Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a Southern European state founded in 1143, occupying a total area of 92,212 km². The mainland is located in the southwesternmost part of the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. Portuguese territory also includes two autonomous regions: the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores, located in the Atlantic Ocean. The Madeira archipelago comprises the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas, and Selvagens, while the Azores archipelago consists of nine islands and some islets: Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores, and Corvo.
História
Portugal was founded in 1143, the year the Treaty of Zamora was signed. The Treaty, signed between Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and Alfonso VII of León and Castile, recognized Portugal's legal status as an independent kingdom. In 1179, this status was confirmed by Pope Alexander III.
During the 12th and 13th centuries, Portuguese kings expanded the borders, culminating in the conquest of the Algarve, consolidating a territory that remains virtually unchanged to this day.
With its borders defined, Portugal began to look inward. At the end of the 13th century, King Dinis created the prestigious University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe. Castles, palaces, and cathedrals were built in the most important centers, and territorial administration was established.
In 1385, following a popular movement, D. João I was acclaimed king, beginning the 2nd dynasty. The children of D. João I and D. Filipa de Lencastre would be called in "Os Lusíadas", by Luiz Vaz de Camões, "Illustrious generation, high Princes", for the education, humanism and governing qualities they demonstrated.
Among them, one became known to History as a visionary and the main architect of the Discoveries, one of the great adventures of Humanity. Thanks to the impetus of Prince Henry, also known as "Henry the Navigator", the Portuguese caravels crossed the seas, making use of the best scientific and practical knowledge of the time. During the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries they sailed to África, the distant East and the depths of the South American continent. They conquered lands, amassed riches and brought to Europe things never seen before.
In 1498 Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India, and in 1500 Pedro Álvares Cabral arrived in Brazil. The Portuguese also reached Oman (1508), Malaysia (1511), Timor (1512), China (1513), and Japan (1543). It was also a Portuguese man, Ferdinand Magellan, who planned and commanded, between 1519 and 1522, the first circumnavigation of the globe.
The Portuguese carracks were large, three-masted wooden ships, developed in the 15th and 16th centuries. They served as floating fortresses and cargo ships, being essential for maritime expansion, military defense, and trade in the India Route.
Tourism
Embark on a captivating journey and discover Portugal on the west coast of Europe. A country of contrasts that makes diversity one of its greatest riches. In this welcoming nation, you will find magnificent mountains and endless beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and sunshine. Imposing castles or palaces that seem to have come straight out of fairy tales. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience in this unique country, which offers countless scenarios for fun.
And it's all so close, look no further!
For a long time, travel was synonymous with distance. The value of an experience seemed to be measured by the number of kilometers traveled, by the idea of going far to change pace, disconnect, or feel something different. But what we seek when we leave doesn't necessarily depend on where we are. It depends on what makes us feel. And the truth is, we don't need to look any further to find peace, flavor, calm, wonder, or freedom. All of that already exists, right here in Portugal.
The mild climate, 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, and 850 km of splendid beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean make Portugal a perfect destination for all seasons, just a few hours' flight from any European capital.
In this country with the oldest borders in Europe, you'll find a great diversity of landscapes within a short distance, many leisure activities, and a unique cultural heritage where tradition and modernity combine harmoniously.
The gastronomy, fine wines, and the friendliness of the portuguese people complete a range of quality tourist services, whether for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.
GEOGRAPHY
Portugal is located in the extreme southwest of Europe and includes the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean.
On the European continent, the portuguese territory occupies an area of 88,889 km2 (218 km wide, 561 km long, 832 km of Atlantic coastline and 1,215 km of land border with Spain).
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, between the European and North American continents, the Azores archipelago has an area of 2,355 km2 and is composed of nine islands - São Miguel and Santa Maria in the Eastern Group, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial in the Central Group, and Flores and Corvo in the Western Group.
Connections with mainland Portugal are ensured by air, in approximately 2 hours of flight time.
The Madeira Archipelago, with an area of 741 km², is located in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 500 km from the African coast and 800 km from Cabo de Sagres, the southwesternmost point of the European continent.
The distance to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is approximately 1000 km (1 hour and 30 minutes by plane).
It comprises the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, and the uninhabited islands of desertas and Selvagens (which are Natural Reserve Areas).
CLIMATE
Mainland Portugal
The climate in Portugal varies significantly from region to region, and is influenced by the terrain, latitude, and proximity to the sea, which provides mild winters, especially in the Algarve.
In the Porto and North and Central areas, especially in the areas closest to Spain, winters are colder, although temperatures are moderate compared to the rest of Europe. There is some snowfall, which is more frequent in the Serra da Estrela, where the highest point in mainland Portugal is located (1991m) and conditions for skiing can be found. Summers are hot and dry, mainly in the interior regions, and on the coast the heat is moderated by the maritime influence. During autumn, sunny days with mild temperatures are frequently recorded.
Azores
Influenced by latitude and the regulating action of the Gulf Stream, the climate of the Azores is characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year. These influences also affect the temperature of the sea water, which remains very pleasant in both winter and summer, making it possible to practice various water sports.
Madeira
With subtropical characteristics due to its geographical location and mountainous terrain, the climate in the Madeira archipelago is exceptionally mild, with average air temperatures ranging from 24ºC in summer to 19ºC in winter. The sea water also maintains a very pleasant temperature throughout the year due to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream, oscillating between 18ºC (winter) and 22ºC (summer).
POPULATION
Portugal has a population of approximately 10,800,000 inhabitants.
The highest population density rates are recorded in Lisbon, the country's capital, and its surroundings, where about 2.8 million people live. The second largest city in Portugal is Porto, located in the north of the country. In general, coastal areas have a higher human population than the interior of the country.
RELIGION
The Portuguese people are predominantly Catholic, but the Portuguese Constitution guarantees religious freedom, which translates into the presence of various faiths in Portugal.
LANGUAGE
Of Latin origin, portuguese is spoken by approximately 260 million people on all continents, being the fourth most spoken language in the world and the third if we consider only European languages.
Countries where portuguese is an official language are spread across the globe. Thus, portuguese is spoken in África (Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe), in South America (Brazil), and in asia, in East Timor, and is also an official language in the Special Administrative Region of Macau.
In Portugal, a large portion of citizens are proficient in English, French, and Spanish.
