Brazil is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. This diversity did not happen by chance—it is the result of centuries of migration, colonization, forced labor, and cultural blending. Each region of Brazil developed its own ethnic profile, shaped by geography, economic needs, and historical events. Understanding these regional differences helps explain Brazil’s rich cultural identity.

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Population by Ethnicity/Race in Brazil

Brazil (Total Population)

• White: 47.5%
• Black: 7.5%
• Multiracial (Pardo): 43.4%
• Asian (Yellow): 1.1%
• Indigenous: 0.4%

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South Region

• White: 78.3%
• Black: 4.0%
• Multiracial (Pardo): 16.7%
• Asian: 0.7%
• Indigenous: 0.3%

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Southeast Region

• White: 54.9%
• Black: 7.8%
• Multiracial (Pardo): 36.0%
• Asian: 1.1%
• Indigenous: 0.1%

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Northeast Region

• White: 29.2%
• Black: 9.4%
• Multiracial (Pardo): 59.8%
• Asian: 1.2%
• Indigenous: 0.4%

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North Region

• White: 23.2%
• Black: 6.5%
• Multiracial (Pardo): 67.2%
• Asian: 1.1%
• Indigenous: 1.9%

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Central-West Region

• White: 41.5%
• Black: 6.6%
• Multiracial (Pardo): 49.4%
• Asian: 1.5%
• Indigenous: 0.9%

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Ethnicities by Region in Brazil

Brazil – Overall

• European ancestry: Largest share nationwide
• Mixed-race (Pardo): Second-largest group
• African ancestry: Significant, varies by region
• Indigenous ancestry: Strongest in the North
• Asian ancestry: Small but notable, mainly in the Southeast

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Southern Brazil

• Majority population of European descent
• Main ancestries:
  • Portuguese (Azorean)
  • German
  • Italian
  • Polish
• Indigenous groups:
  • Guarani
  • Kaingang
• African ancestry:
  • Historically significant due to slavery
  • Much smaller percentage today
• Cultural traits:
  • Strong European traditions
  • Wine production, agriculture, and small farming communities

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Southeastern Brazil

• Most ethnically diverse region
• Major groups:
  • Europeans (Portuguese, Italian, others)
  • Mixed-race population
  • African descendants
• Largest Asian Brazilian population in the country
• Indigenous population:
  • Small but historically important
• Key influences:
  • Early Portuguese colonization
  • African slavery
  • Coffee plantation immigration
• Major cities:
  • São Paulo
  • Rio de Janeiro

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Northeastern Brazil

• Majority mixed-race (Pardo) population
• Strong African influence, especially along the coast
• European influence:
  • Mostly Portuguese
  • Limited later European immigration
• Indigenous-European mixing common in interior regions
• Cultural highlights:
  • Afro-Brazilian religion, music, and cuisine
• Notable city:
  • Salvador (Bahia), strong African heritage

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Northern Brazil

• Strongest Indigenous influence in Brazil
• Majority mixed-race population
• Key factors:
  • Indigenous tribes of the Amazon
  • Migration from Northeast Brazil during the rubber boom
• African ancestry:
  • Smaller than in other regions
• Cultural identity:
  • Deep Indigenous traditions in daily life

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Central-West Brazil

• Originally Indigenous territory
• Mixed-race population formed through early contact
• Population growth driven by:
  • Discovery of precious stones
  • Construction of Brasília (1960)
• Later migration:
  • European-descended farmers from Southern Brazil
• Current profile:
  • Mixed ethnic composition with regional variation

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Across Brazil as a whole, people of European ancestry form the largest share of the population, followed by those of mixed racial backgrounds (known as Pardo), people of African descent, Indigenous peoples, and smaller Asian communities. While European ancestry predominates nationwide, the balance between European, African, and Indigenous roots varies significantly by region.

In general:

• Northern Brazil shows a stronger Indigenous influence.
• Northeastern, Central-Western, and Southeastern Brazil have a greater African presence.
• Southern Brazil stands out for its strong European majority.

These differences reflect the unique settlement patterns and economic histories of each region.

Southern Brazil: Strong European Roots

Southern Brazil has the highest proportion of people of European descent in the country. This region includes the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul and was originally inhabited by Indigenous groups such as the Guarani and Kaingang.

Early Settlement and Portuguese Influence

During colonial times, the South had a small population and was strategically vulnerable. To secure the region, Portugal encouraged settlement, particularly by families from the Azores islands. These settlers formed the foundation of coastal communities and contributed heavily to fishing and agriculture.

African Presence and Decline

African slaves were later brought to work in cattle farming, especially in Rio Grande do Sul. At one point, Africans made up nearly half of the population there. Over time, however, their proportion declined significantly due to changes in labor systems and immigration policies.

European Immigration Waves

After Brazil gained independence, the government actively promoted European immigration. Germans arrived first, establishing farming colonies and towns such as São Leopoldo and Novo Hamburgo. Italians followed in large numbers, settling mainly in highland areas and creating strong wine-producing regions. Polish immigrants also arrived, particularly in Paraná, forming close-knit agricultural communities.

Today, Southern Brazil remains strongly influenced by German, Italian, and other European traditions.

Southeastern Brazil: The Great Melting Pot

The Southeast is Brazil’s most ethnically diverse region and includes São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo. It combines European, African, Indigenous, and Asian influences.

Colonial Foundations

This region was home to Brazil’s earliest Portuguese settlements. Early colonization involved extensive interaction—and exploitation—of Indigenous populations. Over time, racial mixing gave rise to unique cultural groups such as the Bandeirantes, who played a major role in expanding Portuguese territory.

Gold, Slavery, and Urban Growth

The discovery of gold in Minas Gerais triggered a massive influx of Portuguese settlers and African slaves. Rio de Janeiro became one of the most heavily African cities in the world during the 18th century. Later, the arrival of the Portuguese royal family further strengthened European influence.

Mass Immigration

From the late 19th century onward, millions of European immigrants—especially Italians—arrived to work on coffee plantations. Their descendants remain highly visible today, particularly in São Paulo.

Northeastern Brazil: Deep African and Mixed Heritage

The Northeast has one of the strongest African cultural influences in Brazil and a majority mixed-race population.

Roots of Diversity

Portuguese settlers often arrived without women, leading to relationships with Indigenous and African women. Over centuries, this resulted in extensive racial mixing.

Slavery and Sugar Economy

The region was a major center of sugar production and received millions of enslaved Africans, particularly along the coast. Cities like Salvador in Bahia are renowned for their African heritage, reflected in music, religion, and cuisine.

Limited European Immigration

Unlike the South and Southeast, the Northeast did not experience large waves of European immigration due to economic decline after the sugar industry weakened.

Northern Brazil: Indigenous Influence at the Core

Northern Brazil, dominated by the Amazon rainforest, has the strongest Indigenous presence in the country.

Late Non-Indigenous Settlement

Although Europeans arrived in the 17th century, large-scale settlement did not occur until the rubber boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Migration and Mixing

Workers from the Northeast migrated to the Amazon to extract rubber. Interaction between Indigenous peoples and these migrants shaped the region’s predominantly mixed-race population.

Indigenous culture remains deeply embedded in Northern Brazil’s traditions, food, and daily life.

Central-West Brazil: A Region Transformed

Originally inhabited by Indigenous groups, the Central-West saw limited population growth until the 20th century.

Early Exploration

Portuguese explorers arrived searching for precious stones, leading to early racial mixing.

Modern Migration

The construction of Brasília in 1960 transformed the region, attracting workers from across Brazil. Later, agricultural expansion brought migrants of European descent from the South, reshaping the demographic balance in some areas.