Geographical location:Westernmost country of Continental Europe, bordered by Spain on the north and east, and by the Atlantic Ocean on the south and west. The Azores and Madeira Islands in the Atlantic are part of Portugal.

Area: 92,000 square kilometers
Local time: Greenwich Mean Time (Same as United Kingdom)
Capital: Lisbon
Population: 10,318,084 (2001 census, preliminary results)
GDP: $106 billion in 2000
GDP per capita: $10,300
Currency: The euro replaces the Portuguese escudo effective July 1, 2002
Exchange rates: 217 escudos/US$, annual average for 2000. 1 euro = 200.482 escudos (irrevocable parity)
Form of Government: Parliamentary democracy. Portugal has a unicameral legislature -- the National Assembly -- elected for a four-year term.

Situated on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula, its geographic location along the Atlantic coast soon determined its vocation to the sea.

In 1415, the Portuguese set sail on an epic voyage that would make them the first to discover the ocean routes to India, Brazil, China and Japan, and at the same time founded settlements on the east and west coasts of Africa.

Belém Tower, 16th century, Lisboa. Traces of this worldwide historic presence may be seen as trademarks of the Portuguese genius. The Portuguese language became one of the most widely spoken in the world, and the Portuguese people were privileged for being exposed to so many different civilizations. The vast monumental, artistic and archaeologic heritage does witness not only the 850 years of history of encounters with distant cultures, but also the presence in the territory of more ancient peoples (Celts, Suevians, Visigoths, Romans and Arabs).

The natural advantages of a sunny country with such diverse geographic features have turned Portugal into a chosen destination for many holidaymakers, an ideal place for practicing water sports and playing golf, offering modern tourism facilities, and quaint and personalized means of accommodation, such as turismo de habita o (privately owned homes ranging from wonderful farmhouses to manor houses), hotéis de charme or pousadas.

A member-country of the European Union since 1986, Portugal currently enjoys a steady economic growth. For centuries Portugal has kept this greatest treasure: a renowned reputation of hospitality that makes the country a haven of congeniality and safety.