52 interesting facts about Portugal

Portugal, officially known as the Portuguese Republic, is a captivating country located in Southern Europe, sharing its only land border with Spain. It is renowned for its rich history, delicious cuisine, beautiful landscapes, and significant contributions to world exploration. Portugal is the westernmost country of mainland Europe and includes the picturesque Azores and Madeira archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean. From its mesmerising Fado music to its world-famous port wine, Portugal offers an enchanting blend of tradition and modernity. Here are over 52 interesting facts about Portugal:

1. Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal.
2. Portugal is the oldest country in Europe with the same borders since 1139.
3. Portugal was a founding member of NATO in 1949.
4. The country is famous for its production of port wine, primarily in the Douro Valley.
5. Portuguese is the official language of nine countries, including Brazil and Mozambique.
6. Portugal has the longest bridge in Europe, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, stretching 12.3 kilometres.
7. Portugal was once a powerful maritime nation and established the first global empire.
8. The Portuguese discovered several territories such as Brazil, Madeira, and the Azores.
9. Fado is a traditional genre of music known for its melancholic and soulful melodies.
10. The Algarve region is famous for its stunning beaches and attracts millions of tourists annually.
11. Portugal has one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) in the world, covering over 1.7 million square kilometres.
12. The Cork Oak is the national tree, and Portugal is the leading producer of cork in the world.
13. The University of Coimbra, established in 1290, is one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world.
14. Portugal decriminalised all drugs in 2001, opting for a health-centred approach to addiction.
15. The historic city of Porto gave the country and port wine their names.
16. The Portuguese pastry Pastéis de Nata is an iconic treat enjoyed all over the world.
17. Portugal is a significant producer of renewable energy, especially wind and hydroelectric power.
18. The country has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
19. Portugal ranks highly in global peace indexes and is considered one of the most peaceful countries in the world.
20. The Azores are home to Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak, at 2,351 metres.
21. The Rooster of Barcelos is a national symbol representing honesty, integrity, and trust.
22. Portugal was the third country in the world to adopt fingerprinting as a method of identification.
23. The Madeira Archipelago has a unique subtropical laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
24. Portugal’s literacy rate is over 95%, one of the highest in the world.
25. The country has compulsory voting, although there are no penalties for failing to vote.
26. Lisbon was struck by one of the most powerful earthquakes in European history in 1755.
27. The Portuguese national football team won the UEFA European Championship in 2016.
28. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was the first to circumnavigate the globe.
29. The famous Port wine is produced exclusively in the Douro Valley.
30. Portugal has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Tower of Belém in Lisbon.
31. The country has a rich tradition of handicrafts, including ceramics, weaving, and metalwork.
32. Portugal has 17 public holidays, one of the highest numbers in Europe.
33. The Lusitano is a renowned breed of Portuguese horse, known for its intelligence and grace.
34. Portuguese cuisine is famous for its variety of seafood dishes, especially bacalhau (salted cod).
35. The Bertrand Bookstore in Lisbon, established in 1732, is the oldest operating bookstore in the world.
36. Portugal abolished life imprisonment in 1884, and the maximum jail sentence is 25 years.
37. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics.
38. Portugal is a founding member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).
39. The Arrábida Natural Park is home to unique Mediterranean flora and fauna.
40. Portugal was the first colonial power to abolish slavery, in 1761.
41. The country’s road network ranks among the best in Europe.
42. Portugal is one of the world’s top surf destinations, with renowned spots like Nazaré.
43. The Azulejo is a traditional ceramic tilework found in many Portuguese buildings.
44. Portugal has a rich literary tradition, with celebrated authors like Fernando Pessoa.
45. The country has won the Eurovision Song Contest once, in 2017.
46. Portugal’s currency was the Escudo before adopting the Euro in 1999.
47. The Douro is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, dating back to 1756.
48. Portugal is a founding member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
49. Lisbon’s Alfama district is famous for its narrow streets and traditional Fado houses.
50. The Order of Christ, a Portuguese chivalric order, played a key role in the Age of Discoveries.
51. Portugal has a universal healthcare system providing care to all residents.
52. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon is renowned for its art collection, spanning over 4,000 years.

Portugal is a country that boasts a rich cultural heritage, remarkable history, and breathtaking landscapes. It has made significant contributions to the world through its explorations, literature, music, and culinary traditions. The blend of modernity and tradition in Portugal creates a unique charm that continues to attract people from all over the world. From the bustling streets of Lisbon to the serene beauty of the Azores, Portugal’s multifaceted identity is something to be explored and cherished.

Portugal, officially known as the Portuguese Republic, is a captivating country located in Southern Europe, sharing its only land border with Spain. It is renowned for its rich history, delicious cuisine, beautiful landscapes, and significant contributions to world exploration. Portugal is the westernmost country of mainland Europe and includes the…