Brazil has always been a colony.
Brazil ( listen ) , is the largest country in both South America and Latin America . In 1815 , the colony was elevated to the rank of kingdom upon the formation of the United Kingdom of Portugal , Brazil and the Algarves . Dona Maria I ( English : Mary I ; 17 December 1734 -- 20 March 1816 ) was Queen of Portugal , Brazil , and the Algarves .