Brazil is South America's most influential country, an economic giant and one of the world's biggest democracies. It is one of the rising economic powers - otherwise known as BRIC nations - together with Russia, India and China. Over the past few years it has made major strides in its efforts to raise millions out of poverty. The discovery of major offshore oil reserves could propel the country into the top league of oil-exporting nations. As a result, the nation has become self-sufficient in oil, ending decades of dependence on foreign producers. Brazil's natural resources, particularly iron ore, are highly prized by major manufacturing nations. Major industries include: agriculture (soya meat, sugar, fruit, vegetables), iron ore and minerals, iron and steel, oil and derivatives, food processing, wood products, footwear and textiles, automotive, aerospace, petrochemicals, financial services, and electronics. Brazil weathered the global economic crisis well, with a small economic contraction of 0.6% in 2009, followed by impressive growth of around 7.5% in 2010, the fastest rate since 1986.