Portugal:

Country Guide

Portugal - general country guide

Contents

Map

Source: CIA World Factbook

Summary Data

summary data  
Total Area (km2) 92,931
Land (km2) 91,951
Water (km2) 440
Population 10,676,910
Population Density (/km2) 116
Capital Lisbon
Religion (%) Roman Catholic 84.5%
Other Christian 2.2%
Other 0.3%
Unknown 9%
None 3.9%
Time GMT
Climate Portugal has a maritime climate;
cool and rainy in the north and
warm and dry in the south.
Source: CIA World Factbook

Geography

Portugal is situated in south eastern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula sharing borders with Spain. The northern part of Portugal contains many hills and mountains which in the winter become very popular with skiers and snow boarders. Along the southern coast, a number of mountains divide the Alentejo region with the Algarve, a very popular tourist resort with spectacular beaches. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal; situated on the river it offers many historical sights and attractions. The country is divided into three geographical areas by three large rivers which cross into Spain, The Minho River, The Douro River and the Tejo River.

Government

The government in Portugal is a democratic republic, controlled by the constitution of 1976, and Lisbon, the country's largest city is the capital. There are four main governing components within the government: the President of the republic, the Assembly of the Republic, the Government and the Courts. A President is elected for a five year term; the current President is Anibal Cavaco Silva. The government is run by the Prime Minister, Jose Socrates, who is elected by the council of ministers.

Language

Portuguese and Mirandese are the official languages of Portugal with most locals speaking Mirandese.

Electricity

220 volts AC 50Hz. 110 volts in some areas and 230 DC in parts of the south. Continental two-pin plugs are in use.

Passports/Visa

A passport valid for a minimum of three months after returning from Portugal is required by all nationals except EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Visas

Visas are not required by all nationals for maximum stays of up to 90 days. A return ticket or ongoing flight is not essential to enter the country.

Passport/Visa Information

Portuguese Embassy

11 Belgrave Square

London

SW1X 8PP

Tel: 020 7235 5331

Fax: 020 7245 1287

 

Portuguese Embassy
Consulate Section
3 Portland Place
London W1N 3AA

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 9.00am-1.00pm

Airports and Airlines

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS)

  • Location: The airport is situated 4 miles (7 km) from the city centre of Lisbon.
  • Time: Local time is GMT (GMT + 1 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
  • Contacts: Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, 1700-111 Lisbon, Portugal
  • Tel: (0)21 841 3500
  • Fax: (0)21 841 3675
  • Email: lisbon.airport@ana.pt
  • Website: www.ana-aeroportos.pt
  • Terminals: 2
  • Transfer between terminals: Free shuttles run between the terminals.
  • Transfer to the city: There are taxis available at the airport 24 hours a day.
  • Car rental: Car rental companies include Budget, Europcar, Hertz and several others.
  • Facilities: There are banks, bars and restaurants at the airport. Other facilities include a bureau de change, left luggage and an insurance desk in the arrival area
  • Parking: Short and long term parking is available.

Standard of Living

Since joining the EU in 1986 the standard of living in Portugal has been steadily rising and the country now enjoys a relatively high standard of living. Crime rates are low, the health care system is very good and the cost of living in Portugal is much cheaper than the UK making it an ideal place to invest in property.

Principal commercial centres and towns

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and an important commercial centre for the country.

population by city/town 2007  
Lisbon 564,657
Porto 263,131
Braga 109,460
Coimbra 101,069
Evora 41,159
Bragance 34,774
Source: Wikipedia Top

Portugal Country Guide

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