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Portugal
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Portugal Key Facts

Belem Tower on the Tagus River, Lisbon © 123rf.com/Oleg Kozlov

Location

Western Europe.

Time

GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Area

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

Population

10.7 million (2008 estimate).

Population Density

115.8 per sq km.

Capital

Lisbon. Population: 600,000; 2 million in Greater Lisbon (2008 estimates). 

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 1,220km (760 miles) due west of Lisbon. The Douro, Guadiana and Tejo (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. The vast plains of the Alentejo region stretch south of Lisbon. 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.

EU

Member since 1986.

Government

Republic since 1910.

Head of State

President Anibal Cavaco Silva since 2006.

Head of Government

Prime Minister Jose Socrates since 2005.

Recent History

The Socialist Party headed by Prime Minister José Sócrates, a former environment minister, was elected into power in 2005. On taking office, Sócrates has sought to revitalize Portugal's sluggish economy. He cut government spending by slashing pensions and raising the retirement age (from 60 to 65), which prompted waves of protests by workers. Economically, Sócrates has had some successes, lowering Portugal's debt to 2.7% of GDP (attaining an EU-mandated goal a year ahead of schedule), although the country still has fairly stagnant growth and unchecked unemployment (7.7%).

Portugal has been at the forefront of renewable energy development in Europe in recent years, with roughly 20% of its energy coming from renewable sources. Recent initiatives include the opening of an enormous solar energy station in 2008 that powers 30,000 homes, numerous hydropower plants and a growing assortment of wind energy farms that bring green energy to over 750,000 households.

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 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. Following a new law passed in 2008, smoking is prohibited in public indoor spaces. This smoking ban includes cinemas, theatres, buses and most restaurants (a handful still allow smoking in designated areas).
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