Includes bibliographical references (pages 509-606) and index.
Historical setting. The indigenous population ; The colonial era, 1500-1815 ; The kingdom of Portugal and Brazil, 1815-21 ; The empire, 1822-89 ; The republican era, 1889-1985 -- The society and its environment. The physical setting ; Population ; Social structure ; Cultural unity and diversity ; Religion ; Health status and health care ; Public health and welfare ; Education ; Social conflict and participation -- The economy. Historical background and economic growth ; The labor force and income levels ; Structure of production ; Privatization ; Exchange-rate and balance of payments policies ; Fiscal and monetary policy, the public sector, and inflation ; Brazil's real plan ; Trade policies ; Trade patterns and regional economic integration ; Economic outlook -- Government and politics. Political culture ; Constitutional framework ; Structure of government ; The political party system ; Politics ; Women in politics ; The electoral system ; Elections ; Interest group politics ; Foreign relations -- National security. The military role in society and government ; Brazil and international conflicts, 1917-95 ; Foreign military influence ; The military role in the intelligence services ; Defense industries ; Mission of the armed forces ; Defense expenditures ; Organization of the armed forces ; Personnel and training ; Security forces ; Crime and punishment ; Toward the future -- Science and technology. Historical evolution ; The computer industry policy ; Science for industrial competitiveness ; Administration of science and technology ; Research and development ; Nuclear programs ; The space program ; Missile programs