(Thanks and credits for sharing this information go to the Brazilian Secretariat of Social Communication - SECOM)

Social development and progress continue to stay strong in Brazil:

• Brazil tops global ranking in fight against hunger: In a recent report published by anti-poverty NGO ActionAid, Brazil ranks first among developing countries for its progress in the fight against hunger.
   

• Brazil’s “Bolsa Familia” income transfer program raises literacy rates: Newly released data reveals that half a million beneficiaries of Brazil’s cash transfer program became literate in 2006 and 2007, and the number of people registered for public literacy programs increased by 12 percent.

With one of the world’s largest populations, Brazil’s government has invested heavily in programs to eliminate poverty and hunger and improve access to services and opportunities in low-income communities. These efforts and their success to date earned Brazil’s President Lula UNESCO’s prestigious Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize in July, and Brazil’s Minister of Social Development the World Future Council’s Future Policy Award just a few weeks ago.

Detailed information can be found below.