Portugal

Portugal is a country located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern

Europe. It is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant
culture. Here are some key facts and information about Portugal:
Capital and Cities: The capital of Portugal is Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese).
Other major cities include Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Amadora, and Braga.

Geography: Portugal has a diverse geography that includes beautiful coastlines

along the Atlantic Ocean, rolling plains, and mountainous regions. The country is
also known for its vineyards and olive groves.

Language: The official language of Portugal is Portuguese.

Population: As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Portugal had a

population of approximately 10.3 million people.

History: Portugal has a rich history, including the Age of Exploration in the
15th and 16th centuries when Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama and
Ferdinand Magellan played a significant role in mapping uncharted territories
and establishing trade routes. Portugal was also a colonial power, with a
significant influence in regions such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Goa.

Government: Portugal is a democratic republic with a President as the head of

state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. It is a member of the
European Union and uses the Euro (€) as its official currency.

Economy: Portugal's economy is diverse, with key sectors including agriculture,

manufacturing, tourism, and services. The country is known for its cork
production, wine, and tourism industry.

Culture: Portuguese culture is influenced by a mix of Mediterranean and

Atlantic influences. Fado, a traditional genre of music, is an integral part of
Portuguese culture. The country is also known for its cuisine, which includes
dishes like bacalhau (salted codfish), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), and a
variety of seafood dishes.

Landmarks: Portugal is home to numerous historic and cultural landmarks,

including the Tower of Belém in Lisbon, the Monastery of Batalha, the
University of Coimbra, and the Douro Valley, known for its terraced vineyards.

Tourism: Portugal is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its

beautiful beaches, historic sites, and picturesque towns. The Algarve region, in
particular, is renowned for its coastal resorts.
The key highlights of Portugal's history
Portugal has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. Here's a
brief overview of key historical periods and events in Portugal's history:

Prehistoric and Roman Periods (Before 12th Century):

The area that is now Portugal has a history dating back to prehistoric times. It
was inhabited by various Celtic and Iberian tribes before becoming part of the
Roman Empire around 200 BCE. The Roman influence left a lasting impact on the
culture and infrastructure of the region.

Visigothic and Moorish Rule (5th-12th Centuries): After

the fall of the Roman Empire, the Iberian Peninsula saw the Visigothic kingdom
established. In the 8th century, the Moors (Muslims) invaded and ruled over
much of the territory, leaving an indelible mark on the culture and architecture.

Reconquista and the Birth of Portugal (12th Century): In

the 12th century, Portugal began to emerge as a distinct nation through the
process known as the Reconquista. Afonso I (Afonso Henriques) declared
himself the first King of Portugal in 1139, and the Treaty of Zamorra in 1143
recognized Portugal as an independent kingdom.

Age of Exploration (15th-16th Centuries): Portugal played a

leading role in the Age of Exploration, with explorers like Vasco da Gama and
Ferdinand Magellan establishing maritime routes to Africa, Asia, and the
Americas. Portugal's overseas empire was vast, including Brazil, Angola,
Mozambique, and parts of India and Asia.

Union with Spain (1580-1640): Portugal fell under Spanish rule

from 1580 to 1640 due to a dynastic crisis. The period of Iberian Union ended
with the Portuguese Restoration War when Portugal regained its independence.

Enlightenment and Monarchy (18th-19th Centuries):

During the 18th century, Portugal experienced the Enlightenment, which
brought cultural and intellectual growth. However, the monarchy faced
economic and political challenges, including the Napoleonic Wars.
Republic and the 20th Century: Portugal became a republic in
1910, ending the monarchy. The early 20th century saw political instability,
including the Estado Novo regime under António de Oliveira Salazar. This
authoritarian rule lasted until the Carnation Revolution in 1974, which led to a
democratic republic.

European Union and Modern Portugal: Portugal joined the

European Economic Community (now the European Union) in 1986, which helped
modernize its economy. Today, Portugal is a democratic republic, a member of
NATO and the EU, and enjoys political stability and economic growth.

Cultural heritage
Portugal has a rich cultural heritage with many customs and traditions that
reflect its history, regional diversity, and strong sense of community. Here are
some of the customs and traditions that are commonly observed in Portugal:

Fado Music: Fado is a traditional genre of Portuguese music that is

characterized by its melancholic and soulful tunes. It often features themes of
longing, saudade (a Portuguese word for a deep emotional state of nostalgic or
melancholic longing), and the sea. Fado performances are a significant part of
Portuguese culture, and you can find Fado clubs in many cities.

Catholic Traditions: Portugal is a predominantly Catholic country, and

many customs and traditions are tied to religious events and festivals. Fátima,
in central Portugal, is an important pilgrimage site where believers come to
honor the apparition of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in 1917.

Carnival: Carnival is celebrated in various regions of Portugal, with colorful

parades, costumes, and street parties. The most famous Carnival celebration
takes place in the city of Loulé in the Algarve.
Holy Week: Holy Week (Semana Santa) is a significant religious event in
Portugal, with processions and religious rituals taking place in various towns and
cities, especially in Braga and Óbidos.

São João Festival: The São João Festival is a lively celebration held on
the night of June 23rd in Porto, where people hit each other with garlic flowers
and plastic hammers, sing, dance, and light up the night with fireworks.

Festas dos Santos Populares: The Festas dos Santos Populares, or

Popular Saints Festivals, are celebrated throughout Portugal in June, with
Lisbon and Porto hosting some of the largest celebrations. These festivals
honor Saint Anthony, Saint John, and Saint Peter with parades, traditional
food, and street parties.

Bullfighting: While controversial, bullfighting is a traditional sport in

Portugal, particularly in the southern regions of the country. Unlike in Spain,
Portuguese bullfighting does not involve killing the bull in the arena.

Traditional Cuisine: Portuguese cuisine is an important part of the

culture, and there are many traditional dishes and culinary customs. These
include dishes like bacalhau (salted codfish), pastéis de nata (custard tarts),
and Portuguese wines like Port and Vinho Verde.

Azulejos: Azulejos are decorative ceramic tiles that adorn buildings,

churches, and public spaces throughout Portugal. They are an important part of
Portuguese art and design.

Feira: Feiras are traditional markets or fairs that take place regularly in
towns and villages. They offer a wide range of products, from fresh produce to
handicrafts, and provide a sense of community.

These are just a few examples of the customs and traditions you may encounter
in Portugal. Keep in mind that Portugal's traditions can vary from region to
region, so it's worth exploring the local customs when you visit different parts
of the country.
Famous destinations

Lisbon: Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, is a vibrant and historic metropolis.

Key attractions include the historic district of Alfama, the Belém Tower,
Jerónimos Monastery, São Jorge Castle, and the bustling streets of Baixa.
Don't miss the famous tram 28, which winds through the city's narrow streets.

Porto: Located in northern Portugal, Porto is known for its historic old town,
the Ribeira district along the Douro River, and its iconic double-deck iron
bridge, the Dom Luís I Bridge. The city is famous for its port wine cellars, and a
visit to one of these cellars is a must.

Sintra: Just a short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairy-tale town known
for its colorful palaces, including the Palácio Nacional de Sintra and the Palácio
da Pena. The town and its palaces are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Douro Valley: The Douro Valley, in northern Portugal, is a stunning wine

region known for its terraced vineyards along the Douro River. It's an excellent
destination for wine enthusiasts and those looking for picturesque landscapes.

Algarve: The Algarve region in southern Portugal is famous for its beautiful
beaches, rugged cliffs, and warm Mediterranean climate. Popular beach towns
include Lagos, Albufeira, and Faro.

Fátima: Fátima is a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics, attracting

millions of visitors each year. It is known for the Sanctuary of Fátima, where
the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to three shepherd children in
1917.

Coimbra: Home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of

Coimbra, this city in central Portugal is known for its historic architecture,
including the Joanina Library and the Royal Palace.

Évora: Located in the Alentejo region, Évora is a well-preserved medieval

town with Roman ruins, including the Temple of Diana, and a charming old town.
It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Aveiro: Often called the "Venice of Portugal," Aveiro is known for its
picturesque canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and beautiful Art Nouveau
architecture.

Madeira and the Azores: These two archipelagos, Madeira and the
Azores, offer unique natural beauty, including volcanic landscapes, lush forests,
and incredible hiking opportunities. They are also known for their biodiversity
and unique flora and fauna.

Braga: Known as the "Rome of Portugal," Braga is a city with a rich religious
heritage, including the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. It's also known for its
lively atmosphere and historic sites.
"must-do" experiences
When visiting Portugal, there are several "must-do" experiences and delicious
foods to try to fully immerse yourself in the country's culture and cuisine.
Here's a list of things you should consider doing and eating while in Portugal:

Explore Lisbon's Historic Districts: Wander through the

historic neighborhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Baixa in Lisbon. These areas
are filled with colorful buildings, narrow streets, and historic landmarks.

Visit Sintra: Take a day trip to Sintra and explore its fairy-tale palaces,
such as the Palácio da Pena and the Palácio Nacional de Sintra. The town's
charm and architecture are unforgettable.

Enjoy Fado Music: Attend a Fado performance in Lisbon or Coimbra.

This soulful and melancholic genre of music is an integral part of Portuguese
culture.

Visit Porto's Wine Cellars: In Porto, tour the wine cellars of Vila
Nova de Gaia and taste the famous port wine. Learn about the wine-making
process and enjoy stunning views of the Douro River.

Explore the Douro Valley: Take a scenic cruise or drive through the
Douro Valley, known for its terraced vineyards and picturesque landscapes.

Visit Historic Monasteries: Explore historic monasteries like the

Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon and the Batalha Monastery in Batalha, both
UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Attend a Festival: If possible, attend one of Portugal's traditional

festivals, such as the São João Festival in Porto or the Festas dos Santos
Populares in Lisbon.
Must-Try Foods and Drinks:

Pastéis de Nata: These delicious custard tarts, often dusted with cinnamon
and powdered sugar, are a Portuguese pastry specialty. Enjoy them with a cup
of coffee or tea.

Bacalhau: Portugal is famous for its salted codfish, prepared in numerous

ways. Bacalhau à Brás and Bacalhau com Natas are popular dishes.

Francesinha: A hearty sandwich from Porto, the Francesinha is filled with

layers of cured meats, covered in melted cheese, and smothered in a spicy
tomato sauce.

Seafood: Portugal's coast provides an abundance of fresh seafood. Try

dishes like grilled sardines, octopus salad, or seafood rice (Arroz de Marisco).

Portuguese Wines: Portugal is renowned for its wines, including Vinho

Verde, Port wine, and various regional wines. Visit wineries or enjoy local wine
with your meals.

Caldo Verde: This traditional Portuguese soup consists of kale, potatoes,

and chorizo or linguiça sausage. It's hearty and flavorful.

Piri-Piri Chicken: A spicy grilled chicken dish seasoned with piri-piri

(African bird's eye chili) sauce, often served with fries or rice.

Queijo: Portugal produces a wide variety of cheeses. Try Queijo da Serra, a

soft sheep's milk cheese, or Queijo de Azeitão, a creamy cheese.

Ginja: A Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries, often served in a

chocolate cup.

Coffee: Order a bica, the Portuguese espresso, or a galão, a coffee with

milk. Coffee is an important part of daily life in Portugal.
 useful expression and words
Hello - Olá Good morning –
Basic Phrases: Bom dia
Good afternoon – Good evening / Please - Por favor Thank you - Obrigado
Boa tarde Good night - ( male) / Obrigada
Boa noite (female)
Yes - Sim No - Não Excuse me / I don't understand -
Sorry - Desculpe Não entendo
How much is this? - Where is...? - Help - Socorro Do you speak
Quanto custa isto? Onde fica...? English? - Fala
inglês?
I'm lost - Estou Water - Água
perdido/a Common Words:
Food - Comida Hotel - Hotel Restaurant - Bathroom - Casa de
Restaurante banho / WC
Bus - Autocarro Train - Airport - Beach - Praia
Comboio Aeroporto
City - Cidade Mountain - Museum - Museu Church - Igreja
Montanha
Shopping - Compras Ticket -
Bilhete Greetings:
Hug - Abraço Kiss - Beijo Goodbye - See you later - Até
Adeus / Tchau logo
(informal)
Have a nice day - Eating Out: Menu - Menu
Tenha um bom dia
Waiter/waitress - I would like... - The check, please I'm a vegetarian -
Empregado/a de mesa Gostaria de... - A conta, por Sou vegetariano/a
favor

Directions: Left - Esquerda Right - Direita

Straight ahead - Em North - Norte South - Sul East - Este

frente
West - Oeste
Here are some useful Portuguese expressions and words that can be handy if
you're planning to visit Portugal or interact with Portuguese speakers: