Brazil is a country of continental size. It is the fifth largest country in the world, the fourth largest democracy and has the tenth largest economy (with GDP in excess of US$1 trillion). It has an economy bigger than India and Russia, and accounts for over half of South America’s GDP. The GDP of Sao Paulo State alone is greater than that of Argentina and Chile combined. It is rich in natural resources (including oil) and a world leader in the export of iron-ore, coffee, orange juice, sugar, bioethanol, beef, and chicken (although the majority of its exports are manufactured goods). As well as its leadership role within Mercosul, Brazil is a key player in a number of international fora including the G-20 (it holds the Chairmanship in 2008), the G-77 and the G8+5. Brazil is also one of the four major emerging ‘BRIC’ economies. Given its size and importance as an emerging market economy, Brazil has a key role to play in helping achieve a low carbon, high growth global economy.