About Portugal

Portugal is a country of astonishing beauty and diversity, not to mention clear blue skies and friendly, courteous people. Pick any destination and the view from your window might be a rugged stretch of windswept coastline (Cabo do São Vicente, Castelejo, Cabo Espichel), a pristine beach where fishermen mend their nets beside brightly painted sardine boats (Albufeira, Bordeira, Praia do Camilo) or a cobbled street overlooked by dazzling whitewashed houses with wooden balconies and red-tiled roofs. Portugal is a land of infinite options. You can mingle with the crowds in one of the more sophisticated beach resorts or wander through the medieval quarters of historic cities like Lisbon, Porto, Braga or Coimbra.

To explore the more remote beauty spots (car hire is relatively cheap, driving a delight) stay overnight in a romantic pousada – a converted farm, monastery or manor house enjoying a wonderful setting – an amazing bargain. If it’s an activity holiday you’re looking for, Portugal is one of Europe’s premier golfing destinations while the tennis schools are second-to-none. You could try your hand at big game fishing or horseriding, learn how to windsurf or water ski. Other unmissable experiences include Fado (Portugal’s answer to soul music), country fairs where centuries-old folk traditions are lovingly reenacted, Port wine tastings and mouthwatering fish suppers. Portugal is a country ripe for discovery.

Christopher Rice

General Information on Portugal

Area

92,345 sq km (35,655 sq miles).

Population

10.3 million.

Population Density

112.7 per sq km.

Capital

Lisbon. Population: 564,657; 2.5 million in Greater Lisbon.

Geography

Portugal occupies the southwest part of the Iberian Peninsula and shares borders in the north and the east with Spain, while to the south and west lies the Atlantic Ocean. The country is divided into various provinces, including the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores; the latter lying some 1220km (760 miles) due west of Lisbon. The Douro, Guadiana and Tagus rivers flow across the border from Spain. North Portugal is mountainous, the highest part being the Serra da Estrela, a popular area for skiing. South of Lisbon stretch the vast plains of the Alentejo region. A range of mountains divides the Alentejo from the Algarve, which runs along the south coast, and is one of the most popular resort areas with wide sandy beaches and attractive bays.

Government

Republic since 1910. Head of State: President Anibal Cavaco Silva since 2006. Head of Government: Prime Minister Jose Socrates since 2005. Recent history: In spite of a successful Presidency of the EU in 2000, the domestic popularity of Portugal's Socialist government was decreasing, and after Prime Minister Antonio Guterres resigned in December 2001, the centre-right Social Democratic Party (PSD), headed by new Prime Minister Durao Barroso, formed a coalition government with the Popular Party. Barroso went on to become President of the European Commission in July 2004, but the Government he left had become increasingly unpopular because of escalating unemployment, and in the Autumn of 2004 there were clear signs of its instability, which led President Jorge Sampaio to dissolve Parliament.

In the general elections in February 2005, the Socialist Party won its first absolute majority since democracy returned to the country in 1974, and Prime Minister Jose Socrates and his new Cabinet were sworn in. On taking office, Mr Socrates said his priority would be to encourage economic growth and stem the rising unemployment. President Sampaio, a Socialist, has served two five-year terms and was succeeded by the winner of the January 2006 presidential poll, Anibal Cavaco Silva. Mr Silva, a former Prime Minister, is the first centre-right politician to be President since the coup of 1974.

Language

Portuguese. English is widely spoken within the business community.

Religion

Roman Catholic.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. 110 volts in some areas and 230 DC in parts of the south. Continental two-pin plugs are in use.

SOCIAL CONVENTIONS

The Portuguese way of life is leisurely, and old-fashioned politeness is essential. Warm, Latin hospitality is the norm. The country has a deeply individual national character, although each province has its own traditions and folklore. Casual wear is widely acceptable, although beachwear should not be worn in towns. In restaurants, it is usual to smoke only at the end of the meal. Smoking is prohibited in cinemas, theatres and on buses.