Brazil is a mixture of races and ethnicities, resulting in rich diversity.
Four major groups make up the Brazilian population: - the Portuguese, who colonized Brazil in the 16th century; - Africans, brought to Brazil as slaves; - Europeans - Asian immigrant groups, who have settled in Brazil since the mid-19th century; - indigenous people of Tupi and Guarani language stock.
Intermarriage between the Portuguese and indigenous people or slaves was common. Although the major European ethnic stock of Brazil was once Portuguese, subsequent waves of immigration have contributed to a diverse ethnic and cultural heritage.
From 1875 until 1960, about 5 million Europeans emigrated to Brazil. Immigrants have come mainly from Italy, Germany, Spain, Japan, Poland, and the Middle East. Despite class distinctions, national identity is strong. (http://www.alfredbrand.com/populationstructure.htm)