Portuguese colonization of the Americas by the general elections to its first "Câmara" (City Council) on August 22, 1532, is symbolically considered the birthplace of democracy in the Americas. From 1534 to 1536, 15 Captaincy colonies were created in Portuguese America. The captaincies were autonomous, and mostly private, colonies of the Portuguese Empire, each owned and run by a Captain-major. In 1549, due to their failure and limited success, the Captaincy Colonies of Brazil were united into the Governorate General of Brazil. The captaincy colonies were reorganized as provincial districts to the Governorate. The captaincies continued to be ruled by their hereditary captain-majors but they
Portuguese Cross Country Championships race. Carlos Lopes is the most successful athlete of the competition, having won ten national titles between 1970 and 1984, while Rosa Mota is the most successful woman, with eight titles between 1975 and 1985. In the short races, Rui Silva has the most titles at nine (between 2000 and 2013) and Anália Rosa has the most among women, earning five titles from 2000 to 2006. The following year's races were won by non-Portuguese runners: Portuguese Cross Country Championships The Portuguese Cross Country Championships () is an annual cross country running competition that serves as Portugal's national championship for the