PORTUGAL

1139 (July 25, Sunday): Afonso I declares himself King of Portugal, establishing the Kingdom of Portugal

1498 (July 8, Friday): Vasco da Gama reaches India, marking the height of Portuguese maritime exploration

1580 (June 25, Thursday): Philip II of Spain claims the Portuguese crown, beginning the Iberian Union

1640 (December 1, Monday): Portugal restores independence from Spain after 60 years of union

1755 (November 1, Thursday): Lisbon Earthquake: A catastrophic earthquake, followed by a tsunami and fires, kills tens of thousands

1910 (October 5, Wednesday): Portuguese Republic is established after the monarchy is overthrown

1974 (April 25, Thursday): Carnation Revolution: Military coup overthrows the authoritarian Estado Novo regime

1986 (January 1, Wednesday): Portugal joins the European Union

2001 (October 9, Tuesday): Portugal’s first elected female President, Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo

2004 (March 11, Thursday): Madrid Train Bombings (affecting Portugal’s transport network): Terrorist attacks kill 191 people

2017 (October 15, Sunday): Portugal Wildfires: Deadly wildfires in central Portugal claim dozens of lives

2020 (March 13, Friday): COVID-19 Pandemic: Portugal enters lockdown to curb the spread of the virus

2022 (October 6, Thursday): Drought: A severe drought in Portugal causes water shortages and crop losses

Continent: Europe
Location: Southwestern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean
Capital: Lisbon
Language: Portuguese (official)
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: ~10.3 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Western European Time (WET) / Western European Summer Time (WEST)

Borders: Spain
Landscape: Coastal plains, mountain ranges, river valleys, and islands
Major Rivers: Tagus River, Douro River, Guadiana River, Mondego River
Major Mountains: Serra da Estrela (highest point), Serra do Marão, and the Iberian mountain ranges
Deserts: None
Lakes: Alqueva Lake, Barragem de Castelo de Bode
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Pico (2,351 m / 7,713 ft) (Located in the Azores)
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean (sea level)
Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
Geological Features: Coastal cliffs, river valleys, volcanic islands (Azores and Madeira)

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Portuguese (98%), with small minorities of Cape Verdeans, Brazilians, and other European groups
Religion: Roman Catholic (approximately 81%), Protestant (approximately 2%), other (approximately 17%)
Urban Population: ~66% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~21% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Rich maritime history, Fado music, architecture, and cuisine
Cuisine: Bacalhau (salted codfish), pastéis de nata, chorizo, port wine, olive oil
Arts: Fado music, azulejos (painted tiles), Manueline architecture, Portuguese literature (Fernando Pessoa)
Sports: Football, surfing, athletics, rugby

Economy Type: High-income, advanced mixed economy
GDP: Approx. $300 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (grapes, cork, olives), tourism, textiles, automobiles, and electronics
Key Exports: Machinery, vehicles, mineral fuels, wine, textiles
Unemployment Rate: ~6.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Northern Portugal (industrial), Southern Portugal (tourism and agriculture)

Government Type: Unitary semi-presidential republic
Head of State: President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister António Costa (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (Assembly of the Republic)
Constitution: In effect since 1976

Lisbon: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Alfama district
Porto: Ribeira district, Porto wine cellars
Algarve: Beaches, cliffs, and resorts
Sintra: Pena Palace, Moorish Castle
Azores and Madeira Islands: Volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and nature reserves
Évora: Roman Temple, medieval architecture
Douro Valley: Wine-producing region, scenic river valleys