Economy and social inclusion

Brazil began a new cycle of growth with the expansion of the internal market. This new phase was driven by increases in family income, employment, greater access to credit and public policies for the transfer of wealth.

Ministerio do Planejamento/Divulgação Enlarge

Economic growth has been accompanied by gains in the social area, with reduced poverty and inequality. Between 2001 and 2009 income per capita of the poorer segments of the population grew 6.79% per year while the income of the wealthiest 10% grew at 1.49% per year. Social inclusion is also fermented by income transfer programs such as 'Bolsa Família' - Family Assistance - which serves more than 12.9 million families.

In addition to social inclusion, employment generation has had an important role in increasing the purchasing power of Brazilians. A total of 15.4 million registered jobs were created between 2003 and 2010. Availability of credit has also provided a further stimulus for the consumer market, increasing from 24.6% of GDP in 2003 to 46.4% in 2010.

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