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Is the word governo the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "governo" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more "open" and clearly articulated. The first "o" is pronounced clearly, and the "e" is bright. In Continental Portuguese, vowels that are not in the stressed syllable tend to be "reduced" or "swallowed." Consequently, a Portuguese person might pronounce the first "o" as a much more closed, almost "u" sound (sounding closer to gu-VER-nu), whereas a Brazilian will pronounce it with a more distinct, open "o" sound (go-VER-nu).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. O governo federal anunciou novas medidas. (The federal government announced new measures.)
  2. O governo vai aumentar os impostos no próximo ano. (The government is going to increase taxes next year.)
  3. Precisamos de um governo mais transparente. (We need a more transparent government.)
  4. O governo estadual liberou o orçamento para a saúde. (The state government released the budget for healthcare.)
  5. As pessoas estão protestando contra as decisões do governo. (People are protesting against the government's decisions.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. O governo anunciou novas medidas económicas. (The government announced new economic measures.)
  2. O governo tem de investir mais na educação. (The government has to invest more in education.)
  3. O governo está a preparar um novo orçamento. (The government is preparing a new budget.)
  4. As decisões do governo foram muito criticadas. (The government's decisions were heavily criticized.)
  5. O governo central deu ordens claras às regiões. (The central government gave clear orders to the regions.)