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

Yes

The meaning, grammar, and spelling of the word "povo" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. In both dialects, it refers to a nation, an ethnic group, or the collective body of citizens (the people). The only difference is in pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are more open, and the final "o" is clearly pronounced as a [u] sound (e.g., PO-vu).
• Continental Portuguese: The vowels are much more closed and "reduced." The final "o" is often very short, nearly swallowed, or sounds like a very faint, whispered [u] (e.g., P'vu).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O povo brasileiro é muito acolhedor. (The Brazilian people are very welcoming.)
2. O povo está revoltado com o aumento dos impostos. (The people are outraged by the increase in taxes.)
3. Esse povo tem tradições muito ricas e variadas. (This people has very rich and varied traditions.)
4. A voz do povo precisa ser ouvida pelo governo. (The voice of the people needs to be heard by the government.)
5. O povo quer mudanças urgentes na educação. (The people want urgent changes in education.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. O povo português tem uma ligação profunda com o mar. (The Portuguese people have a deep connection to the sea.)
2. É fundamental respeitar a vontade do povo. (It is fundamental to respect the will of the people.)
3. O povo sente o impacto da crise económica. (The people feel the impact of the economic crisis.)
4. Um povo unido consegue vencer grandes desafios. (A united people can overcome great challenges.)
5. O povo está indignado com as novas decisões políticas. (The people are indignant with the new political decisions.)