Brasilia, November 21, 2002 (Agencia Brasil ABr) - Today the Racial Census of federal civil servants begins with the objective of identifying those of African descent. Between now and November 27, a total of 460,000 federal employees will answer a questionaire on race and color.

The government intends to use the census to bring equality and social justice to Black civil servants. It is a process that will reduce racial discrimination. Brazil has the second largest population of African descendents in the world, some 76.4 million people, 45% of the population.(AB)