece that can be played or sung. The literal translation to English of the Brazil national anthem exists.Brazil Capital
Brazil has had only three capital cities--Salvador da Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and Brazilia. The current Brazil capital city , Brazilia was dedicated in 1960.States of Brazil
The states of Brazil number twenty-six established usually from historical boundaries. One federal district supplements the states of Brazil.CIA World Fact Book
The CIA World Fact Book - Brazil provides current information and statistics. Research by CIS World Fact Book - Brazil staff is good for educators and studentsBrazil Direct Foreign Investment
Brazil direct foreign investment is a lucrative area for investment. Capital and technology intensive sectors have most Brazil direct foreign investment.President of Brazil
The president of Brazil is the head of state and head of government. Luiz da Silva is the sitting president of Brazil.Brazil Culture
Brazil culture is both Latin American and world based. The Brazil culture is formed mainly from Portuguese, Amerindian and West African roots.Brazil Stock Exchange
The Sao Paulo Brazil Stock Exchange trades over 100 million shares on an average day, making this Brazil stock exchange the largest in Latin America.Banco do Brazil
Banco do Brazil is the oldest surviving bank in the country. The Banco do Brazil is controlled by the government of Brazil.Mountains In Brazil
Whether you are into climbing, trekking, hiking, or just taking in the view, the mountains in Brazil have something to offer. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches and the city long enough, give the mountains in Brazil a tour!