Understanding the Official Name of Brazil
The official name of Brazil is the República Federativa do Brasil, which translates to 'Federative Republic of Brazil'. However, this title didn't come to be immediately after the discovery and colonization of the land. The history of Brazil's name evolution is a fascinating journey through time and cultural influences.
Common Names Used Today
In the English-speaking world, the country is commonly known simply as 'Brazil'. In Brazil itself and the Portuguese-speaking world, it's referred to as 'Brasil'.
Evolution of Names
Before the Proclamation of the Republic in 1889, Brazil had several names:
Names Before 1889
Pindorama - A popular term among indigenous peoples in the Tupi-Guarani language, meaning "land of palm trees." Monte Pascoal - The first name that Portuguese navigators used when they saw the Brazilian coast for the first time. Ilha de Vera Cruz - A denomination used in the Letter of Pero Vaz de Caminha. Terra de Vera Cruz - A name given by the Portuguese soon after the discovery of Brazil. Brazil - This name began to be used as a colony because of the vast presence of Pau-Brasil, a type of tree.After the Proclamation of the Republic in 1889, the title began to stabilize. Here is a timeline:
Timeline of Brazilian Names
1549: The place was officially called the 'State of Brazil' with a general governor, Tomé de Souza. 1808: The Portuguese royal family moved to Brazil to escape Napoleon's expansion. The country was then called the 'Kingdom of Brazil', part of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves. 1822-1889: After independence was proclaimed in 1822 and recognized in 1825, the name became 'United States of Brazil'. 1889: After the republic was proclaimed by Deodoro da Fonseca, the country was officially called the 'Federative Republic of Brazil'.Modern Brazilian Constitution and National Name
The Brazilian Constitution of 1988 established the name República Federativa do Brasil when the country decided to adopt the federal model and become a republic. It's worth noting that unlike countries like the United States or some in Europe, Brazil has had multiple constitutions, some of which completely changed the state organization.
For more information, you can visit the official Understanding the Official Name of Brazil
The official name of Brazil is the República Federativa do Brasil, which translates to 'Federative Republic of Brazil'. However, this title didn't come to be immediately after the discovery and colonization of the land. The history of Brazil's name evolution is a fascinating journey through time and cultural influences.
Common Names Used Today
In the English-speaking world, the country is commonly known simply as 'Brazil'. In Brazil itself and the Portuguese-speaking world, it's referred to as 'Brasil'.
Evolution of Names
Before the Proclamation of the Republic in 1889, Brazil had several names:
Names Before 1889
Pindorama - A popular term among indigenous peoples in the Tupi-Guarani language, meaning "land of palm trees." Monte Pascoal - The first name that Portuguese navigators used when they saw the Brazilian coast for the first time. Ilha de Vera Cruz - A denomination used in the Letter of Pero Vaz de Caminha. Terra de Vera Cruz - A name given by the Portuguese soon after the discovery of Brazil. Brazil - This name began to be used as a colony because of the vast presence of Pau-Brasil, a type of tree.After the Proclamation of the Republic in 1889, the title began to stabilize. Here is a timeline:
Timeline of Brazilian Names
1549: The place was officially called the 'State of Brazil' with a general governor, Tomé de Souza. 1808: The Portuguese royal family moved to Brazil to escape Napoleon's expansion. The country was then called the 'Kingdom of Brazil', part of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves. 1822-1889: After independence was proclaimed in 1822 and recognized in 1825, the name became 'United States of Brazil'. 1889: After the republic was proclaimed by Deodoro da Fonseca, the country was officially called the 'Federative Republic of Brazil'.Modern Brazilian Constitution and National Name
The Brazilian Constitution of 1988 established the name República Federativa do Brasil when the country decided to adopt the federal model and become a republic. It's worth noting that unlike countries like the United States or some in Europe, Brazil has had multiple constitutions, some of which completely changed the state organization.
For more information, you can visit the official Brazilian Constitution of 1988.
Conclusion
The evolution of the official name of Brazil reflects the country's colonial history, cultural heritage, and political transformations. From the indigenous names to the Portuguese naming traditions and the eventual recognition of its own republican identity, the name has shifted with the times, yet it remains a symbol of its rich history and deep connection to its land and people.