Portugal

Portugal is a western European country on the Iberian Peninsula. It borders Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, and includes the autonomous archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira. The capital is Lisbon. Mainland area is about 92,090 square kilometers, with a population near 10.5 million. The official language is Portuguese and Roman Catholicism is the largest religion.

Portugal emerged as a medieval kingdom on the Atlantic coast and rose to maritime prominence in the 15th and 16th centuries, launching a global exploration and trade network. It maintained a dynastic union with Spain from 1580 to 1640, then regained independence. Liberal and republican movements shaped the 19th and early 20th centuries, followed by the Estado Novo dictatorship from 1933 to 1974. Democratic reforms and decolonization occurred after the 1974 Carnation Revolution.

Portugal is a semi-presidential representative democracy. The president serves as head of state, while the prime minister and cabinet oversee government policy. The Assembly of the Republic is the unicameral parliament, and the judiciary operates independently within a constitutional framework.

The economy is high income and diversified, with services, industry, and agriculture as major sectors. Tourism, cork production, wine (notably Port), and renewable energy are important. Portugal joined the European Union in 1986 and adopted the euro in 1999; it is part of the Schengen Area.

Portuguese culture includes literature, music such as fado, and architectural traditions from the Manueline era to contemporary design. The country has UNESCO sites in cities like Porto and Sintra. Football is popular and seafood, cod, and olive oil are common in cuisine.