It is impossible to make an exact statement as to the total number of
Germans in the country. The reasons for this are not far to seek. The
fact that an accurate census for Brazil does not exist is not surprising
when we consider the enormous expanse of territory.[36] The greater part
of this is but sparsely settled and largely covered with primeval
forests. Official statistics, where they do exist are apt to have been
carelessly compiled and often are entirely untrustworthy, "Paciencia,"
has been the watchword here as well as throughout all other walks of
life in Brazil.
If we restrict ourselves to estimate, among the total of Brazilian
citizens, those of any particular European origin, the difficulty
increases. Here the census reports offer practically no help because all
persons are listed simply as Brazilians, no reference being made as to
their origin.
The primary sources in making up the estimates are furnished by the
immigration reports as they are found in the "Ministerio da Agricultura"
in Rio and the "Secretaria da Agricultura" of several individual states.
Even here the statistics are inadequate for our purpose. As a rule only
such colonists as came in third class on ships from Europe are
listed.[37] In addition, it is impossible to determine how many
colonists came by land (indirect immigration) from adjoining South
American countries such, as Uruguay, Paraguay or Argentine.
The secondary sources, and the ones which in this instance are most
valuable, are embodied in the estimates of former colonial directors and
other officials, as well as private persons having first hand knowledge
concerning the different European elements in Brazil.
The official data offered by the Bureau of Statistics of the "Ministerio
da Agricultura" in Rio concerning immigration directly from Europe
begins with the year 1820. That concerning immigration from Germany in
particular begins with 1827. Official figures are available as to the
number of immigrants from Germany from that date to the present
excepting the years 1830-1836 inclusive, 1838, 1839, 1843, 1844, 1846,
1848 and 1849. The total is 128,233 up to the end of the year 1915.[38]
In order to determine the approximate numerical value of the German
element in the population of Brazil, many estimates worthy of
consideration have been compared. The estimates which in the opinion of
the writer have the strongest claim to accuracy, are listed below. As
will be seen, those determined upon by Friedrich Sommer, _Direktor_ of
the "Banco Allemão Transatlantico" of São Paulo are largely followed.
This authority has for years been making a careful study of the subject
and consequently his conclusions bear particular weight.
Taking up the states in the order as previously, we have:
Bahia. No reliable estimates except as contained below
in "Northern and Central States."
Minas Geraes............... 5,000. Sommer.
Espirito Santo............. 25,000. Ludwig[39]
Rio (Fed. Dist.)........... 18,000. Sommer.
São Paulo.................. 32,000. Ibid.
Paraná .................... 35,000. Ibid.
Santa Catharina............ 100,000. Müller von Königswinter
Rio Grande do Sul.......... 250,000. Ibid.
Northern and Central States
(including Bahia)........ 10,000. Sommer.
________
Total...................... 475,000.
Making a fairly liberal allowance for underestimates, we may regard the
number 500,000 as representing the total number of citizens of German
descent in Brazil to-day.[40]