The world is constantly changing and evolving, and so is its population. Learning about them can be daunting with so many different countries and cultures. However, by understanding general demography, you’ll better understand the world.
There are over 200 sovereign states in the world; these range from tiny islands with a population of just 400 to vast countries with hundreds of millions of people. Each country has its boundaries and culture, making it difficult to compare them.
Two such countries are Brazil and Mexico. There are many similarities and shared histories between Brazil and Mexico, but there are also some significant differences. The most noticeable ones of which are language, culture, and economy.
Brazil is Portuguese-speaking, while Mexico is Spanish-speaking. Brazilian culture is more laid-back and relaxed than Mexican culture.
Apart from these, you can also observe their differences in political and demographic perspectives. Let’s discuss all these differences in detail for both countries.
All You Need To Know About Brazil
Brazil is a country located in South America. It is the fifth largest country in the world by area, with a population of over 195 million people.
Brazil is home to many beautiful and exotic places, including some of the most famous tourist destinations on Earth, like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The country’s rich and varied culture and extensive history can be explored at museums and historical sites.
Brazil also has a strong economy, with high GDP per capita and low poverty levels. Travel to Brazil is rewarding for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene, with plenty of excellent restaurants and nightlife options.
If you’re planning a trip to Brazil soon, check out our all you need to know about Brazil guide!
All You Need To Know About Mexico
Mexico is a country in North America located on the South American continent. Spanning an area of about 2,000 miles from north to south and 1,900 miles from east to west.
Mexico shares borders with the United States of America to the north, Guatemala and Belize to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Five self-governing regions and 31 states make up the country. The capital city is Mexico City.
Mexican culture is diverse and influenced by many other countries, including Spain, indigenous cultures such as Maya and Aztec, and European culture.
Mexican art includes paintings, sculptures, prints, and photography. Mexican cuisine features various ingredients, including seafood, meat, and vegetables.
Some of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites are found in Mexico, including Teotihuacan, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World; Machu Picchu, which was once called “The Lost City of the Incas” and Monte Albán which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
What Are The Differences Between Brazil And Mexico?
There are many similarities and shared histories between Brazil and Mexico, but there are also some significant differences.
Economy
Brazil has a stronger agricultural sector, while Mexico’s manufacturing sector is more prominent.
Brazil is much more diversified than Mexico. Its economy is made up of several different sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. This diversity helps give Brazil a strong foundation for growth in the future.
On the other hand, Mexico is largely focused on its export sector. The country’s GDP relies heavily on oil and natural gas exports. If the global economy weakens, Mexico could find itself in serious trouble.
Culture
One of Brazil and Mexico’s most noticeable cultural distinctions are their respective approaches to religion. In Brazil, Protestantism is the dominant religion, while in Mexico, Roman Catholicism is the predominant faith.
This difference in religious belief deeply impacts the cultures of these countries. Another key distinction between Brazilian and Mexican culture revolves around food.
In Brazil, indigenous fruits and vegetables are prominent ingredients in many dishes, while Mexican cuisine typically incorporates heavy doses of spices and chili peppers.
Language
Significant differences exist in the tonal qualities of the languages spoken in Brazil and Mexico.
In Brazil, the voice is usually lower-pitched and casual, while in Mexico, it is typically higher-pitched and more formal. Additionally, Brazilian Portuguese uses interjections and particles more than Mexican Spanish, making it sound less static.
Demography
Demographically, Brazil and Mexico are two very different countries.
Brazil is much larger than Mexico, has a much more diverse population, and has a longer history. Brazil is also home to many African, European, and South American cultures.
Mexico, on the other hand, is much smaller than Brazil. It has a majority Latino population, with many immigrants from Central and South America. The country is also younger than Brazil.
Racial And Ethnic Differences
Brazil is home to a large population of African descendants, while Mexico has a significant population of indigenous people.
Additionally, Brazil is predominately Catholic, while Mexico is predominantly Protestant.
Regarding ethnicity, Brazil is home to various racial groups, including African, European, Native American, and East Asian descendants. On the other hand, Mexican people come from various ethnic backgrounds, including Spanish, Indigenous Maya, Arab and Chinese.
Here are the differences between the two countries in simplified form.
| Mexico | Brazil | |
| Economy | Moderate economy ($1.6 trillion) | Strong economy ($ 2.3 trillion) |
| Language | Spanish, formal | Portuguese, casual |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism | Protestantism |
| Food | Contains heavy spices and chili. | Contains indigenous fruits and vegetables. |
| Demography | A smaller country with less population. | A larger country with a dense population. |
| Ethnicity | People with Spanish, Indigenous Maya, Arab, and Chinese backgrounds, along with the indigenous populations. | People with African, European, Native American, and East Asian Ethnic backgrounds. |
Here is an interesting video clip comparing both countries.
Can A Brazilian Enter Mexico?
Brazilians are welcome in Mexico if they have proper documentation and leave their passport and visa at the airport. Most Brazilians arriving in Mexico use border checkpoints at Reynosa or Laredo.
The trip from Brazil to Mexico is quite long, but it’s easy to get around once you’re there. You can find Brazilian restaurants and bars throughout the country and plenty of people who will speak your language.
Which Race Is Most Common In Brazil?
Brazil is an amalgamation of many different cultures, ethnicities, and races. It’s hard to say which race is most common in Brazil because the population is diverse.
But according to the latest census, whites make up 34 percent of the population, followed by Afro-Brazilians (25%), Hispanics (17%), and Asians (5%).
Final Thoughts
- There are a few key differences between Brazil and Mexico.
- Brazil has a much higher population density than Mexico.
- Brazil is significantly wealthier than Mexico.
- Brazil is Portuguese-speaking, while Mexico is a Spanish-speaking country.
- Brazil has a presidential system, while Mexico has a parliamentary system.