Independent Brazil was formed from different Portuguese colonies in the 19th century .
Hispanic America also contrasts with Latin America , which includes not only Hispanic America , but also Brazil ( the former Portuguese America , several colonies and dependencies of Portuguese Empire of Portugal across center-east , northern , northeastern and southeastern South America that came together to form the independent Brazil in the 19th century ) , as well as the former French colonies in the Western Hemisphere ( areas that are now in either the United States of America or Canada are usually excluded ) . `` Latin America '' The Free Online Dictionary ( American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language , 2000 , 4th ed .