Last updated: 19 March 2014
Earlier this year, Brazil officially overtook the UK as the world’s sixth-largest economy, with its GDP boasting an estimated annual growth rate of 7.5%. Slowly but surely, a country that for many years was well-known for the poor living conditions of millions of its citizens, is showing signs of becoming an economic superpower.
In the past few years, more than 30 million citizens have been lifted into the middle class economy (Class C), with much of this development attributable to the effect that technology is having on the nation. Brazilian citizens have embraced the benefits of digital technology as a means of making their lives easier, safer and more connected.
In an upcoming series of blog posts looking at Brazil’s digital present and future, we’ll be expanding our report from last year and exploring some of the stats and initiatives that have put Brazil firmly on the digital map. But don’t just take my word for it – take a look at some of the numbers:
- Brazil is the fifth largest mobile market in the world with 220 million registered cellphone users
- The value of the country’s eCommerce market in 2010 was $11.8 billion
- 83% of Brazil’s cellphone users have access to social media through their phones
- 4 million Brazilians successfully completed an online transaction for the first time in the first half of 2011
- 2 million Brazilians opened a Facebook account in July 2011
- The number of internet users in Brazil increased by over 13% between March 2010 and March 2011, but currently, only 7% of cellphone users access banking or financial products from their phone
- When questioned this time last year, 66% of Brazilian smartphone users said they intended to buy a tablet in the near future
Over the few next weeks, we’ll be discussing the topics that make Brazil tick, including the government’s new RIC eID card, one of the most advanced identity cards in the world, as well as taking a look at mobile healthcare and city transportation Rio-style.
If you’re reading from Brazil, or have any burning thoughts on the nation that is currently gearing up to host the 2014 World Cup, we’d love to hear from you. Is digital Brazil a safe environment to do business? Let us know using the comments box below.
