South America was hit by recession in 2008 with exports, investments, and GDP decreasing, though it was expected to recover faster than developed nations. Brazil has a large population and economy, though it faces issues like inequality, corruption, and poverty. Apple opened its first two stores in Sao Paulo in 2008 and has expanded store-within-a-store concepts, targeting the growing mobile phone and internet markets in Brazil. However, it faces risks from upcoming presidential elections in 2010 and issues surrounding corruption, government spending, and inequality.

1. Apple in South America

2. General OverviewSouth America was hit by recession in 2008: Exports fell by 10 to 30%

3. Investments flows reduced

4. Food prices increased by 15%

5. GDP decreased=> Expected to recover before most developed countries and have a 4.1% growth

6. Facts about BrazilDPopulation: 198,739,269EGDP per capita: $10,200 (2009 est.)

7. Unemployment rate: 7.4% (2009 est.)

8. Inflation rate: 4.2% (2009 est.)

9. Current account balance: $-11.28 billion (2009 est.)

10. Main trade partners: US, China, Argentina, Netherlands, Germany

11. FDI: $318.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

12. 10thlargest economy in the worldSAvailability of high level jobs

13. Social classes (gap)TGood infrastructure (along the coastal areas)

14. Mobile phone usage is less expensive than landlinesEAmazon