PART V. BRAZIL.

Brazil has an area of 3,218,991 square miles, exceeding that of continental United States, exclusive of Alaska, by over 192,000 square miles. In 1907 the population was estimated at 19,910,646, or a little more than six persons per square mile, the density of population being about one-fifth that of the United States.

SOURCES OF IMMIGRATION.

As early as 1818 efforts were made to induce the immigration to Brazil of German and Swiss peasants. The records show that 1,682 Swiss were admitted in 1820, this being the only immigration recorded for that year. Brazilian immigration statistics are admittedly incomplete and faulty, but the authority referred to presents figures showing that from 1820 to 1907, inclusive, a total of 2,561,482 immigrants arrived in that country.

The sources of this immigration and the development of the movement according to nationalities are shown by the following table:

TABLE 11.-Immigration to Brazil, 1820 to 1907, by nationality.

[Compiled from report issued for the Universal Exposition, 1908, under Ministry of Agriculture.]

• Publication issued by the minister of agriculture for the Universal Exposition of 1908.

7,965 2,115

6,236 1,904

67 302 763 37 409 23 125 316 929

6,001

14,590

2,747 30,747

15 906

Total.

Nationality.

TABLE 11.-Immigration to Brazil, 1820 to 1907, by nationality-Continued.

Total.. 56,892 3,716 11,068 19, 269 93,075 1,213, 167 634, 585 54, 593 288, 646 3, 7809, 086 11, 731 161,874 2,561, 4

482

The importance of each nationality as a factor in the immigration movement to Brazil during the period covered by the above table is shown as follows:

TABLE 12.-Immigration to Brazil, 1820 to 1907, by nationality; per cent distribution.

[Compiled from report issued for the Universal Exposition, 1908, under Ministry of Agriculture.]

The immigration law of Brazil is liberal and comprehensive. It is designed to facilitate desirable immigration and to exclude the undesirable. Complete and effective cooperation is contemplated between the Union, the States, and private enterprises, for the purpose of settling and developing the country.

Per cent Number. distribution.

2,561, 482

100.0

Total.

IMMIGRANTS DEFINED.

All aliens under 60 years of age and traveling on second or third class passage are deemed immigrants unless they are criminals, rogues, beggars, vagabonds, lunatics, or invalids, are plying illicit trades, or are afflicted with any contagious disease. The disabilities enumerated bar admission. Persons over 60 years of age or incapacitated for work are admitted only when they are accompanied by their family and evidence is adduced of ability to provide support.

RIGHTS OF IMMIGRANTS.

Immigrants settling in the country and engaging in agriculture, industry, trade, or any useful craft or profession, are guaranteed entire liberty of action, are allowed free access to any trade or other pursuit not inimical to public safety, health, or morals, and are granted complete religious liberty and the general civil rights enjoyed by Brazilian citizens under the Constitution.

NUCLEUS COLONIES.

Nucleus colonies consist of selected divisions of territory in process of settlement and development. They may be established by either public or private initiation. Locations are determined by the general resources and value. Immigrants with families who intend to purchase land will be assisted by the Government in paying their passage to Brazil. They will also be assisted in making the first installment on the land and in purchasing farming implements and equipment, provided that they present on arrival a certificate of age, identity, occupation, character, and nationality, signed by an authorized Brazilian representative abroad.

REPATRIATION.

The Government will repatriate agricultural immigrants who have entered Brazil at state expense within two years prior to filing request for same and who have resided continuously with the head of the family, but whose absence or incapacity induces the request. Persons eligible are widows and orphans destitute of support, wives and minor children of immigrants who are afflicted or unable to provide support, and immigrants incapacitated by incurable disease, accident, or lack of resources.