Brazil is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. Brazil's economy is the world's ninth-largest by nominal GDP and seventh-largest by GDP (PPP) .[1] [2] A member of the BRICS group, Brazil until 2010 had one of the world's fastest growing major economies, with its economic reforms giving the country new international recognition and influence.[3] Brazil's national development bank plays an important role for the country's economic growth.[4] Brazil is a founding member of the United Nations, the G20, BRICS, Unasul, Mercosul, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States, CPLP, and the Latin Union. Brazil is a regional power in Latin America and a middle power in international affairs,[5] with some analysts identifying it as an emerging global power.[6] One of the world's major breadbaskets, Brazil has been the largest producer of coffee for the last 150 years.[7]
For further information on the types of business entities in this country and their abbreviations, see "Business entities in Brazil".
See also: List of largest Brazilian companies. This list shows firms in the Fortune Global 500, which ranks firms by total revenues reported before March 31, 2017.[8] Only the top five firms (if available) are included as a sample.
| Rank | Image | Name | 2016 Revenues (USD $M) | Employees | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | Petrobras | $81,405 | 68,829 | Large petroleum refining firm in Rio de Janeiro. The company has been on the list for 22 years, peaking at 23 in 2012. A 16% drop in revenues has moved them down to 75th. | ||
| 113 | Banco Itaú Unibanco | $66,876 | 94,779 | Large financial conglomerate headquartered in São Paulo. The firm debuted on the list in 2014 at 138 and has risen on the list despite a 21% drop in revenues. | ||
| 151 | Banco do Brasil | $58,093 | 100,622 | One of the largest banks in Latin America, Banco do Brasil is headquartered in Brasília. While the firm has been on the F500 list for 23 years, it moved dramatically, almost dropping off the list in 2002 but climbing back to 88 in 2012. | ||
| 154 | Banco Bradesco | $57,443 | 94,541 | Large banking and financial services company with operations worldwide. The firm has experienced a significant drop in revenues in recent years, but rose 31% in 2017 to move back to 154 on the list. | ||
| 191 | JBS S.A. | $48,825 | 237,061 | Massive meat processing concern with facilities around the world. JBS entered the list in 2010 and has rapidly risen to its current position of 191. |
This list includes notable companies with primary headquarters located in the country. The industry and sector follow the Industry Classification Benchmark taxonomy. Organizations which have ceased operations are included and noted as defunct.