Overview of Portugal

Quick Overview

Portugal is the westernmost country in continental Europe.

Key Facts

• Location: on the Iberian Peninsula, in southwestern Europe, on the Atlantic coast.

• Latitude/longitude: 38.40' N, 9.00' W.

• Local time: Heure : 4019

• Capital: Lisbon.

• Nature of the state: parliamentary republic.

• Official languages: Portuguese, as well as Mirandese and Portuguese Sign Language.

• Currency: euro.

• Population: 10,355,493 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 92,200 km².

• Density: 112 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Serra da Estrela (1,993 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 830 km.

• Driving: on the right.

• Flag: [drapeau: Portugal]

Tourism

Tourism has long been a key sector of the Portuguese economy, accounting for over 5% of its GDP. The country consistently ranks among the top twenty tourist destinations worldwide, especially given the surge in visitors in recent years. In 2018, 22.8 million entries were recorded (three times more than in 2010).

British visitors are the most numerous, followed by the French (nearly 2 million). Spaniards and Germans come next. The main tourist hubs are Lisbon and its surroundings, the Algarve (in the south), and the Porto region (in the north).

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travelers.

• By air: France-Lisbon for 100/250 €.

• Entry requirements: ID card or passport.

• Currency to bring: euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Backpacker daily budget: 45 to 65 € per person.

• Accommodation: camping or homestays while traveling, or weekly rentals for a sedentary stay.

• Getting around: personal vehicle or buses.

• Risks: virtually none in terms of health and very low in terms of safety.

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices: from late March to early June and from late September to early November.

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★; Adventure ★; Culture ★★★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★★★★

Addresses in France

Tourist Office: available online.

Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 41/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $30,500 (2017)

• Average monthly income: $1,715 (2012)

• Inflation: +1.6% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 8.9% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: 19% (2015)

• Life expectancy: 80.9 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: +2.5 (2017)

• Population growth: -0.27% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 95.7% (2015)

• Urban population: 65.2% (2018)

• Press freedom: 14/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: flawed democracy (27/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook