United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves
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The United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves was a unique political entity that existed from 1815 to 1825. It was established when Prince Regent John of Portugal, fleeing Napoleon's invasion, relocated the Portuguese court to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This elevated Brazil's status from a colony to a kingdom, equal with Portugal.12
The union dissolved when Brazil declared its independence in 1822, with Dom Pedro becoming Emperor of Brazil. Portugal's overseas empire, after Brazil's independence, primarily consisted of African territories and some Asian holdings. The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 had initially divided the non-European world between Portugal and Spain, granting Portugal claims in Brazil and parts of Asia.3145
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