Considering the abovementioned maritime segments and projections, it may be affirmed that Brazil’s strong link to the sea is substantial, from both political and economic perspectives. This has induced the country to exert a natural influence over the South Atlantic. The strong dependence on maritime traffic for foreign trade constitutes a relevant challenge to defense. The South Atlantic region over which Brazil has territorial rights and other exploration and control prerogatives is the country’s jurisdictional waters. These waters have recently been named the Blue Amazon, and are roughly equal, in geographic area, to the Brazilian Green Amazon. Oil reserves in deep water and ultra-deep water, so important for the country’s development, can be found under this region. Hence, the need to intensify monitoring and control of maritime traffic and of incidents in areas that are subject to Brazilian authority. Population Brazilian society is composed of a population with diverse geographic and ethnic origins. Since the colonial period, relations among American Indians, Europeans and African individuals have produced a mixed population. In the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, Brazil received new migration flows from several origins. During the 20th century, intense internal migration took place, following a growing urban and industrialization process. Such internal migration is associated with socioeconomic factors and policies of territorial occupation. Economic booms established areas particularly attractive for migrants in different regions. Subsequently, the industrialization process transformed the Southeast region into the main destination for migration. However, according to the 2010 census, the intensity of migration towards the great cities of the Southeast has decreased due, mainly, to the decentralization of industrial activity. Presently, one may observe the rise of business and job clusters in several regions. Thus, a new migration flow has resulted. DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 21 CHAPTER 1 — THE BRAZILIAN STATE AND NATIONAL DEFENSE Recife (Suape), Salvador and Vitoria — through which flow the largest part of foreign trade. This maritime segment is essential for political and economic ties with South Cone nations. An eastbound course leads to Western African countries, and there the Cape route stands out as a considerable strategic communication path from Asia and Africa to the North Hemisphere. The segment leading from Cape São Roque and the Oiapoque River projects Brazil to the northern part of Africa, to Western Europe, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean as well as Central and North Americas.