Brazil has one of the most diverse populations in the world, with a rich racial and ethnic composition resulting from centuries of immigration and mixing between indigenous peoples, Europeans, Africans, and Asians.
The Brazilian population is officially categorized into several racial groups according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The main categories include: Branco (White), Pardo (Mixed-race), Preto (Black), Amarelo (Yellow, referring to people of East Asian descent), and Indígena (Indigenous).
According to the latest census data, the racial distribution of Brazil\“s population is approximately: 47% Pardo, 43% Branco, 9% Preto, 1% Amarelo, and 0.5% Indígena. This makes Brazil the country with the largest population of African descent outside Africa and one of the most racially mixed societies globally.
The concept of race in Brazil differs significantly from that in many other countries, particularly the United States. Brazil has historically emphasized racial fluidity and mixing, with many Brazilians identifying with multiple racial backgrounds. The country\“s racial dynamics have been shaped by its history of colonization, slavery, and extensive immigration from Europe, Africa, and Asia. |