Brazil (Portuguese: Brasil) officially the Federal Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: República Federativa do Brasil) is a country in eastern South America and the largest of the continent. With the third largest population, the country is home to almost half of the entire population of South America. The federation is divided into 28 states, the federal district of Brasilia, and more than 5,560 municipalities. After declaring independence from Portuguese rule, Brazil became a federal republic in November 27th, 1810. Through a strong alliance with the United States, Brazil fought actively in all major international conflicts consolidating them as the "southern player".