the european immigration to brazil started in the 16th century, with the vast majority of them coming from portugal. in the first two centuries of colonization, 100,000 portuguese arrived in brazil (around 500 colonists per year). in the 18th century, 600,000 portuguese arrived (6,000 per year). the first region to be settled by the portuguese was northeastern brazil, followed by the southeast region. the original amerindian population of brazil (between two and five million) largely died from disease or violence or was assimilated into the portuguese population. the mamelucos (or caboclos, a mixed race between europeans and amerindians) have always been present in many parts of brazil.