About Portugal

República Portuguesa (PORTUGAL)
- a democratic republic in Europe (since 1910)
- Portugal from the Roman word Portus Cale ("Beautiful Port" - what the Romans called the city of Porto)

Capital: Lisbon

Population: 10,7 mill. (Est. 2008)

Area: 92,100 km2 (incl. Azores and Madeira)

Time zone: GMT+0 (Azores: GMT-1). Summertime GMT+1 (Azores: GMT+0)

Emergency number: 112. Also it's good to have the contact-information of the Embassies in case of emergency.

Languages: Portuguese (English is widely spoken)

Religions: Roman Catholic 94%

Currency: euro (EUR)

Member of EU: since 1986

Primary industries: textiles, footwear, wood products, fish canning, wine, tourism and agriculture

Climate: Portugal enjoys a mild climate all year long, one of the warmest in Europe. Most of Portugal's rainfall occurs during the winter months. Subtropical Madeira, the Azores and their surrounding areas receive significantly more annual rainfall than the rest of Portugal. Snow occurs in the mountains of the north, particularly in Serra da Estrela.

Weather (Lisbon): High temperature in summer is around +30 degrees celsius

Geography: Portugal is located on the westernmost edge of continental Europe. It shares an international border in the north and east with its neighbor Spain. Distances in mainland Portugal are short - with only 560km from north to south and 220km east to west. The Atlantic ocean - and Portugal's many fine beaches - are to the south and west of the country. Coast lines from north to south: Green Coast (Costa Verde), Silver Coast (Costa de Prata), Lisbon Coast (Costa de Lisboa), Blue Coast (Costa Azul) and The Algarve Coast (Costa Algarve).

Goods to buy: crystal, ceramic tiles, pottery, handicrafts, rugs, and not to forget, the fantastic wine in Portugal.

Business hours: most stores are open Monday - Friday 9.00-13.00 and 15.00-19.00. Saturdays 9.00-13.00. Shopping malls and supermarkets usually are open Monday - Sunday 9.00-22.00. Also remember to check the public holidays in Portugal.

Food: Portuguese food is simple and fresh, with few complicated sauses but lots of garlic, olive oil and herbs. Portions are more than filling so dont order too much. You shouldn't avoid the sweat cakes and bakery that Portuguese people are so famous for!

Restaurant hours: Mealtime is relaxed, lunch is between 13.00 and 15.00. Dinner is between 19.00 and 22.00. Eating out is inexpensive by European standards.

Accomodation: ranges from luxury hotels to basic private rooms. We recommend you to spend a night or to in a Pousada (state-run inns, which provide stylish and comfortable rooms, located in historic castles or in manor houses)

What to do: Portugal is an eldorado for nature lovers and for all kind of sports activities, as well as cultural and historical vacations. Water sports of all kind, and of course golf in Portugal are main activities. Not to forget shopping, nightlife and dining

Highlights: sardines, cork-products (bags and shoes!), Port wine, historical landmarks, sandy beaches, sunny weather and the friendly and tolerant people of Portugal! And of course all the fantastic cities in Portugal.