At a Glance

Official Name: Republic of Portugal

Continent: Europe

Area: 35,090 square miles (91,951 sq km)

Population: 10,066,253

Capital City: Lisbon

Largest City: Lisbon (677,790)

Unit of Money: Escudo

Major Languages: Portuguese

Natural Resources: Fish, forests, tungsten

The Place

Portugal is a small country in western Europe that lies on the Iberian Peninsula. It is bordered by Spain to the east and north. The Atlantic Ocean forms a western and southern coastline, which extends for 1,114 miles (1,793 km).

Most of Portugal is flat, however there are mountain ranges in central, northeastern, and southwestern Portugal. The coastal plains support many farms and fishing villages. Lisbon, the capital, and Porto are located there. The northern and southern tablelands and central range are part of the Meseta—a large plateau that covers most of Spain. The Serra da Estrela mountains, in the central range, are the country's highest mountains and rise to 6,000 feet (1,829 m), including Portugal's highest mountain—Estrela at 6,539 feet (1,993 m). The country's main rivers are the Douro, Tagus, and Guadiana rivers. The Tagus River divides the country in half.

Portugal has a mild climate, with an average temperature of 70°F (21°C) in July and 50°F (10°C) in January. The country gets very little rain in spring and summer. Heavy rains fall in the cool winter months. Northern Portugal receives some snow, while the south receives none. Northern inland areas get about 55 inches (140 cm) of precipitation a year, while southern coastal areas receive 20 inches (51 cm) of precipitation a year.

The People

Portuguese are a mixture of many groups, including Celts, Greeks, and Romans. Black Africans make up the country's only minority group.

About one-third of Portuguese live in or near Lisbon and Porto. Most of the population lives in rural areas. Many villagers make a living by fishing in the Atlantic Ocean or growing grapes for wine. Many people in rural areas have moved to the cities to find jobs in industry. About 56% of the labor force works in services, 23% in manufacturing, 11% in agriculture, fishing, and forestry, 8% in construction, and 1% in both utilities and mining.

Portugal has a population density of 278 people per square mile (107 people per sq km). Its population grows at an annual rate of 0.1%. Life expectancy is 76 years.

Portuguese families have close ties. Two or more generations of a family will often live together in the same house.

Most Portuguese are Roman Catholics. Other religious groups include Jews, Muslims, and Protestants. Catholic priests have important roles in government, education, and social life in some rural areas. Thousands of Portuguese and tourists go to Fatima each year to visit a famous spot where, in 1917, The Virgin Mary reportedly appeared to three children tending sheep.

Education

Portuguese children must attend school between the ages of 6 and 15. Many students leave school before they are 15 and get jobs to raise money for their family. Several areas in the country have no high schools.

Portugal has 10 universities. The largest university is Lisbon University. Less than 2% of the people go to college.

The country's literacy rate is 85%. Approximately 89% of men and 92% of women can read and write.

Popular Culture/Daily Life

Folk art is important to Portuguese. Folk songs include dance music called chulas and viras and sad songs played on guitar called fados. The country's handmade pottery, lace, and linen are popular all over the world. Churches decorated with elaborate paintings and sculptures are found throughout the country.

The people in Portugal also enjoy bullfights and soccer. In many other countries bulls are killed after bull-fights, however, it is against the law in Portugal to kill the bull.