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Brazil's Amazon region is currently being irrevocably replaced with human colonization and agriculture. The concept of carrying capacity is considered as a major analytical tool for the study of human resource problems in the context of this colonization. Stresses caused by the conflict between infinite demands and finite resources are detailed and the impact of the accelerating deforestation of the region is explored and related to recent developent trends. Human settlement is put into the context of ecological systems in general, and various techniques for estimating carrying capacity are considered. A computer model is developed for making this estimation, including sectors for resource and product allocation, population and agricultural production. Social, agronomic and environmental factors to be considered in choosing rational development strategies for rainforest areas are outlined in the final section of …