Slavery in Brazil was a significant part of the country's history, lasting from the 16th century until 1888. The Portuguese colonizers brought enslaved Africans to work on sugar plantations, which became a major economic driver. Brazil imported more enslaved people than any other country in the Americas, leading to a diverse cultural influence. The abolition of slavery in Brazil was a gradual process, culminating in the Abolition Law of 1888, which made it the last country in the Americas to end slavery. This law was influenced by various factors, including the efforts of abolitionists and changing economic conditions, ultimately leading to significant social and political changes.