Brazil's economy outstrips britain to become sixth largest in the world

The emerging market’s economy grew 2.7 per cent last year, compared to the UK's 0.8 per cent, to become the world's sixth largest.

Brazil’s total output in 2011 was worth £1.56trillion compared to Britain’s £1.53trillion.

The country's finance minister Guido Mantega, played down the importance of the figures, saying: 'It is not important to be the world's sixth-biggest economy, but to be among the most dynamic economies, and with sustainable growth.'

The figures show the South American country closing in on France and Germany; however they still remain a long way off market leaders USA, China and Japan.

Source: Metro.co.uk