overview
The nation state of Portugal, perched on the western extremities of Europe, facing the Atlantic Ocean has existed within borders virtually unchanged for 900 years. Its 10 million people boast their own strong cultural traditions, centuries of independence from neighbouring Spain, and, thanks to its once mighty overseas empire, a distinctive Latinate language which is spoken by more than 200 million people all over the world, from Angola to the Azores and from Madeira to Mozambique.
For a relatively small country, Portugal possesses a varied wealth of stunning landscape, from the sleepy rural villages and mountains of the Minho and Trás-os-Montes in the north, to the spectacular coves, beaches and internationally renowned golf courses of the Algarve, not to mention two sophisticated cities in Lisbon and Oporto. In between myriad undiscovered gems can still be found: from fortified medieval villages and magnificent Gothic shrines, to the rolling plains of the Alentejo and the terraced vineyards of the winding Douro which produce the country’s best-known export – Vinho do Porto or Port wine.
Visitors to Portugal are often struck by the courtesy and gentleness of its people and by a society where civility and respect still play an important role in everyday life. The influence of the Catholic Church remains visible everywhere, with most homes, cafés and shops sporting the image of a patron saint for protection. Social life, nevertheless, is convivial and welcoming, with food and drink playing an important part in the festa or family celebration, where children are especially cherished and indulged.
Portugal is one of the most economic countries in which to live within the European Union and the quality of life is often cited by visitors and resident expatriates alike. Excellent regional food and wine remain relatively inexpensive, with a wide variety of foreign products also available. The country has a unique and temperate climate and an extremely broad offer of leisure, cultural and tourism activities.