"Brazil is an urban country."

Translation: O Brasil é um país urbano.

[EuropaJones]

Why is the article 'o' necessary?

[Paulenrique]

In Portuguese almost all countries have gender and number: O Brasil, A Itália, Os Estados Unidos, etc...

[NobleJohn]

The article must always be used?

[Paulenrique]

Yes, an exception is for the headlines when it may be omitted.

[moraima_d]

Hmm interesting!!!