The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. Introduced by Portuguese colonizers in the 16th century, Portuguese has become a critical element of Brazil's national identity. It is the most widely spoken language in the country, with over 200 million native speakers. Brazilian Portuguese has its unique characteristics compared to European Portuguese, with distinct pronunciations, vocabulary, and expressions influenced by the country's diverse cultures and regions. The language serves as a unifying factor among the Brazilian population and is a significant aspect of the nation’s literature, music, and media.