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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
10.6 million (2006 estimate).
Population Density
114.8 per sq km.
Capital
Lisbon. Population: 600,000; 1.9 million in Greater Lisbon (2006 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 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 Jose Socrates was elected into power in February 2005, following the dissolution of parliament by President Jorge Sampaio the previous autumn. On taking office, Socrates said his priority would be to encourage economic growth and stem the rising unemployment. Anibal Cavaco Silva succeeded President Sampaio in January 2006. Silva, a former prime minister, is the first centre-right politician to be president since the coup of 1974. Portugal has been at the forefront of renewable energy development in Europe in recent years, with recent initiatives including the commissioning of a solar energy station in 2005 that will power 21,000 homes and signing up to a wind power project in 2006 that will bring green energy to 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. In restaurants, it is usual to smoke only at the end of the meal. Smoking is prohibited in cinemas, theatres and on buses.
