Brazil and maternal health: Brazil is the largest country in South America and is the fifth largest nation in the world, with an area of ​​approximately 8,514,877 km2 and a population of approximately 201,009,622 people (The World Factbook). The Amazon rainforest occupies a large part of this area, which is home to the majority of the indigenous population. Brazil also represents nearly a third of Latin America's population (Encyclopedia Britannica). The country gained independence in 1822 from Portugal. It operated under a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of the republic by the military in 1889 (WFB). In addition to providing free primary care, surgeries and medications, SUS also provides a family health program, where doctors and nurses visit families to provide services. Thanks to its natural resources and large labor supply, it is the leading economic power in South America (WFB). However, income inequality and the lack of resources available to all people in the country continue to be a problem. Brazil has the strongest and fastest growing economy in Latin America and has the seventh largest economy in the world (World Bank). However, approximately 14% of the population lives on less than US$2 a day (World Bank). Brazil has the largest concentration of rural poverty in Latin America, with nearly half of people living in rural areas (rural poverty). In Brazil there are five macro-regions: North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast and South, with the North region (Encyclopedia Britannica). The northeast region has some of the driest and hottest conditions in the nation. This region also accounts for one-fifth of the national agricultural production... half of the document... December 7, 2013, from http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/country/home/tags/brazil13. Tedesco, R., Sousa, M., Jr., R.P., Cecatti, J., Camargo, R., & Pacagnella, R. (2013, November 1). Estimation of the preterm birth rate, associated factors and maternal morbidity from a demographic and health survey in Brazil - Springer. Estimation of the preterm birth rate, associated factors and maternal morbidity from a demographic and health survey in Brazil - Springer. Retrieved December 6, 2013, from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10995-012-1177-6/fulltext.html14. M.D., C.V., M.D., E.A., Carmo Leal, M.D., M. d., Monteiro, C., Barros, F., & Szwarcwald, C. (2011). Maternal and child health in Brazil: progress and challenges. The Lancet, 377 (9780, 28 May–3 June 2011), 1863–1876. Retrieved December 6, 2013, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673611601384