Capital: Lisbon

Population (Estimated July 2012): 10,781,459

Area: 92,094km² or 35,558mi²

Currency: Euro (€)

Official Language: Portuguese

Political Information: Parliamentary Republic

Official Religion: No Official Religion
(approximately 84.5% of the population are Roman Catholic, 2.2% have other Christian beliefs, 9.3% have other or unknown religious beliefs and 3.9% have no religious beliefs)

Highest Mountain: Ponta do Pico at 2,351m or 7,713ft

GDP Official Exchange Rate (OER is more precise at gauging a country’s economic power)

(Estimated 2011): $241.9 billion (US$) or (GBP)

GDP (OER) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): $23,200 (US$) or (GBP)

GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP is good for gauging living conditions and the use of resources but is not as accurate as OER. This data has been calculated based on the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States) 

 (Estimated 2011): $246.9 (US$) or (GBP)

GDP (PPP) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): $23,200 (US$) or (GBP)

Time Zone (GMT/UTC): GMT

Wildlife:

Counties/Provinces/States: 18 districts (distritos, singular – distrito) and 2 autonomous regions* (regioes autonomas, singular – regiao autonoma); Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa (Lisbon), Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Viseu 

Leaders: President Aníbal Cavaco Silva with Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho.

Sources: CIA World Fact Book, Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Portugal

Portugal, officially known as the Portuguese Republic, is a country situated in Southern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It shares land borders with Spain to the east and north, whilst the Atlantic Ocean lies to the west and south. Lisbon, the capital and largest city, serves as the country’s political and economic centre.

Portugal boasts a rich historical heritage and is renowned for its diverse culture, picturesque landscapes, and acclaimed cuisine. The nation has a population exceeding 10 million inhabitants and is a member state of the European Union, utilising the Euro as its official currency. Portugal’s maritime legacy is significant, as it was once a formidable global empire with colonies across Africa, Asia, and South America.

In contemporary times, Portugal is celebrated for its pristine beaches, historic urban centres, and warm hospitality, rendering it a favoured destination for international tourists. Portugal’s history spans millennia, with archaeological evidence of human habitation dating to the Palaeolithic era. The region was subsequently inhabited by various Celtic tribes before Roman conquest in 45 BC.

Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Portugal experienced invasions by Germanic tribes and later became part of the Moorish Empire. The 12th century saw Portugal gain independence from Moorish rule and establish itself as a sovereign kingdom. During the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal emerged as a global maritime power, exploring and colonising territories across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

This period of exploration brought considerable wealth and cultural exchange to Portugal, but also facilitated the transatlantic slave trade. The 20th century saw Portugal endure a period of dictatorship under António de Oliveira Salazar, which persisted until the Carnation Revolution in 1974. Since then, Portugal has transitioned to a democratic republic and joined the European Union, experiencing substantial economic growth and development.

Summary

• Portugal is a country located in Southern Europe, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine.
• The history and culture of Portugal is influenced by its maritime past, with a mix of Roman, Moorish, and Christian heritage.
• Portugal’s geography varies from lush mountains and forests to beautiful beaches, and its climate is generally mild and Mediterranean.
• Portuguese cuisine is famous for its seafood, pastries, and wine, with the country being a major producer of port wine.
• Tourism in Portugal is booming, with attractions like Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve region, and the Azores drawing in millions of visitors each year.
• Portugal’s economy is diverse, with industries like tourism, agriculture, and technology playing a significant role in its growth and development.
• The future of Portugal looks promising, with continued growth in tourism, investment in renewable energy, and a focus on sustainable development.

History and Culture of Portugal

Music and Dance

Fado music is a traditional genre of Portuguese music that is known for its melancholic and soulful melodies, often accompanied by guitar.

Cuisine and Wine

Portuguese cuisine is also an important aspect of the country’s culture, with dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod), caldo verde (kale soup), and pastéis de nata (custard tarts) being popular favourites. The country is also famous for its wine production, particularly port wine from the Douro Valley and vinho verde from the Minho region.

Architecture and Literature

The architecture of Portugal reflects its diverse cultural influences, with Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, and Moorish styles all being present in the country’s historic buildings. The city of Porto is known for its stunning Baroque churches and colourful tiled facades, while Lisbon is famous for its Moorish-inspired Alfama district and elegant Belem Tower. Portugal also has a strong tradition of literature and poetry, with writers such as Luís de Camões, Fernando Pessoa, and José Saramago being celebrated both at home and abroad.

Festivals and Celebrations

The country’s rich cultural heritage is also evident in its numerous festivals and celebrations, such as the Festa de São João in Porto, the Festa dos Tabuleiros in Tomar, and the Carnaval in Loulé. These events showcase traditional music, dance, costumes, and cuisine, providing visitors with a unique insight into Portuguese culture.

Geography and Climate of Portugal

Portugal is known for its diverse geography and climate, with a varied landscape that includes mountains, plains, forests, and coastline. The country is divided into two main regions: the mainland and the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores. The mainland is characterised by the Tagus River Valley in the north, the Alentejo plains in the south, and the mountain ranges of Serra da Estrela and Serra de São Mamede.

The coastline of Portugal stretches for over 800 kilometres and is home to beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages. The autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores are located in the Atlantic Ocean and are known for their volcanic landscapes, lush vegetation, and subtropical climate. Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild wet winters.

The southern region of Algarve is known for its long sandy beaches and warm temperatures, making it a popular destination for sun-seekers. The northern region of Minho experiences more rainfall and has a lush green landscape that is ideal for agriculture. The mountainous regions of Portugal experience cooler temperatures and are popular destinations for hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching.

The islands of Madeira and the Azores have a more temperate climate with mild temperatures year-round, making them ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and whale watching. Overall, Portugal’s diverse geography and climate make it an attractive destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Cuisine and Wine of Portugal

Portuguese cuisine is known for its delicious flavours, fresh ingredients, and diverse influences from around the world. The country’s cuisine is heavily based on seafood due to its long coastline, with dishes such as grilled sardines, seafood rice, and cataplana being popular choices. Bacalhau (salted cod) is also a staple ingredient in Portuguese cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes such as bacalhau à brás (shredded cod with potatoes) and bacalhau com natas (cod with cream).

Portuguese cuisine also includes a wide variety of soups such as caldo verde (kale soup), sopa de peixe (fish soup), and canja de galinha (chicken soup), which are often enjoyed as a starter or light meal. In addition to its delicious cuisine, Portugal is also famous for its wine production. The country has a long history of winemaking dating back to Roman times and produces a wide variety of wines including reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines.

Port wine is one of Portugal’s most famous exports and is produced in the Douro Valley region in northern Portugal. This sweet fortified wine is often enjoyed as a dessert wine or paired with cheese or chocolate. Vinho verde is another popular Portuguese wine that comes from the Minho region in the north of the country.

This light and refreshing wine is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day and pairs well with seafood dishes. Overall, Portuguese cuisine and wine are an integral part of the country’s culture and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Tourism in Portugal

Portugal is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning landscapes, historic cities, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. The country offers a wide range of attractions for visitors to explore including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the historic centre of Porto, the Tower of Belém in Lisbon, and the cultural landscape of Sintra. The Algarve region in southern Portugal is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque coastal towns such as Lagos, Albufeira, and Faro.

The city of Lisbon is known for its charming neighbourhoods, historic monuments, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as São Jorge Castle, Jerónimos Monastery, and Belém Tower while enjoying panoramic views from the city’s many miradouros (viewpoints). In addition to its cultural attractions, Portugal also offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking in the Serra da Estrela mountains, surfing along the Atlantic coast, or exploring the volcanic landscapes of Madeira and the Azores.

The country’s mild climate makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Portugal also has a rich maritime heritage that can be explored through visits to historic port cities such as Porto or through boat tours along the Douro River or Ria Formosa Natural Park. With its diverse attractions and warm climate, Portugal offers something for every type of traveller whether they are seeking relaxation on the beach or adventure in nature.

Economy and Industry in Portugal

Portugal has a mixed economy that relies on various industries including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy. The country has a strong agricultural sector that produces a wide variety of crops including wine grapes, olives, cork, citrus fruits, and vegetables. Portugal is also known for its production of cork products such as wine stoppers, flooring, and fashion accessories.

The manufacturing industry in Portugal includes textiles, clothing, footwear, ceramics, glassware, and furniture which are exported around the world. The technology sector in Portugal has been growing rapidly in recent years with a focus on software development, telecommunications, biotechnology, aerospace engineering, and renewable energy. Tourism is an important part of Portugal’s economy with millions of visitors coming to explore the country’s cultural attractions each year.

The tourism industry provides jobs for many people in areas such as hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and retail. In addition to tourism, Portugal has been investing in renewable energy sources such as wind power, solar power, hydroelectricity, and biomass to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The country has made significant progress in developing sustainable energy solutions which has led to job creation in the renewable energy sector.

Overall, Portugal’s economy continues to grow through diversification into various industries while maintaining its traditional strengths in agriculture and tourism.

The Future of Portugal

As Portugal continues to develop economically and culturally it faces both opportunities and challenges in shaping its future. The country has made significant progress in recent years through investments in infrastructure development such as transportation networks including highways and high-speed rail connections between major cities. This has improved accessibility for both domestic travellers as well as international visitors which has contributed to economic growth through increased tourism.

Portugal also faces challenges such as an ageing population which requires investment in healthcare services as well as education to ensure future generations are equipped with necessary skills to contribute to the economy. Additionally there are ongoing efforts to address environmental concerns through sustainable practices particularly within agriculture industry which will be crucial to maintain natural resources for future generations. Overall Portugal’s future looks promising with continued investment in diverse industries including technology innovation which will contribute to economic growth while preserving its rich cultural heritage making it an attractive destination for tourists from around the world.

FAQs

What is the capital of Portugal?

The capital of Portugal is Lisbon.

What is the official language of Portugal?

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese.

What is the currency used in Portugal?

The currency used in Portugal is the Euro (EUR).

What is the population of Portugal?

As of 2021, the population of Portugal is estimated to be around 10.3 million people.

What are some popular tourist attractions in Portugal?

Some popular tourist attractions in Portugal include the historic city of Porto, the Algarve region with its beautiful beaches, the historic Belém Tower in Lisbon, and the Douro Valley wine region.

What is the climate like in Portugal?

Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

What are some traditional dishes in Portuguese cuisine?

Some traditional dishes in Portuguese cuisine include bacalhau (salted cod), caldo verde (green soup), and pastéis de nata (custard tarts).

What are some famous Portuguese festivals and events?

Some famous Portuguese festivals and events include the Festa de São João in Porto, the Carnaval in Lisbon, and the Festa dos Tabuleiros in Tomar.