Jonathan Dimbleby aboard the Amazon's first floating bank
Jonathan is on board Brazil's first floating bank, bringing Brazil's economic miracle to the outer limits of the nation. Fifty miles from the metropolis of Manaus, the purpose built boat heads upriver towards the isolated communities of the Amazon. This is the way that Brazil's flourishing economy reaches the 25 million people of the Amazon, linked by satellite with the global financial system. Over 10,000 new bank accounts are being opened in Brazil every day. Brazilians are saving, spending and accessing credit, opening new businesses.
Today's stop is Manaquiri, where some villagers have been transformed from peasants to entrepreneurs. Diego runs his own motorbike taxi business, and his wife Eloine has a stall selling roadside barbecue meat. Until 3 months ago, their money was stuffed under the mattress.
