Facts & Statistics
South-west Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean west of Spain.
Coast Line: 1,793 Km
Climate: Maritime Temperate - warmer and drier in south
Natural Resourses: Fish, Forests (cork), tungsten,iron and uranium ore, marble.
Population: 10.5 million
Literacy: Male 89% Female 82%
Exports: Cotton textiles, cork and paper pro0ducts, canned fish, wine, timber and timber products, resin, machinery, appliances.
Map references: Africa, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World
Total area: 92,080 km2
Land area: 91,640 km2; includes Azores and Madeira Islands
Land boundaries: Total 1,214 km; Spain 1,214 km
Coastline: 1,793 km
Continental shelf: 200 m depth or to depth of exploitation
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Terrain: mountainous north of the Tagus, rolling plains in south
Land use
arable land: 32%
permanent crops: 6%
meadows and pastures: 6%
forest and woodland: 40%
other: 16%
includes irrigated: 7%
Irrigated land: 6,340 km2 (1989 est.)
Environment: Azores subject to severe earthquakes
Population: 10,486,140 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.36% (1993 est.)
Birth rate: 11.59 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate: 9.77 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate: 1.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 9.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: male: 71.43 years female: 78.56 years
Total fertility rate: 1.45 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Ethnic divisions: homogeneous Mediterranean stock in mainland, Azores, Madeira Islands; citizens of black African descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less than 100,000
Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant denominations 1%, other 2%
Languages: Portuguese
Labor force: 4,605,700 by occupation: services 45%, industry 35%, agriculture 20% (1988)
Organized labor: about 55% of the labor force; the Communist-dominated General Confederation of Portuguese Workers - Intersindical (CGTP-IN) represents more than half of the unionized labor force; its main competition, the General Workers Union (UGT), is organized by the Socialists and Social Democrats and represents less than half of unionized labor
Government: Portuguese Republic (conventional short form: Portugal)
Digraph: PO
Type: republic
Capital: Lisboa
Administrative divisions: 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, Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Viseu
Independence: 1140; independent republic proclaimed 5 October 1910
Constitution: 25 April 1976, revised 30 October 1982 and 1 June 1989
Legal system: civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews the constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
National holiday: Day of Portugal, 10 June
Executive branch: president, Council of State, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)
Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica)
Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justica)
Political parties:
Social Democratic Party (PSD),
Portuguese Socialist Party (PS),
Portuguese Communist Party (PCP)
Social Democratict Center (CDS)
United Democratic Coalition (CDU; Communists)
Suffrage: universal at 18 years of age
Elections: President: last held 13 February 1991 (next to be held NA February 1996)
Member of: AfDB, Australian Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Flag: two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red (three-fifths) with the Portuguese coat of arms centered on the dividing line.

The Portuguese People
For centuries Portugal has been regarded as the land on the edge. This is not only a reference to being on the edge of the then known world but also caught between traditional ways of subsistence living and the high flying technological age.
Characteristically the Portuguese charm their visitors with their mild mannered approach. They refer to themselves as the country of the 'brandos costumes' (gentle ways). They are proud of the fact that they abolished the death penalty in 1867, carried out a virtual bloodless revolution in 1974 and do not kill the bull in the bullfight . Although it is still cruel, you must wait for your visit to see the fair fight between man and bull that is the finale of the Portuguese fight before the bull leaves the ring with his harem of cows.

History of Portugal
Portugal (or Portucale) is one of the oldest nations in Europe, first getting its designation as a country in the eleventh century. Its rulers were appointed by the king of León before independence was gained in 1143..
Much of the period after independence was spent fighting the Moors both in North Africa and on Portuguese soil. Castile in Spain was also a threat but they were defeated at the battle of Aljubarrota by the Portuguese army.
Then came the period of the Discoveries and the great days of great wealth for Portugal by trading with their colonies of Brazil, in Africa, in India, in Chaina and Japan and in the East Indies. Later religious pressure from Spain caused the setting up of an 'Inquisition' in Portugal. The result was the expulsion of the Jewish and Moorish traders leaving Portugal with an empire based on trade but no commercial expertise.
The resulting commercial decline was followed by a disastrous defeat in Morocco. Amongst the 8,000 dead were most of Portugal's nobility and King Dom Sebastian (he of the Lagos statue!). Portugal's wealth was spent on paying ransoms for those captured in this battle. With all heirs to the throne killed, the Spanish took over Portugal in 1581.
In 1640, a small group stormed the palace and deposed the Spanish appointed governor. The Duke of Bragança became king by popular acclaim.
In the late 1600's, gold and diamonds were discovered in Brazil which made Portugal financially strong again but this was all spent on lavish baroque style building which is so enjoyed by many visitors today.
In 1755, The Great Earthquake struck, destroying most of Lisbon and many towns and villages from the Algarve coast up to central Portugal. The Marquês of Pombal, the chief minister took charge with the motto of 'bury the dead and feed the living'. He was responsible for the rebuilding of Lisbon in its present day grid structure.
In 1807 Napoleon marched into Lisbon and the royal family fled to Brazil. Under the treaty of Winsor of 1386, the fighting was carried on by British generals, including Beresford and Wellington, who finally threw him out 3 years later. In return Britain received the right to trade with Brazil direct and not through Portuguese merchants.
Following the exile of the king there was constant struggles between those favouring a monarchy and those wanting a republic and finally on October 5, 1910 the monarchy was overthrown and a republic declared.
In World War I Portugal fought on the side of the allies with the loss of many men which was disastrous economically.
In 1926 Dr. Salazar became Finace Minister and later 'Prime Minister'. He was dictator until 1968 when he became incapable due to injuries received when his deck chair collapsed under him. He died in 1970 and during his final two years no one dared tell him that he was no longer prime minister.
The dictatorship, under his successor, was finally overthrown in 1974 in a virtually bloodless revolution but not before many of the young Portugese men had given their lives in fighting colonial wars in Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bassau.
After two years of political instability followed during which some momentous decisions were made including the giving of independance to all of the overseas territories. For most contries involved this was a disatrous decicion, resulting in civil war an Angola with Cuba trying to replace the Portuguese troops, civil war in Mozambique and East Timor being invaded by Indonesia who massacred more than ten per cent of the population.
Beginning in 1975, a strong stable democracy established itself which continues today..
The Discoveries by the Portuguese
The Portuguese carried out the greatest voyages of exploration and discovery. As a result it became one of the richest nations in the world from the mid fifteenth century to the late sixteenth century.
They were the first Europeans to:
Sail down the coast of West Africa
Discover Madeira and the Azores and Cape Verde Islands
To round (and name) the Cape of Good hope (Cabo da boa Esperança)- Bartholomew Dias
To reach India by sea from the west - Vasco da Gama
The first to trade with China and Japan
The first to see Australia (200 years before Capt. Cook)
The first to discover South America and Brazil - Cabal. He had probably been blown off course whilst travelling down the Atlantic on route for the Orient.
The first to settle Newfoundland and discover the Great Banks (Fegundes)
All these discoveries took place between 1419 and 1500 and were made possible from the development of the Portuguese vessel, the Caravel, and of navigational techniques under Henry the Navigator's influence at his famous School of Navigation at Sagres.

Climate of Portugal
The climate of portugal, as everywhere is influenced by its geographical position. Being on the west coast of the Iberian peninsular it is affected by the land mass while at the same time being a coastal country, the weather is also influenced by the sea.
In summer, when the Azores high is established, there are hot sunny days with the coastal areas kept cool by the Portuguese trade winds (the Nortada) which blows strongly every afternoon. The interior, away from the sea can get very hot in summer.
The Algarve coast is sheltered from the north wind and has the higher summer temperatures favoured by the holiday makers who want to lie on the beach.
Winters are mild in Portugal being south of most of the other mediterranean countries. The north has a mixture of rain and sunny days not unlike an English summer.
Central areas have gentle dry summers and short mild winters whilst winter on the Algarve is usually dry and warmer than the north.
Winter in Portugal is very pleasant without the hot weather many people find oppressive. Everywhere in Portugal at this time of year you need a pullover packed in the suitcase and an umbrella.

Food of Portugal
To the Portuguese food is probably the second most important thing they think about. Meal times are very important, details of the dish that was eaten the day before an interesting topic of conversation and the Sunday lunch with the extended family must be attended.
Outside the main cities and tourist areas, the food has developed over the years as the Romans started agriculture, the Discoverers found new ingredients and spices and colonolists returned from the colonies.
The Portuguese eat the most fish in the Europe and also the most rice (cultivated in Portugal).
The tradition of a specific area or village havind its own dish remains very strong and the Portugese will travel for an hour to eat the speciality of that village in one of its restaurants. For example the village of Mealhada has about one hundred restaurants filled by people from outside who have come to eat suckling pig.
Quantity is almost as important as quality and, especially in the north, is it usual when ordering a dish to ask if it is enough for two people.
High quality food can be found throughout the country. The surroundings are not important, it is the quality of the food that matters. Do have the courage to join the locals in the 'tashkas' and try the dishes.
For those on a budget, try the dish of the day (prata de dia) served at lunchtime in many restaurants. This will cost about 600 Escudos outside the main cities and will include a glass of wine or beer.
The Portuguese restaurants are woth trying but try the traditional dishes.Be careful if you order a steak and chips since meat is not hung and it is likely to be tough.

Accommodation in Portugal
Every city offers a wide range of places to stay at prices considerably cheaper than in Northern Europe. The main tourist complexes are situated on the Algarve coast and, to a lesser extent, the coast west of Lisbon.
However we believe that the manor houses of Portugal are the best way of enjoying the country provided you do not require the bustle and discos of the tourist areas.
Being house guests of the owners, you receive an unforgettable experience of Portuguese life at the top of the social spectrum. In addition many of the houses have converted outbuildings into self contained cottages (called apartments in Portugal).with a kitchenette.
The houses serve breakfast but only a few offer an evening meal, however nearby there will be a restaurant who will serve mounds of food a reasonable price.
These houses are often in areas of outstanding beauty, and you will have the opportunity of meeting the estate workers and local farmers. These local farmers often practice subsistence agriculture, little changed from the days when the Romans moved their ancestors from their mountain top strongholds to the valleys to produce food for the legions.

Economy Overview
Although Portugal has experienced strong growth since joining the EC in 1986 - at least 4% each year through 1990 - it remains one of the poorest members. To prepare for the European single market, the government is restructuring and modernizing the economy and in 1989 embarked on a major privatization program. As of 1 January 1993, Lisbon has fully liberalized its capital markets and most trade markets. The global slowdown and tight monetary policies to counter inflation caused growth to slow in 1991 and 1992. Growth probably will remain depressed in 1993, but should pick up again in 1994.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $93.7 billion (1992)
National product real growth rate:
2.7% (1991 est.)
1.1% (1992)
National product per capita:
$8,400 (1991)
$9,000 (1992)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
12.0% (1991 est.)
9% (1992)
Unemployment rate:
4.0% (1991 est.)
5% (1992)
Budget:
revenues $27.3 billion; expenditures $33.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $4.5 billion (1991)
Exports:
$16.4 billion (f.o.b., 1990)
$16.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)
commodities:
cotton textiles, cork and paper products, canned fish, wine, timber and timber products, resin, machinery, appliances
partners:
EC 74%, other developed countries 13.2%, US 4.8% (1990)
EC 75.4%, other developed countries 12.4%, US 3.8% (1991)
Imports:
$25.1 billion (c.i.f., 1990)
$26.0 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)
commodities:
machinery and transport equipment, agricultural products, chemicals, petroleum, textiles
partners:
EC 69.1%, other developed countries 11.4% less developed countries 15.1%, USC 3.9% (1991)
EC 72%, other developed countries 10.9% less developed countries 12.9%, US 3.4% (1992)
External debt:
$16.9 billion (1992 est.)
Industrial production:
growth rates 9.1% (1990); accounts for 40% of GDP
Electricity:
6,729,000 kW capacity; 16,000 million kWh produced, 1,530 kWh per capita (1991)
6,624,000 kW capacity; 26,400 million kWh produced, 2,520 kWh per capita (1992)
Industries:
textiles and footwear; wood pulp, paper, and cork; metalworking; oil refining; chemicals; fish canning; wine; tourism
Agriculture:
accounts for 6.1% of GDP and about 20% of labor force; small, inefficient farms; imports more than half of food needs; major crops - grain, potatoes, olives, grapes; livestock sector - sheep, cattle, goats, poultry, meat, dairy products
Illicit drugs:
increasingly import gateway country for Latin American cocaine entering the European market
Fiscal year: calendar year

Communications
Railroads: 3,625 km total; state-owned Portuguese Railroad Co. (CP) operates 2,858 km 1.665-meter gauge (434 km electrified and 426 km double track), 755 km 1.000-meter gauge; 12 km (1.435-meter gauge) electrified, double track, privately owned
Highways: 73,661 km total; 61,599 km surfaced (bituminous, gravel, and crushed stone), including 140 km of limited-access divided highway; 7,962 km improved earth; 4,100 km unimproved earth (motorable tracks)
Inland waterways:
820 km navigable; relatively unimportant to national economy, used by shallow-draft craft limited to 300-metric-ton cargo capacity
Pipelines: crude oil 11 km; petroleum products 58 km
Ports: coastal - Leixoes, Lisbon, Porto, Ponta Delgada (Azores), Velas (Azores), Setubal, Sines
Merchant marine: 51 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 634,072 GRT/1,130,515 DWT; includes 1 short-sea passenger, 21 cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 3 container, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 13 oil tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 5 bulk, 2 liquified gas; note - Portugal has created a captive register on Madeira (MAR) for Portuguese-owned ships that will have the taxation and crewing benefits of a flag of convenience; although only one ship currently is known to fly the Portuguese flag on the MAR register, it is likely that a majority of Portuguese flag ships will transfer to this subregister in a few years
Civil air: 43 major transport aircraft
Airports: total: 64. usable: 62. with permanent-surface runways: 36. with runways over 3,659 m: 2. with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 10. with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 11

Telecommunications
Generally adequate integrated network of coaxial cables, open wire and radio relay; 2,690,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 57 AM, 66 (22 repeaters) FM, 66 (23 repeaters) TV; 6 submarine cables; 3 INTELSAT earth stations (2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Indian Ocean), EUTELSAT, domestic satellite systems (mainland and Azores); tropospheric link to Azores

Defense Forces
Branches:
Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Republican Guard, Fiscal Guard, Public Security Police
Manpower availability:
males 15-49, 2,696,325
fit for military service: 2,188,041
reach military age (20) annually 88,735 (1993 est.)