Lula and the Rise of Brazil

Brazil's economy, the largest in Latin America, has experienced a recent strengthening. Thanks in large part to its natural resources which have positioned the country as a leader in Ethanol production. When I visited Brazil for the first time in 2003 the Brazilian Reai was nearly 3:1 to the US dollar. Today it sits below 2:1, making travel a bit more costly than it was (might want to get down there and experience it before the Reai is on par!). The New York Times recently interviewed Luis Inacio 'Lula' da Silva, Brazil's  controversial president, in his first interview with American media since 2004. It is an interesting article providing insight into the economic situation of the country.