The Portuguese Republic is a Southern European country situated on the Iberian Peninsula and bordering Spain. Portugal has been settled since prehistoric times. Some of the earliest civilizations were Celtic societies. It was incorporated in the Roman Empire and was later, in the 8th Century occupied by the Moors. Parts of Portugal were reconquered by the Christians in the 10th Century, but the first independent country was first formed in 1128. In 1249, King Ferdinand III conquered Algarve from the Muslims and present day Portugal was united. In 1373, Portugal made an alliance with England, which is the longest-standing alliance in the world.

At the end of the 14th Century Portugal fought off Spanish invaders. In the 15th and 16th Century Portuguese explorers sailed to Asia, Africa and South America and set up outposts and colonies, including Brazil. However, between 1580 and 1640, Portugal and Spain was ruled by the same king, but Portuguese uprising ended the union. In the following centuries, the power and influence of Portugal slowly declined. In 1822, Brazil declared independence. The Monarchy was dissolved by a revolution in 1910, which eventually resulted in a right-wing dictatorship. In 1974, a bloodless left-wing military coup in Lisbon, known as the Carnation Revolution, led the way for a modern democracy as well as the independence of the last colonies in Africa shortly after. Portugal joined the European Union in 1986.

Inhabitants: 10,800,000
Area: 92,000 km2
Capital: Lisbon (600,000 inhabitants)
Languages: Portuguese
Religion: Roman Catholics (84%),
GDP (PPP) per capita: $23,400
Government: Parliamentary republic
Climate: Summers are hot and dry throughout Portugal, particularly in the Algarve, which experiences very little rain. However refreshing sea breezes make for pleasant conditions. Winters are cold and wet, particularly in the northern and west coast regions.