17/08/2026
Portugal is a European country situated on the Iberian Peninsula, where it shares a border with Spain and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. It is considered one of the oldest countries on the continent. Its capital is Lisbon, which is also its most populous city. In total, Portugal has a population of 10.3 million, most of whom live in the coastal areas.
The country has a temperate climate and a landscape ranging from mountainous terrain in the north to gentle hills in the south. Tourism, along with financial and commercial activities, make up a significant part of the economy and account for the largest share of the workforce. Furthermore, Portugal has a diversified industrial sector.
Here are some interesting facts...
1 – Half of the ‘New World’ once belonged to Portugal. In 1494, the Treaty of Tordesillas was signed, granting Portugal almost half of the ‘New World’, including Brazil, Africa and Asia. The Portuguese Empire was, in fact, the first global empire in history and also one of those that maintained its rule over its colonies for the longest period.
2 – Portuguese is the official language of nine countries. It is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, East Timor, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Equatorial Guinea; in other words, more than 250 million people worldwide speak Portuguese.
3 – One of the oldest countries in Europe. Portugal was proclaimed a kingdom in 1139, but its independence was only recognised in 1143, and its borders were subsequently defined in 1297, making it the oldest nation-state in Europe. Afonso Henriques was proclaimed the first king of Portugal in 1179, having been recognised by Pope Alexander III. The country remained a kingdom for almost 800 years, until 1910.
4 – The world’s oldest bookshop. The Bertrand bookshop was founded in Lisbon in 1732 and remains open to this day.
5 – The first colonial power to abolish slavery. Portugal completely abolished slavery in 1761, almost half a century before Great Britain, France, Spain and the United States.
6 – One of the world’s oldest universities is in Portugal. The University of Coimbra was founded in 1290, making it the oldest university in Europe.
7 – The longest in Europe. The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon is 17 km long, making it the longest in Europe.
8 – Portugal and England have the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world. The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance was signed in 1373 and remains in force to this day. Both countries have gone to war to defend one another. Examples of this alliance can be seen in the United Kingdom’s involvement in the Peninsular War and Portugal’s involvement in the First World War.
9 – Portugal is one of the world’s top surfing destinations. Portugal has a coastline stretching over 800 km and is known for having 364 days a year suitable for surfing, as well as the highest wave ever surfed.
10 – Lisbon was once struck by one of the strongest earthquakes in history. On 1 November 1755, Lisbon was hit by an earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale, which was followed by a tsunami and fires that devastated the city. More than 275,000 people died and 85 per cent of the buildings were destroyed.
