The predominant language spoken in Brazil is Portuguese. This reflects the country’s colonial history, as Brazil was a part of the Portuguese Empire from the 1500s until it declared independence in 1822. Portuguese is used in government, education, and media, making it the official language of Brazil. Brazil's linguistic landscape is diverse, influenced by indigenous languages and the languages of immigrants from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Despite the overwhelming dominance of Portuguese, various regional dialects and accents exist, showcasing the country’s rich cultural diversity. Efforts to preserve indigenous languages are also ongoing in many communities.