Population Distribution in Brazil

General distribution

Population density of over 20perkm², unevenly distributed, 80% near/on east coast.

Factor 1: Climate

South-East is milder and more attractive to settlers than interior of Brazil.

North-West climate 

Has an equatorial, hot, humid, climate, with temperatures of 30 degrees year-round. 

North-east 

Semi-arid or desert-like climate, with a lack of rain and regular drought. Land here is too weak to support agriculture and therefore lowers population density here.

Factor 2: Colonisation

In 16/17th centuries Portuguese colonisers settled along closest east coast.

Ports

These colonisers developed ports, to export back to Europe. Became trade centres with European settlers.

Climate and colonisers 

Colonisers could not handle intense rainforest heat and humidity. 

Colonisers and Ameridians

Amazon region more sparsely populated with a density of only 6perkm², traditionally occupied by native Ameridian tribes, e.g. Yanomami. These natives have been there for years.

Coastal cities

Sao Paolo and Rio de Janerio became major trade centres and attractions. Sao Paolo, Belo Horizonte, and Rio form major industrial triangles. South-east cities became Brazils economic core. E.g. megacity Sao Paolo with population of 20mil.

Relief on settlement 

Brazilian highlands cover much of Brazil and restrict settlement in interior.