When was Macau a Portuguese colony?

Detailed answer

Macau was a Portuguese colony from 1557 to 1999, during which time the city developed a unique cultural and historical identity. The Portuguese established Macau as a major trading center, and the city became an important hub for the exchange of goods and ideas between Europe and Asia. In 1999, Macau was returned to China and became a Special Administrative Region, with a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign affairs and defense.