22 Interesting Facts About Portugal

• Location and Borders: Portugal is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is bordered by Spain to the east and north and has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. Portugal also includes the Azores and Madeira archipelagos in the Atlantic.
• Square: The country covers an area of approximately 92,090 square kilometers.
• National Currency: The currency of Portugal is the Euro (EUR).

Interesting Facts About Portugal:

1. Language: Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world, with over 240 million speakers. About 80% of Portuguese speakers live in Brazil.
2. Ferdinand Magellan: The Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was the first person to circumnavigate the globe, completing his journey in 1522.
3. Vinho Verde: Portugal is the only country that produces “green wine” (Vinho Verde), a unique and refreshing wine that is a pleasant surprise for many tourists visiting for the first time.
4. Historical Kingdom: The Kingdom of Portugal existed for nearly 800 years, from 1139 to 1910. In 1910, Portugal became a republic, and the modern democratic republic was established in 1976.
5. Tourism: Annually, Portugal attracts around 10 million tourists, which is approximately the same as the country’s population.
6. Diaspora: About 20% of Luxembourg’s population and 3% of France’s population have Portuguese ancestry.
7. Pedro I and Inês de Castro: In 1357, King Pedro I of Portugal declared his deceased lover, Inês de Castro, as queen posthumously, two years after her death.
8. Tea Ceremony: The worldwide famous English tea ceremony is attributed to the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, who married King Charles II of England and introduced the tradition to the English court.
9. University of Coimbra: Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in Europe, reflecting Portugal’s long-standing commitment to education.
10. National Emblem: Portugal’s national coat of arms features a heraldic shield placed on a golden armillary sphere, a navigation device used to determine the coordinates of celestial bodies and calculate distances.
11. Subtitled Films: Movies shown in Portuguese cinemas are not dubbed but are instead presented with subtitles, maintaining the original language of the film.
12. Bullfighting: Bullfighting is a popular tradition in Portugal, but unlike in some other countries, it is illegal to kill the bull during the event.
13. Rain and Work: In Portugal, heavy rain is considered a valid reason for not going to work, as stipulated by national legislation.
14. Football: Football holds a special place in the hearts of the Portuguese. Even the smallest towns have football clubs, showcasing the sport’s pervasive influence.
15. Douro Valley: The Upper Douro Valley is a renowned wine region where grapes are cultivated using traditional methods without modern technology or chemicals. All winemaking processes here are done manually.
16. Pico Mountain: The highest peak in Portugal, Pico Mountain, is located 1,525 kilometers from mainland Portugal, in the Azores archipelago.
17. Fado Music: Portuguese romantic Fado music is a gem of world music culture. In 2011, this musical genre was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
18. Religious Affiliation: Over 85% of Portuguese people are members of the Roman Catholic Church, 9% are atheists, and the rest belong to other Christian denominations.
19. Clean Environment: Portugal is known for its clean cities and towns. It is rare to find litter on the streets as the locals take great pride in maintaining a tidy environment.
20. Scenic Beauty: Portugal is famous for its stunning landscapes, including beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and picturesque vineyards, attracting nature lovers and tourists from around the world.
21. Gastronomy: Portuguese cuisine is renowned for its seafood dishes, pastries like pastéis de nata, and hearty stews. The country’s culinary traditions reflect its rich history and maritime heritage.
22. Cultural Heritage: Portugal is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Tower of Belém, the Monastery of Batalha, and the Historic Centre of Porto, showcasing its architectural and cultural significance.