Four major groups make up the Brazilian population: the Portuguese, who colonized in the 16th century; Africans brought to Brazil as slaves; various other European, Middle Eastern, and Asian immigrant groups who have settled in Brazil since the mid-19th century; and indigenous people of Tupi and Guarani language (Skidmore, 131). Intermarriage between the Portuguese and indigenous people or slaves was common. Although the major European ethnic culture of Brazil was once Portuguese, waves of immigration have contributed to a diverse ethnic and cultural heritage.

>From 1875 until 1960, about 5 million Europeans immigrated to Brazil, settling mainly in the four southern states of Sao Paulo, Parana, San

ary target of social programs and public assistance due to their special vulnerability. These constitutional provisions have been further developed in the basic law known as the "Statue for Children and Adolescents." This Statue, enacted in 1990, has been praised by UNICEF as one of the most comprehensive in the world (Skidmore, 370).

1888 - Slavery of black Africans abolished.

Brazilians are now pushing for a profound, ethical reform of their political system. The peaceful and democratic presidential impeachment in 1992 was followed by a thorough congressional investigation of a vast budget corruption scandal affecting several members of the Brazilian Congress. As a result, several Congressmen were unseated on the grounds of "unethical behavior," reaffirming the stance that Brazilians want a corruption-free political environment. In a related development, Brazilian electoral legislation was updated and improved with significant revisions made in the areas of disclosure of political contributors and in accountability. The 1994 general elections were carried out in a climate of democratic freedom and high civic expectations and the outcome serves to reinforce the strength of democracy in Brazil (Skidmore, 399).

Alden, Dauril, ed. "Late Colonial Brazil, 1750-1808." Pages 284-343 in Leslie Bethell, ed., Colonial Brazil. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1987.

1815 - Dom Joao VI declares Brazil a kingdom, equal with Portugal.

Abreu, Joao Capistrano de. Chapters of Brazil's Colonial History, 1500-1800. Trans., Arthur Brakel. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.

Another example of inhumane acts in the Brazilian prison system happened when a group of inmates in the Desembargador Vidal Pessoa Central Prison of

President Cardoso has sought to establish the basis for long-term stability and growth and to reduce Brazil's extreme socioeconomic imbalances. His proposals to Congress include constitutional amendments to open the Brazilian economy to greater foreign participation and to implement sweeping reforms--including social security, government administration, and taxation--to reduce excessive public sector spending and improve government efficiency (Alden, 298).

Skidmore, Thomas J., Five Centuries of Change.

Government programs, including the installation of hundreds of Centers for Comprehensive Child Care, address basic needs such as education, distribution of nutritious meals, health care and the promotion of children's rights. The "Pact for the Children", co-signed by the President of Brazil and 24 state governors, set up a "Plan of Action" which is intended to fully implement the constitutional and legal provisions that provide for protection of children and adolescents. Several federal agencies oversee the execution of government programs for children and adolescents designed to give to Brazilian youth opportunities for a better life, education, shelter, and love. Moreover, as mandated by law, 21 states and 1,654 municipalities have established special Councils for Children's Rights. Several hot lines are operating throughout Brazil making it easier for children to seek help and report instances of violence, neglect or abuse (Skidmore, 377).

1500 - Portuguese Admiral Pedro Alvares Cabral, first European to reach Brazil, initiating Port

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