Map of Portugal

5 reasons to invest in Portugal

About the people

Areas & Attractions

Derived from the Arabic ‘Al Garb’ meaning ‘the west’ the Algarve has developed a character that is totally different from other parts of Portugal. With the rolling Atlantic to the south and west, the Guadiana River to the east and the Caldeirao & Monchique mountain to the north, you are surrounded by magnificent scenery rich in an artist’s palette of vibrant colours: brilliant blue skies, seas of green pine forests, golden sands, amber cliffs and a shimmering aquamarine ocean.

Area: 91,982 sq km
Population: 10.6 million
Capital City: Lisbon (population: 2.5 million)
People: 95% Portuguese, approx 5% ethnic minorities
Language(s): Portuguese
Religion(s): 94% Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant, 4% other
Currency: Euro

GEOGRAPHY

South-western Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Spain. Maritime temperate - cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south.

HISTORY

Longer Historical Perspective
Portugal gained independence in 1143 and D.Afonso Henriques was proclaimed King of Portugal. Under his reign, the kingdom trebled in size.

King Afonso III expanded the borders to the Algarve in 1249. The explorations of the African Coast and the Atlantic began under King João. Portugal's mainland boundaries have not changed since.

Discoveries occupied most of the 15th century: Madeira was the first to be discovered (1418), followed by the Azores (1427), and Cape Verde in 1444. The Portuguese also discovered the sea route to India, via the Cape of Good Hope. Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498 and Pedro Cabral, trying to reach India, discovered Brazil two years later (1500). Other Portuguese explorers reached the Far East, China and Japan.

In 1580, Portugal lost its independence to Spain. King Sebastião disappeared in the battle of Álcacer Quibir and, since he had no heirs, the throne went to Philip II of Spain – Philip I of Portugal - who was the son of a Portuguese Princess. Portugal regained independence 60 years later, in 1640.

When Napoleon's army threatened Portugal, the Royal Family fled to Brazil and ruled from Rio de Janeiro where they remained for 14 years. The French were expelled in 1811, with the help of the English.

The Monarchy was overthrown in Portugal after the assassination of King D Carlos in 1908, and in 1910 Portugal was proclaimed a Republic. The last King of Portugal, D Manuel II died in exile in London in 1932.