BRL to SGD Live Rate

Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean

Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia

10 00 S, 55 00 W

1 22 N, 103 48 E

South America

Southeast Asia

total: 8,515,770 sq km

land: 8,358,140 sq km

water: 157,630 sq km

note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo

country comparison to the world: 6

total: 719.2 sq km

land: 709.2 sq km

water: 10 sq km

country comparison to the world: 192

total: 16,145 km

border countries (10): Argentina 1,263 km, Bolivia 3,403 km, Colombia 1,790 km, French Guiana 649 km, Guyana 1,308 km, Paraguay 1,371 km, Peru 2,659 km, Suriname 515 km, Uruguay 1,050 km, Venezuela 2,137 km

0 km

7,491 km

193 km

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea, as defined in treaties and practice

mostly tropical, but temperate in south

tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - northeastern monsoon (December to March) and southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms

mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt

lowlying, gently undulating central plateau

mean elevation: 320 m

elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico da Neblina 2,994 m

mean elevation: NA

elevation extremes: lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m

highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m

bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, platinum, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber

fish, deepwater ports

agricultural land: 32.9%

arable land 8.6%; permanent crops 0.8%; permanent pasture 23.5%

forest: 61.9%

other: 5.2% (2011 est.)

agricultural land: 1%

arable land 0.9%; permanent crops 0.1%; permanent pasture 0%

forest: 3.3%

other: 95.7% (2011 est.)

54,000 sq km (2012)

0 sq km (2012)

the vast majority of people live along, or relatively near, the Atlantic coast in the east; the population core is in the southeast, anchored by the cities of Sao Paolo, Brasilia, and Rio de Janeiro

most of the urbanization is along the southern coast, with relatively dense population clusters found in the central areas

recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south

flash floods

deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the area; illegal wildlife trade; illegal poaching; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining activities; wetland degradation; severe oil spills

industrial pollution; limited natural freshwater resources; limited land availability presents waste disposal problems; seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

largest country in South America and in the Southern Hemisphere; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador; most of the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, extends through the west central part of the country; shares Iguazu Falls, the world's largest waterfalls system, with Argentina

focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes; consists of about 60 islands, by far the largest of which is Pulau Ujong; land reclamation has removed many former islands and created a number of new ones

slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

207,353,391 (July 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 5

5,888,926 (July 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 113

noun: Brazilian(s)

adjective: Brazilian

noun: Singaporean(s)

adjective: Singapore

white 47.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 43.1%, black 7.6%, Asian 1.1%, indigenous 0.4% (2010 est.)

Chinese 74.3%, Malay 13.4%, Indian 9%, other 3.2%

note: individuals self-identify; the population is divided into four categories: Chinese, Malay (includes Malays and Indonesians), Indian (includes Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, or Sri Lankan), and other ethnic groups (includes Eurasians, Caucasians, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese (2017 est.)

Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language)

note: less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages

English (official) 36.9%, Mandarin (official) 34.9%, other Chinese dialects (includes Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew) 12.2%, Malay (official) 10.7%, Tamil (official) 3.3%, other 2%

note:: data represent language most frequently spoken at home (2015 est.)

Roman Catholic 64.6%, other Catholic 0.4%, Protestant 22.2% (includes Adventist 6.5%, Assembly of God 2.0%, Christian Congregation of Brazil 1.2%, Universal Kingdom of God 1.0%, other Protestant 11.5%), other Christian 0.7%, Spiritist 2.2%, other 1.4%, none 8%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.)

Buddhist 33.2%, Christian 18.8%, Muslim 14%, Taoist 10%, Hindu 5%, other 0.6%, none 18.5% (2015 est.)

Brazil's rapid fertility decline since the 1960s is the main factor behind the country's slowing population growth rate, aging population, and fast-paced demographic transition. Brasilia has not taken full advantage of its large working-age population to develop its human capital and strengthen its social and economic institutions but is funding a study abroad program to bring advanced skills back to the country. The current favorable age structure will begin to shift around 2025, with the labor force shrinking and the elderly starting to compose an increasing share of the total population. Well-funded public pensions have nearly wiped out poverty among the elderly, and Bolsa Familia and other social programs have lifted tens of millions out of poverty. More than half of Brazil's population is considered middle class, but poverty and income inequality levels remain high; the Northeast, North, and Center-West, women, and black, mixed race, and indigenous populations are disproportionately affected. Disparities in opportunities foster social exclusion and contribute to Brazil's high crime rate, particularly violent crime in cities and favelas (slums).

Brazil has traditionally been a net recipient of immigrants, with its southeast being the prime destination. After the importation of African slaves was outlawed in the mid-19th century, Brazil sought Europeans (Italians, Portuguese, Spaniards, and Germans) and later Asians (Japanese) to work in agriculture, especially coffee cultivation. Recent immigrants come mainly from Argentina, Chile, and Andean countries (many are unskilled illegal migrants) or are returning Brazilian nationals. Since Brazil's economic downturn in the 1980s, emigration to the United States, Europe, and Japan has been rising but is negligible relative to Brazil's total population. The majority of these emigrants are well-educated and middle-class. Fewer Brazilian peasants are emigrating to neighboring countries to take up agricultural work.

total dependency ratio: 43.8

youth dependency ratio: 32.4

elderly dependency ratio: 11.4

potential support ratio: 8.7 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio: 37.3

youth dependency ratio: 21.3

elderly dependency ratio: 16

potential support ratio: 6.2 (2015 est.)

total: 32 years

male: 31.1 years

female: 32.8 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 102

total: 34.6 years

male: 34.5 years

female: 34.7 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 84

0.73% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 140

1.82% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 57

14.1 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 136

8.6 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 214

6.7 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 139

3.5 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 217

-0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 104

13.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 5

the vast majority of people live along, or relatively near, the Atlantic coast in the east; the population core is in the southeast, anchored by the cities of Sao Paolo, Brasilia, and Rio de Janeiro

most of the urbanization is along the southern coast, with relatively dense population clusters found in the central areas

urban population: 86.2% of total population (2017)

rate of urbanization: 0.99% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population: 100% of total population (2017)

rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

Sao Paulo 21.066 million; Rio de Janeiro 12.902 million; Belo Horizonte 5.716 million; BRASILIA (capital) 4.155 million; Fortaleza 3.88 million; Recife 3.739 million (2015)

SINGAPORE (capital) 5.619 million (2015)

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2017 est.)

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2017 est.)

44 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 102

10 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 148

total: 17.5 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 20.5 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 92

total: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 2.6 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 222

total population: 74 years

male: 70.5 years

female: 77.7 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 128

total population: 85.2 years

male: 82.6 years

female: 88.1 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 3

1.75 children born/woman (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 163

0.83 children born/woman (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 224

80.2% (2013)

8.3% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 51

4.9% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 144

1.85 physicians/1,000 population (2013)

2.28 physicians/1,000 population (2016)

2.2 beds/1,000 population (2014)

2.4 beds/1,000 population (2015)

improved:

urban: 100% of population

rural: 87% of population

total: 98.1% of population

unimproved:

urban: 0% of population

rural: 13% of population

total: 1.9% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved:

urban: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 88% of population

rural: 51.5% of population

total: 82.8% of population

unimproved:

urban: 12% of population

rural: 48.5% of population

total: 17.2% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved:

urban: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2015 est.)

0.6% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 60

NA

830,000 (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 11

NA

14,000 (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

NA

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

note: active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (as of August 2016); it poses an important risk (a large number of cases possible) among US citizens if bitten by an infective mosquito; other less common ways to get Zika are through sex, via blood transfusion, or during pregnancy, in which the pregnant woman passes Zika virus to her fetus (2016)

note: active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (as of August 2016); it poses an important risk (a large number of cases possible) among US citizens if bitten by an infective mosquito; other less common ways to get Zika are through sex, via blood transfusion, or during pregnancy, in which the pregnant woman passes Zika virus to her fetus (2016)

22.1% (2016)

country comparison to the world: 82

6.1% (2016)

country comparison to the world: 170

2.2% (2007)

country comparison to the world: 121

5.9% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 49

2.9% of GDP (2013)

country comparison to the world: 140

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.6%

male: 92.2%

female: 92.9% (2015 est.)

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 98.7%

female: 98.2% (2016 est.)

total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 16 years (2014)

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2009)

total: 16.1%

male: 13.8%

female: 21.2% (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 84

total: 6.6%

male: 5.6%

female: 7.7% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 142

30.5 years

median age (2015 est.)

conventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazil

conventional short form: Brazil

local long form: Republica Federativa do Brasil

local short form: Brasil

etymology: the country name derives from the brazilwood tree that used to grow plentifully along the coast of Brazil and that was used to produce a deep red dye

conventional long form: Republic of Singapore

conventional short form: Singapore

local long form: Republic of Singapore

local short form: Singapore

etymology: name derives from the Sanskrit words "singa" (lion) and "pura" (city) to describe the city-state's leonine symbol

federal presidential republic

parliamentary republic

name: Brasilia

geographic coordinates: 15 47 S, 47 55 W

time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins third Sunday in October; ends third Sunday in February

note: Brazil has three time zones, including one for the Fernando de Noronha Islands

name: Singapore

geographic coordinates: 1 17 N, 103 51 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins

none

7 September 1822 (from Portugal)

9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)

Independence Day, 7 September (1822)

National Day, 9 August (1965)

several previous; latest ratified 5 October 1988; amended many times, last in 2016 (2016)

history: several previous; latest adopted 22 December 1965

amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote in the second and third readings by the elected Parliament membership and assent by the president of the republic; passage of amendments affecting constitutional articles on fundamental liberties, the president, or constitutional amendment procedures also requires at least two-thirds majority vote in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2016 (2017)

civil law; note - a new civil law code was enacted in 2002 replacing the 1916 code

English common law

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

citizenship by birth: yes

citizenship by descent: yes

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 4 years

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Singapore

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years

voluntary between 16 to 18 years of age, over 70, and the illiterate; compulsory between 18 to 70 years of age; note - military conscripts by law cannot vote

21 years of age; universal and compulsory

chief of state: President Michel Miguel Elias TEMER Lulia (since 31 August 2016); Vice President (vacant); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Michel Miguel Elias TEMER Lulia (since 31 August 2016); Vice President (vacant)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 5 October 2014 with runoff on 26 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2018)

election results: Dilma ROUSSEFF reelected president in second round; percent of vote - Dilma ROUSSEFF (PT) 51.6%, Aecio NEVES (PSDB) 48.4%

note: on 12 May 2016, Brazil's Senate voted to hold an impeachment trial of President Dilma ROUSSEFF, who was then suspended from her executive duties; Vice President Michel TEMER took over as acting president; on 31 August 2016 the Senate voted 61-20 in favor of conviction and her removal from office; TEMER is serving as president for the remainder of ROUSSEFF's term, which ends 1 January 2019

chief of state: President HALIMAH Yacob (since 14 September 2017); note - President TAN's term ended on 31 August 2017; HALIMAH is Singapore's first female president; the head of the Council of Presidential Advisors, J.Y. PILLAY, served as acting president until HALIMAH was sworn in as president on 14 September 2017

head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 12 August 2004); Deputy Prime Ministers TEO Chee Hean (since 1 April 2009) and Tharman SHANMUGARATNAM (since 21 May 2011)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister; Cabinet responsible to Parliament

elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a single 6-year term; election last held on 13 September 2017 (next to be held in 2023); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or majority coalition appointed prime minister by president; deputy prime ministers appointed by the president

election results: HALIMAH Yacob was declared president on 13 September 2017, being the only eligible candidate; Tony TAN Keng Yam elected president in the previous contested election on 27 August 2011; percent of vote - Tony TAN Keng Yam (independent) 35.2% , TAN Cheng Bock (independent) 34.9%, TAN Jee Say (independent) 25%, TAN Kin Lian (independent) 4.9%

description: bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of the Federal Senate or Senado Federal (81 seats; 3 members each from 26 states and 3 from the federal district directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 8-year terms, with one-third and two-thirds of the membership elected alternately every 4 years) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms)

elections: Federal Senate - last held on 5 October 2014 for one-third of the Senate (next to be held in October 2018 for two-thirds of the Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 5 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2018)

election results: Federal Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PMDB 5, PSDB 4, PDT 4, PSB 3, DEM (formerly PFL) 3, PT 2, PSD 2, PTB 2, PP 1, PR 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PT 70, PMDB 66, PSDB 54, PSD 37, PP 36, PR 34, PSB 34, PTB 25, DEM (formerly PFL) 22, PRB 21, PDT 19, SD 15, PSC 12, PROS 11, PCdoB 10, PPS 10, PV 8, PHS 5, PSOL 5, PTN 4, PMN 3, PRP 3, PEN 2, PTC 2, PSDC 2, PTdoB 1, PSL 1, PRTB 1

description: unicameral Parliament (101 seats; 89 members directly elected by popular vote, up to 9 nominated by a parliamentary selection committee and appointed by the president, and up to 9 but currently 3 non-constituency members from opposition parties to ensure political diversity; members serve 5-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 September 2015 (next to be held in 2020)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 69.9%, WP 12.5%, other 17.6%; seats by party - PAP 83, WP 6

highest court(s): Supreme Federal Court or Supremo Tribunal Federal (consists of 11 justices)

judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president and approved by the Federal Senate; justices appointed to serve until mandatory retirement at age 75

subordinate courts: Tribunal of the Union, Federal Appeals Court, Superior Court of Justice, Superior Electoral Court, regional federal courts; state court system

highest court(s): Supreme Court (although the number varies, as of Feb 2018 it had a total of 21 judges, 7 judicial commissioners, 4 senior judges and 15 international judges; the court is organized into an upper tier Appeal Court and a lower tier High Court)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president from candidates recommended by the prime minister after consultation with the chief justice; lower court judges appointed by the president from candidates recommended by the chief justice; judges usually serve until retirment at age 65 but can be extended; other appointments are for a fixed term

subordinate courts: district, magistrates', juvenile, family, community, and coroners' courts; small claims tribunals; employment claims tribunals

Brazilian Communist Party or PCB [Ivan Martins PINHEIRO]

Brazilian Democratic Movement Party or PMDB [Michel TEMER]

Brazilian Labor Party or PTB [Cristiane BRASIL]

Brazilian Renewal Labor Party or PRTB [Jose Levy FIDELIX da Cruz]

Brazilian Republican Party or PRB [Marcos Antonio PEREIRA]

Brazilian Social Democracy Party or PSDB [Aecio NEVES]

Brazilian Socialist Party or PSB [Carlos Roberto SIQUEIRA de Barros]

Christian Labor Party or PTC [Daniel TOURINHO]

Christian Social Democratic Party or PSDC [Jose Maria EYMAEL]

Communist Party of Brazil or PCdoB [Jose Renato RABELO]

Democratic Labor Party or PDT [Carlos Roberto LUPI]

The Democrats or DEM [Jose AGRIPINO] (formerly Liberal Front Party or PFL)

Free Homeland Party or PPL [Sergio RUBENS]

Green Party or PV [Jose Luiz PENNA]

Humanist Party of Solidarity or PHS [Eduardo MACHADO]

Labor Party of Brazil or PTdoB [Luis Henrique de Oliveira RESENDE]

National Ecologic Party or PEN [Adilson Barroso OLIVEIRA]

National Labor Party or PTN [Jose Masci de ABREU]

National Mobilization Party or PMN [Telma RIBEIRO dos Santos]

Party of the Republic or PR [Alfredo NASCIMENTO]

Popular Socialist Party or PPS [Roberto Joao Pereira FREIRE]

Progressive Party or PP [Ciro NOGUEIRA]

Progressive Republican Party or PRP [Ovasco Roma Altimari RESENDE]

Republican Social Order Party or PROS [Euripedes JUNIOR]

Social Christian Party or PSC [Vitor Jorge Abdala NOSSEIS]

Social Democratic Party or PSD [Guilherme CAMPOS]

Social Liberal Party or PSL [Luciano Caldas BIVAR]

Socialism and Freedom Party or PSOL [Luiz ARAUJO]

Solidarity or SD [Paulo PEREIRA DA SILVA]

United Socialist Workers' Party or PSTU [Jose Maria DE ALMEIDA]

Workers' Cause Party or PCO [Rui Costa PIMENTA]

Workers' Party or PT [Rui FALCAO]

National Solidarity Party or NSP

People's Action Party or PAP [LEE Hsien Loong]

Singapore Democratic Party or SDP [Dr. CHEE Soon Juan]

Workers' Party or WP [Pritam SINGH]

Landless Workers' Movement or MST [Joao Pedro STEDILE]

other: industrial federations; labor unions and federations; large farmers' associations; religious groups including evangelical Christian churches and the Catholic Church

none

AfDB (nonregional member), BIS, BRICS, CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, CPLP, FAO, FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-5, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer), Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OECD (enhanced engagement), OPANAL, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

ADB, AOSIS, APEC, Arctic Council (observer), ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, EAS, FAO, FATF, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

chief of mission: Ambassador Sergio Silva do AMARAL (since 16 September 2016)

chancery: 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 238-2700

FAX: [1] (202) 238-2827

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford (CT), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Washington, DC

chief of mission: Ambassador Ashok Kumar MIRPURI (since 30 July 2012)

chancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100

FAX: [1] (202) 537-0876

consulate(s) general: San Francisco

consulate(s): New York

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael MCKINLEY (since 19 December 2016)

embassy: Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 3, Distrito Federal Cep 70403-900, Brasilia

mailing address: Unit 7500, DPO, AA 34030

telephone: [55] (61) 3312-7000

FAX: [55] (61) 3225-9136

consulate(s) general: Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Stephanie SYPTAK-RAMNATH (since 20 January 2017)

embassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508

mailing address: FPO AP 96507-0001

telephone: [65] 6476-9100

FAX: [65] 6476-9340

green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress); the current flag was inspired by the banner of the former Empire of Brazil (1822-1889); on the imperial flag, the green represented the House of Braganza of Pedro I, the first Emperor of Brazil, while the yellow stood for the Habsburg Family of his wife; on the modern flag the green represents the forests of the country and the yellow rhombus its mineral wealth (the diamond shape roughly mirrors that of the country); the blue circle and stars, which replaced the coat of arms of the original flag, depict the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of 15 November 1889 - the day the Republic of Brazil was declared; the number of stars has changed with the creation of new states and has risen from an original 21 to the current 27 (one for each state and the Federal District)

note: one of several flags where a prominent component of the design reflects the shape of the country; other such flags are those of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eritrea, and Vanuatu

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle; red denotes brotherhood and equality; white signifies purity and virtue; the waxing crescent moon symbolizes a young nation on the ascendancy; the five stars represent the nation's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality

Southern Cross constellation; national colors: green, yellow, blue

lion, merlion (mythical half lion-half fish creature), orchid; national colors: red, white

name: "Hino Nacional Brasileiro" (Brazilian National Anthem)

lyrics/music: Joaquim Osorio Duque ESTRADA/Francisco Manoel DA SILVA

note: music adopted 1890, lyrics adopted 1922; the anthem's music, composed in 1822, was used unofficially for many years before it was adopted

name: "Majulah Singapura" (Onward Singapore)

lyrics/music: ZUBIR Said

note: adopted 1965; first performed in 1958 at the Victoria Theatre, the anthem is sung only in Malay

Brazil is the eighth-largest economy in the world, but is recovering from a recession in 2015 and 2016 that ranks as the worst in the country’s history. Falling commodity prices reduced export revenues and investment, which weakened the Brazilian real and cut tax revenues. The weaker real made existing public debt, which was largely denominated in foreign currency, more expensive. Lower tax revenues strained the government budget.

Economic reforms, proposed in 2016, aim to slow the growth of government spending and reduce barriers to foreign investment. Government spending growth helped to push public debt to 78% of GDP at the end of 2017, up from 50% in 2012. Policies to strengthen Brazil’s workforce and industrial sector, such as local content requirements, may have boosted employment at the expense of investment.

Former President Dilma ROUSSEFF was impeached and convicted in August 2016 for moving funds among government budgets; the economy has also been affected by multiple corruption scandals involving private companies and government officials. Sanctions against the firms involved — some of the largest in Brazil — has limited their business opportunities, producing a ripple effect on associated businesses and contractors. In addition, investment in these companies has declined because of the scandals.

Brazil is a member of the Common Market of the South (Mercosur), a trade bloc including Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela. After the Asian and Russian financial crises, Mercosur adopted a protectionist stance to guard against exposure to the volatility of foreign markets. Brazil and its Mercosur partners have pledged to open the bloc to more trade and investment, but changes require approval of all five members, which makes policy adjustments too difficult to enact.

Singapore has a highly developed and successful free-market economy. It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP higher than that of most developed countries. Unemployment is very low. The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly of electronics, petroleum products, chemicals, medical and optical devices, pharmaceuticals, and on Singapore’s vibrant transportation, business, and financial services sectors.

The economy contracted 0.6% in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, but has continued to grow since 2010. Growth from 2012-2017 was slower than during the previous decade, a result of slowing structural growth - as Singapore reached high-income levels - and soft global demand for exports. Growth recovered to 3.6% in 2017 with a strengthening global economy.

The government is attempting to restructure Singapore’s economy to reduce its dependence on foreign labor, raise productivity growth, and increase wages amid slowing labor force growth and an aging population. Singapore has attracted major investments in advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology production and will continue efforts to strengthen its position as Southeast Asia's leading financial and technology hub. Singapore is a signatory of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and a party to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations with nine other ASEAN members plus Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. In 2015, Singapore formed, with the other ASEAN members, the ASEAN Economic Community.

$3.219 trillion (2017 est.)

$3.195 trillion (2016 est.)

$3.314 trillion (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 9

$513.7 billion (2017 est.)

$501.1 billion (2016 est.)

$491.3 billion (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 41

$2.081 trillion (2017 est.)

$305.8 billion (2017 est.)

0.7% (2017 est.)

-3.6% (2016 est.)

-3.8% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 192

2.5% (2017 est.)

2% (2016 est.)

1.9% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 134

$15,500 (2017 est.)

$15,500 (2016 est.)

$16,200 (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 107

$90,500 (2017 est.)

$89,400 (2016 est.)

$88,800 (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 7

16.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

16.2% of GDP (2016 est.)

15.8% of GDP (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 119

45% of GDP (2017 est.)

44.4% of GDP (2016 est.)

44.9% of GDP (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 5

household consumption: 63.5%

government consumption: 19.9%

investment in fixed capital: 16.6%

investment in inventories: 0%

exports of goods and services: 11.8%

imports of goods and services: -11.7% (2017 est.)

household consumption: 34.7%

government consumption: 11.4%

investment in fixed capital: 23.5%

investment in inventories: 1.9%

exports of goods and services: 179.2%

imports of goods and services: -150.6% (2017 est.)

agriculture: 6.2%

industry: 21%

services: 72.8%

(2017 est.)

agriculture: 0%

industry: 26%

services: 74% (2016 est.)

coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus; beef

vegetables; poultry, eggs; fish, ornamental fish, orchids

textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment

electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, biomedical products, scientific instruments, telecommunication equipment, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, entrepot trade

1% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 167

3% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 101

111.6 million (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 6

3.668 million

note: excludes non-residents (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 99

agriculture: 10%

industry: 39.8%

services: 50.2%

(2016 est.)

agriculture: 0.96%

industry: 15.5%

services: 83.5%

note: excludes non-residents (2016 est.)

13.1% (2017 est.)

11.3% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 166

2.2% (2017 est.)

2.1% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

3.7%

note: approximately 4% of the population are below the "extreme" poverty line (2016 est.)

NA%

lowest 10%: 1.2%

highest 10%: 41.6% (2014 est.)

lowest 10%: 1.7%

highest 10%: 26% (2016 est.)

49.7 (2014 est.)

55.3 (2001 est.)

country comparison to the world: 19

45.8 (2016 est.)

46.3 (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 37

revenues: $726.6 billion

expenditures: $749 billion (2017 est.)

revenues: $53.4 billion

expenditures: $56.49 billion

note: expenditures include both operational and development expenditures (2017 est.)

34.9% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 55

17.5% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 174

-1.1% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 61

-1% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 60

78.4% of GDP (2017 est.)

69.9% of GDP (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 42

114.6% of GDP (2017 est.)

112.9% of GDP (2016 est.)

note: Singapore's public debt consists largely of Singapore Government Securities (SGS) issued to assist the Central Provident Fund (CPF), which administers Singapore's defined contribution pension fund; special issues of SGS are held by the CPF, and are non-tradable; the government has not borrowed to finance deficit expenditures since the 1980s; Singapore has no external public debt

country comparison to the world: 11

calendar year

1 April - 31 March

3.7% (2017 est.)

8.7% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 145

0.9% (2017 est.)

-0.5% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 33

13.75% (31 December 2016 est.)

14.25% (31 December 2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

1.17% (2016 est.)

1.21% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 127

48.7% (31 December 2017 est.)

52.1% (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 2

5.4% (31 December 2017 est.)

5.35% (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 136

$106.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$106.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 37

$134.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$119.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

$761.2 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$727.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 19

$437.6 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$388.6 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 25

$2.237 trillion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.138 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

$455.4 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$383.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 28

$490.5 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

$843.9 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$1.02 trillion (31 December 2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

$654.8 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

$640 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

$752.8 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 17

$-28.99 billion (2017 est.)

$-23.53 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 196

$59.79 billion (2017 est.)

$56.5 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 9

$215.4 billion (2017 est.)

$184.5 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 27

$396.4 billion (2017 est.)

$361.6 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee, automobiles

machinery and equipment (including electronics and telecommunications), pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, refined petroleum products, foodstuffs and beverages

China 19%, US 12.6%, Argentina 7.3%, Netherlands 5.6% (2016)

China 12.8%, Hong Kong 12.6%, Malaysia 10.5%, Indonesia 7.8%, US 6.8%, Japan 4.5%, South Korea 4.4% (2016)

$151.9 billion (2017 est.)

$139.4 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 30

$309.7 billion (2017 est.)

$278.8 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

machinery, electrical and transport equipment, chemical products, oil, automotive parts, electronics

machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs, consumer goods

US 17.6%, China 16.9%, Argentina 6.7%, Germany 6.6%, South Korea 4.4% (2016)

China 14.3%, Malaysia 11.4%, US 10.8%, Japan 7%, South Korea 6.1%, Indonesia 4.8% (2016)

$377.1 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$365 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 10

$266.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$246.6 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 12

$554.5 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$551.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 20

$482.8 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$504.2 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 26

$828.7 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$763.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

$1.158 trillion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.096 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 10

$327.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$319.1 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

$725.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$682.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 15

reals (BRL) per US dollar -

3.21 (2017 est.)

3.49 (2016 est.)

3.49 (2015 est.)

3.33 (2014 est.)

2.35 (2013 est.)

Singapore dollars (SGD) per US dollar -

1.39 (2017 est.)

1.38 (2016 est.)

1.38 (2015 est.)

1.37 (2014 est.)

1.27 (2013 est.)

population without electricity: 800,000

electrification - total population: 99.5%

electrification - urban areas: 100%

electrification - rural areas: 97% (2013)

electrification - total population: 100% (2016)

559.2 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 9

47.48 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 55

500.6 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 9

46.6 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 54

219 million kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 74

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 197

34.64 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 4

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 201

155.6 million kW (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 8

13.28 million kW (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 53

25.4% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 189

98.6% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 36

1.2% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 182

59.2% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 203

16% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 45

1.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 124

2.515 million bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 10

0 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 194

518,800 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

11,460 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 59

350,100 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 24

831,300 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

13 billion bbl (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 15

0 bbl (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 193

2.899 million bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 8

955,500 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

3.102 million bbl/day (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 8

1.34 million bbl/day (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 17

269,400 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

1.718 million bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 5

559,000 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 15

2.153 million bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 3

20.41 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

0 cu m (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 194

43.4 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 26

19.73 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 43

100 million cu m (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 48

250 million cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 47

18.98 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 17

12.37 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 24

429.9 billion cu m (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

0 cu m (1 January 2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 195

535 million Mt (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

205 million Mt (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

total subscriptions: 41,842,233

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 20 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 6

total subscriptions: 1,998,400

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 59

total: 244,067,356

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 118 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 6

total: 8,460,700

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 144 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 96

general assessment: good working system including an extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 64 earth stations

domestic: fixed-line connections have remained relatively stable in recent years and stand at about 20 per 100 persons; less-expensive mobile-cellular technology has been a major driver in expanding telephone service to the lower-income segments of the population with mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 120 per 100 persons

international: country code - 55; landing point for a number of submarine cables, including Americas-1, Americas-2, Atlantis-2, GlobeNet, South America-1, South American Crossing/Latin American Nautilus, and UNISUR that provide direct connectivity to South and Central America, the Caribbean, the US, Africa, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region east), connected by microwave relay system to Mercosur Brazilsat B3 satellite earth station (2016)

general assessment: excellent service

domestic: excellent domestic facilities; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity more than 180 telephones per 100 persons; multiple providers of high-speed Internet connectivity

international: country code - 65; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 4; supplemented by VSAT coverage (2016)

state-run Radiobras operates a radio and a TV network; more than 1,000 radio stations and more than 100 TV channels operating - mostly privately owned; private media ownership highly concentrated (2007)

state controls broadcast media; 7 domestic TV stations operated by MediaCorp which is wholly owned by a state investment company; broadcasts from Malaysian and Indonesian stations available; satellite dishes banned; multi-channel cable TV services available; a total of 18 domestic radio stations broadcasting, with MediaCorp operating 11, Singapore Press Holdings, also government-linked, another 5, and another 2 controlled by the Singapore Armed Forces Reservists Association; Malaysian and Indonesian radio stations are available as is BBC; a number of Internet service radio stations are also available

.br

.sg

total: 122,841,218

percent of population: 59.7% (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 5

total: 4,683,200

percent of population: 81.0% (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 81

number of registered air carriers: 9

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 443

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 102,039,359

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 149.393 million mt-km (2015)

number of registered air carriers: 5

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 197

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 33,290,544

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 6,154,365,275 mt-km (2015)

PP (2016)

9V (2016)

4,093 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 2

9 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 158

total: 698

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 179

914 to 1,523 m: 436

under 914 m: 49 (2017)

total: 9

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2017)

total: 3,395

1,524 to 2,437 m: 92

914 to 1,523 m: 1,619

under 914 m: 1,684 (2013)

13 (2013)

condensate/gas 251 km; gas 17,312 km; liquid petroleum gas 352 km; oil 4,831 km; refined products 4,722 km (2013)

domestic gas 3,220 km (2014); cross-border pipelines 1,122 km (2017); refined products 8 km (2013)

total: 29,849.9 km

broad gauge: 5,822.3 km 1.600-m gauge (498.3 km electrified)

dual gauge: 492 km 1.600-1.000-m gauge

standard gauge: 194 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 23,341.6 km 1.000-m gauge (24 km electrified) (2014)

country comparison to the world: 9

total: 1,580,964 km

paved: 212,798 km

unpaved: 1,368,166 km

note: does not include urban roads (2010)

country comparison to the world: 4

total: 3,496 km

paved: 3,496 km (includes 164 km of expressways) (2014)

country comparison to the world: 163

50,000 km (most in areas remote from industry and population) (2012)

country comparison to the world: 3

total: 766

by type: bulk carrier 14, container ship 16, general cargo 48, oil tanker 37, other 651 (2017)

country comparison to the world: 28

total: 3,558

by type: bulk carrier 592, container ship 504, general cargo 134, oil tanker 722, other 1,606 (2017)

country comparison to the world: 6

major seaport(s): Belem, Paranagua, Rio Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Sao Sebastiao, Tubarao

river port(s): Manaus (Amazon)

dry bulk cargo port(s): Sepetiba ore terminal, Tubarao

container port(s) (TEUs): Santos (3,780,000) (2015)

oil terminal(s): DTSE/Gegua oil terminal, Ilha Grande (Gebig), Guaiba Island terminal, Guamare oil terminal

LNG terminal(s) (import): Pecem, Rio de Janiero

major seaport(s): Singapore

container port(s) (TEUs): Singapore (30,922,000) (2015)

LNG terminal(s) (import): Singapore

1.32% of GDP (2016)

1.36% of GDP (2015)

1.33% of GDP (2014)

1.33% of GDP (2013)

1.38% of GDP (2012)

country comparison to the world: 88

3.35% of GDP (2016)

3.16% of GDP (2015)

3.11% of GDP (2014)

3.09% of GDP (2013)

3.17% of GDP (2012)

country comparison to the world: 24

Brazilian Army (Exercito Brasileiro, EB), Brazilian Navy (Marinha do Brasil, MB, includes Naval Air and Marine Corps (Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais)), Brazilian Air Force (Forca Aerea Brasileira, FAB) (2011)

Singapore Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (includes Air Defense) (2013)

18-45 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation is 10-12 months; 17-45 years of age for voluntary service; an increasing percentage of the ranks are "long-service" volunteer professionals; women were allowed to serve in the armed forces beginning in early 1980s, when the Brazilian Army became the first army in South America to accept women into career ranks; women serve in Navy and Air Force only in Women's Reserve Corps (2012)

18-21 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 1/2 years of age for volunteers; 2-year conscript service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 40 (enlisted) or age 50 (officers) (2012)

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift; in the Singapore Straits there were nine attacks against commercial vessels in 2015, declining to only two attacks in 2016

uncontested boundary dispute between Brazil and Uruguay over Braziliera/Brasiliera Island in the Quarai/Cuareim River leaves the tripoint with Argentina in question; smuggling of firearms and narcotics continues to be an issue along the Uruguay-Brazil border; Colombian-organized illegal narcotics and paramilitary activities penetrate Brazil's border region with Venezuela

disputes persist with Malaysia over each country’s extensive land reclamation works, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in 2008, ICJ awarded sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia, but did not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of South Ledge; in 2017, Malaysia filed a challenge to the 2008 ruling and applied for ownership of South Ledge; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

refugees (country of origin): 52,622 (Venezuela) (economic and political crisis; includes Venezuelans who have claimed asylum or have received alternative legal stay) (2018)

second-largest consumer of cocaine in the world; illicit producer of cannabis; trace amounts of coca cultivation in the Amazon region, used for domestic consumption; government has a large-scale eradication program to control cannabis; important transshipment country for Bolivian, Colombian, and Peruvian cocaine headed for Europe; also used by traffickers as a way station for narcotics air transshipments between Peru and Colombia; upsurge in drug-related violence and weapons smuggling; important market for Colombian, Bolivian, and Peruvian cocaine; illicit narcotics proceeds are often laundered through the financial system; significant illicit financial activity in the Tri-Border Area

drug abuse limited because of aggressive law enforcement efforts, including carrying out death sentences; as a transportation and financial services hub, Singapore is vulnerable, despite strict laws and enforcement, as a venue for money laundering