Portugal

Portugal Flag

Basic Information | Portugal

Official NamePortuguese Republic
Common NamePortugal
ContinentEurope
RegionSouthern Europe, Iberian Peninsula
Capital CityLisbon
Largest CityLisbon

Geography | Portugal

Total Area (sq km)92,212
Land BordersSpain (only land neighbor)
Coastline~1,794 km (Atlantic Ocean)
Major RiversTagus (Tejo), Douro, Guadiana
Major MountainsSerra da Estrela, Gerês
ClimateArid to semi-arid; hot with periodic droughts

Demographics | Portugal

Population~10.2 million (2024 est.)
Population Density~111/sq km
Urbanization~67% of population lives in cities
Official Language(s)Portuguese
Regional LanguagesMirandese (recognized minority language)
Major Ethnic GroupsPredominantly Portuguese
Major ReligionsChristianity (Roman Catholic majority), small minorities of Protestant, Muslim, Jewish communities

Government & Politics | Portugal

Government TypeUnitary Semi-presidential Constitutional Republic
Current LeaderPresident Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa; Prime Minister Luís Montenegro (2024)
Administrative Divisions18 districts + 2 autonomous regions (Azores, Madeira)
Independence / Founding DateEstablished as a kingdom in 1139; recognized in 1143; current republic since October 5, 1910

Economy | Portugal

CurrencyEuro (€) – EUR
GDP (Nominal)~$300 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Per Capita~$29,000
Major IndustriesTourism, textiles, footwear, automotive, agriculture (wine, olives), technology, renewable energy
Major ExportsWine (Port), olive oil, cork, textiles, machinery
Major ImportsFuels, machinery, vehicles, chemicals
Trade PartnersSpain, France, Germany, Italy, USA

Culture & Society | Portugal

National SymbolsArmillary Sphere, Rooster of Barcelos
National SportFootball (Soccer is the most popular)
Famous FestivalsCarnival, St. Anthony’s Festival (Lisbon), Festa de São João (Porto)
Cuisine HighlightsBacalhau (codfish), Pastel de Nata, Caldo Verde, Port Wine
Literature & ArtsFado music, Fernando Pessoa (literature), azulejos (tile art)
UNESCO Heritage SitesTower of Belém, Jerónimos Monastery, Historic Centre of Porto, Douro Valley

Travel & Tourism | Portugal

Top Tourist AttractionsLisbon, Porto, Algarve beaches, Sintra, Douro Valley wine region, Azores & Madeira Islands
Best Time to VisitSpring (March–May) and Autumn (Sept–Oct)
Famous CitiesLisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Braga, Faro
Visa RequirementSchengen visa (for non-EU visitors)

Other Key Facts | Portugal

Time Zone(s)UTC+0 (Standard Time), UTC+1 (Summer)
Internet Domain.pt
Calling Code+351
Major AirportsLisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, Porto Airport, Faro Airport, Madeira Airport
Currency Symbol
Literacy Rate~96%
Life Expectancy~82 years
Interesting FactPortugal is the oldest country in Europe with its borders defined since 1139, and it was once the world’s first global maritime empire.

Portugal on the World Map

Portugal on the World Map

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