Portugal

In 1807, the Portugal royal family fled to Brazil to escape Napoleon. In 1815, Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves—a rare case of a European nation having its capital on another continent.

Medieval Europeans believed for centuries that "Prester John," a Christian king, ruled a powerful kingdom in Asia. This legend drove Prince Henry of Portugal to launch expeditions around Africa, helping catalyze the Age of Discovery.