Brazil is a democratic country and a regional power. It is a founding member of the G20 and BRICS, through which it seeks to play an increasingly prominent role in the global economy and politics. Brazil is also a member of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Mercosur, and the Organization of American States (OAS).
Brazil is the largest country in South America and, with a population of around 215 million (the sixth largest in the world), represents a significant consumer and labour market. It is one of the world’s leading sources of agricultural and biological resources. The country has extensive natural resources and a diversified economy, ranking among the world’s 9th–10th largest economies by gross domestic product (GDP).
Economically, Brazil is one of the European Union’s key partners. Cooperation is expected to deepen further with the provisional application of the EU–Mercosur trade agreement from 1 May 2026. Analyses by the IMF and others indicate that while Brazil’s economic growth is expected to slow in the near term, a recovery and real growth of around 2–3% are projected in the medium term. This implies sustained demand for services, digital solutions, and infrastructure.
Brazil is a presidential republic and a federal state consisting of 26 states and a federal district, with Brasília as its capital. The largest cities are São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Since January 2023, Brazil’s President has been the socialist and founder of the Workers’ Party, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who previously held the office from 2003 to 2011. The next general elections in Brazil are scheduled for 4 October 2026.
History of diplomatic relations
Brazil recognised the independence of the Republic of Estonia on 5 December 1921. It did not recognise the Soviet occupation of Estonia in 1940 and re-recognised Estonia on 4 September 1991. Diplomatic relations were established on 16 December 1991.
Estonia has three honorary consuls in Brazil. Since 1996, Estonia has been represented by Honorary Consul General Jüri Saukas, whose consular district covers the states of São Paulo and Paraná. In 2008, Oskar Metsavaht, a Brazilian fashion designer and philanthropist of Estonian descent, became Estonia’s Honorary Consul in Rio de Janeiro. Since 2019, Almir Maestri has served as Estonia’s Honorary Consul in Joinville, representing Estonia in the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
The Estonian community in Brazil numbers around 500 people, although the number of people of Estonian descent is significantly higher, reaching approximately 1,000 in the Minas Gerais and São Paulo regions alone.
Bilateral relations
The section is currently being updated on the website.
Since March 2026, Chargé d’Affaires Kalvi Noormägi has been in Brazil preparing for the reopening of the embassy in the second half of 2026. From August, Moonika Kase will take up her post as Ambassador. She is currently Estonia’s Ambassador to the Portuguese Republic and has also served as Estonia’s non-resident Ambassador to Brazil.