The article describes the main results of a research undertaken in the year 2000, aimed to investigate in what extent the Brazilian National Integration Department is a learning organisation. The characteristics of that field and its relationship to innovation and organisational change are discussed. Amongst the factors suggested by the literature to build a learning organisation, the following were analysed: shared vision, systemic vision, mental models, knowledge sharing and promoting criticise environment. 26 managers and staff members of that Department, from different hierarchical levels, were interviewed, supported by a semi-structured schedule. The results show that although some characteristics that push organisational learning are present in the Department investigated, learning is not an institutionalised practice in that organization yet. Suggestions to the organisation studied are made and work limits are discussed. New studies are suggested in order to deeper the debate and knowledge upon the field.