INTRODUCTION TO PORTUGAL

Geography:

Portugal country in southwestern Europe, bounded on the north and east by Spain and on the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores and the Madeira Islands in the Atlantic are part of the republic. Portugal has a total area of 91,906 sq km (35,485 sq mi). The capital and largest city is Lisbon.

Land and Resources:

Portugal is largely mountainous, but in the west and south there is an intensely cultivated coastal plain. The country is traversed by the Tajo (Tagus), Douro, and Guadiana rivers. The climate is moderate, and rainfall is heavy. Natural resources include coal, copper, gold, iron ore, and tin, but the land is not agriculturally rich. Some 31 percent of Portugal is forested. Trees include the oak, poplar, and olive.

Population:

Portugal's ethnic identity derives from the Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors who inhabited the nation over thousands of years. The population (1997 estimate) is 9,931,045, almost all of whom practice Roman Catholicism. Most people live in rural villages. The official language is Portuguese. Education is free and compulsory between the ages of 6 and 15.

Economy:

Portugal is the least developed nation in Western Europe, but industry is of increasing importance to the economy, employing 34 percent of the labor force. Major manufactures include processed food, textiles, machinery, and chemicals. Agriculture is vital to the economy as well and engages 18 percent of workers. Portugal is one of the world's leading producers of olive oil and cork, and it is also known for wine, especially port and Madeira wines, which are world famous. The unit of currency is the escudo (154.24 escudos equal U.S.$1; 1996).