Portugal is a country located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It has a population of over 10 million people and its capital city is Lisbon.

Portugal has a rich history and culture, with strong influences from both its European neighbors and its former colonies in Africa, Asia, and South America. Portuguese is the official language, and the country's cuisine, music, and art are all unique and distinctive.

The country is known for its beautiful beaches, especially in the Algarve region in the south. The Douro Valley is also a popular destination, famous for its vineyards and wine production. Portugal is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic center of Porto and the Belém Tower in Lisbon.

Portugal is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. Its economy is diversified and includes tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

One of the country's most famous exports is its port wine, which is produced in the Douro Valley region. Portugal is also known for its cork production, and is the world's largest supplier of cork products.

Portugal has a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The country is also known for its festive traditions, including Carnival, the Feast of Saint Anthony, and the Madeira Flower Festival.

Telephone Code
351

Local Emergency Phone
112

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south

Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages
Portuguese, Mirandese

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 81%, other Christian 3.3%, other (includes Jewish, Muslim) 0.6%

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Lisbon (includes Belem Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, Oceanarium, Jeronimos Monastery, Sao Jorge Castle, Ajuda Palace); Palacio Nacional de Sintra; Convento do Cristo (Tomar); Guimaraes Castle

Major Sports
Soccer, tennis

Cultural Practices
The number 13 is considered unlucky in Portugal. It is best not to give 13 flowers in an arrangement as a gift.

Tipping Guidelines
In tourist areas, if a service fee is not included in a restaurant bill, tip 10%. Tip 1-2 euros at the bar for good service. Tipping your tour guide and driver around 5 euros each day is appropriate. Taxi drivers in Portugal will not expect a tip, but if they turn up on time, share information about the country, and generally provide good service, rounding up the fare is common. Tip porters 1-2 euros per bag.

Souvenirs
Hand-painted dishes and ceramic tiles, wood-inlaid items, antiques, port wine

Traditional Cuisine
Bacalhau — dried and salted cod fish usually soaked first in water or milk; typically prepared with a variety of ingredients including potatoes, carrots, cabbage, or eggs and may be baked, boiled, or fried

Geography
Area
total: 92,090 sq km
land: 91,470 sq km
water: 620 sq km

Climate
maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south

Natural resources
fish, forests (cork), iron ore, copper, zinc, tin, tungsten, silver, gold, uranium, marble, clay, gypsum, salt, arable land, hydropower

People and Society
Population
10,223,150 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Portuguese 95%; citizens from Portugal’s former colonies in Africa, Asia (Han Chinese), and South America (Brazilian) and other foreign born 5%

Languages
Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official, but locally used)

Religions
Roman Catholic 81%, other Christian 3.3%, other (includes Jewish, Muslim) 0.6%, none 6.8%, unspecified 8.3% (2011 est.)

Population growth rate
-0.17% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
semi-presidential republic

Capital
name: Lisbon

Economy
Economic overview
high-income European economy; EU and NATO member; recently blocked Chinese utility takeover; major tourism, banking, and telecommunications sectors; very high public debt and bureaucracy; major renewable energy producer

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$347.694 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$33,700 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, tomatoes, olives, grapes, maize, potatoes, pork, apples, oranges, poultry

Industries
textiles, clothing, footwear, wood and cork, paper and pulp, chemicals, fuels and lubricants, automobiles and auto parts, base metals, minerals, porcelain and ceramics, glassware, technology, telecommunications; dairy products, wine, other foodstuffs; ship construction and refurbishment; tourism, plastics, financial services, optics

Exports
$105.648 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Spain 23%, France 13%, Germany 12%, United Kingdom 6%, United States 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
cars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, leather footwear, paper products, tires (2019)

Imports
$112.413 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Spain 29%, Germany 13%, France 9%, Italy 5%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
cars and vehicle parts, crude petroleum, aircraft, packaged medicines, refined petroleum, natural gas (2019)