The highly industrialized areas around the cities of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte form the economic hub of Brazil. The majority of the country's population is concentrated in this region. The area is rich in minerals, and its manufacturing, agricultural, and other industries are the most advanced in the country. The cities contain the head offices of many international companies.

The temperatures in this region are tropical. Temperatures range from 27-32°C in January and 16°C in July. Rainfall totals are high (over 1000mm). The wettest seasons is during the summer months - November to April.

The Brazilian Highlands dominate the south eastern part of Brazil. When the Brazilian highlands reach the coast they form an area of steep slopes. However, North of Rio things are very different. The Golden Coast stretches 3,480 kilometers north and contains some of the world's most beautiful beaches. These beaches stretch up into the north-eastern region until they meet the Amazon.

The economy of Brazil grew very quickly between 1960 and 1990 - an 'economic miracle'.

This rapid growth has caused some problems. Large numbers of people have migrated from rural areas (countryside) to urban areas (cities). This has led to higher levels of pollution, a shortage of proper housing , clean water and rubbish disposal.

Many large cities in this region are surrounded by areas of poor quality housing or favelas. Favelas have been constructed by people migrating into cities such as Sao Paulo. Favelas constructed over thirty years ago now have a range of services such as running water and electricity. Those areas built more recently lack basic amenities and are constructed from scrap materials such as wood and corrugated iron.