Overview of Portugal

Profile

Portugal is a republican state consisting of the western side of the Iberian Peninsula and the Azores and Madeira islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Its green and red flag symbolizes hope and revolution, and the coat of arms represents its maritime history. As a member of the EU, NATO, and CPLP, it has diversified its economy around automotive parts, IT, and tourism since modern times. The capital Lisbon features beautiful townscapes with seven hills and tile decorations, and Portuguese is an official language in 9 countries worldwide. The country is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, abundant seafood, and specialties such as cork and wine.

Official name: Portuguese Republic
Common name: Portugal
Numeric code: 620
Alpha-3 code: PRT
Alpha-2 code: PT
Population: 10.4 million (2023)
Population density: 114
Primary languages: Portuguese
Major religions: Catholicism
National anthem: A Portuguesa
Calling code: +351
Internet TLD: .pt

History

The kingdom was established in 1143, and built the world's first maritime empire during the Age of Discovery in the 15th-16th centuries. The 1974 Carnation Revolution ended a long dictatorship, achieving democratization and EU membership.

After Afonso I founded the nation, he completed the Reconquista. Under the patronage of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portuguese explorers opened routes to Africa and India, with Vasco da Gama reaching India. In the 16th century, Portugal expanded its colonial empire to Brazil, Africa, and Asia, but temporarily lost independence in 1580 through a dynastic union with Spain. After restoration in 1640, it struggled to maintain its colonies, with colonial wars in the mid-20th century straining the economy. In 1974, a bloodless coup by military officers brought down the Estado Novo regime, leading to the independence of African colonies. After joining the EC in 1986 and returning Macau in 1999, the empire era ended. Today, it continues to develop with tourism, renewable energy, and IT as its pillars.

Geography & climate

A long Atlantic coastline and gentle hills, the Tagus River crossing the center, the northern Estrela mountain range, and the contrasting volcanic islands of Azores and Madeira create diverse landscapes

Mild Mediterranean climate (strong oceanic influence)

Area: Europe / 92212 km²
Capital: Lisbon
Largest city: Lisbon
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Spain

Natural resources

Tungsten, Copper, Lithium, Granite, Cork oak forests, Fishery resources, Wind power, Hydropower, Solar power, Clay, Marble, Seaweed, Limestone

Politics

Government: Semi-presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal): 2670 hundred million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 4530 hundred million international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Portuguese

Time zone: Western European Time, Azores Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Portuguese, Brazilian, African (Angola, Mozambique), Cape Verdean, Romani, Madeiran, Azorean, Jewish, Other European

Life expectancy

81.1 years

Literacy rate

95.5%

National sports

Football, Futsal, Roller hockey, Surfing, Road cycling, Athletics, Canoe sprint, Rugby, Table tennis