The national language of Brazil is Portuguese. Brazil is the largest country in South America and the only nation in the continent where Portuguese is the official language, due to its colonization by Portugal in the 16th century. The use of Portuguese in Brazil has distinct influences from indigenous languages, African dialects, and immigrant languages, creating a unique variation known as Brazilian Portuguese. This linguistic heritage reflects the country's diverse culture, history, and the mix of influences from various ethnic groups throughout the centuries.