Portugal
EuropePO January 11, 2026
Background
A global maritime power during the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the Napoleonic Wars, and the independence of Brazil, its wealthiest colony, in 1822. A revolution deposed the monarchy in 1910, and for most of the next six decades, repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a left-wing military coup ushered in broad democratic reforms. The following year, Portugal granted independence to all its African colonies. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986.
Geographic coordinates
39 30 N, 8 00 W
Natural hazards
Azores subject to severe earthquakes
Volcanism: Limited volcanic activity in the Azores Islands; Fayal or Faial (1,043 m) last erupted in 1958; most volcanoes have not erupted in centuries; historically active volcanoes include Agua de Pau, Furnas, Pico, Picos Volcanic System, San Jorge, Sete Cidades, and Terceira
Volcanism: Limited volcanic activity in the Azores Islands; Fayal or Faial (1,043 m) last erupted in 1958; most volcanoes have not erupted in centuries; historically active volcanoes include Agua de Pau, Furnas, Pico, Picos Volcanic System, San Jorge, Sete Cidades, and Terceira
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Virginia
Environmental issues
soil erosion; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution, especially in urban centers and coastal areas
International environmental agreements
Party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
Signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban
Signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban
Climate
maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south
Coastline
1,793 km
Land boundaries
Total: 1,224 km
Border countries (1): Spain 1,224 km
Border countries (1): Spain 1,224 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 43.3% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 10.1% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 9.6% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 23.6% (2023 est.)
Forest: 36.6% (2023 est.)
Other: 5.7% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 10.1% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 9.6% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 23.6% (2023 est.)
Forest: 36.6% (2023 est.)
Other: 5.7% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Natural resources
fish, forests (cork), iron ore, copper, zinc, tin, tungsten, silver, gold, uranium, marble, clay, gypsum, salt, arable land, hydropower
Geography - note
Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar; they are two of the four North Atlantic archipelagos that make up Macaronesia; the others are the Canary Islands (Spain) and Cabo Verde
Terrain
the west-flowing Tagus River divides the country: the north is mountainous toward the interior, while the south is characterized by rolling plains
Location
Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Spain
Map references
Europe
Irrigated land
5,662 sq km (2019)
Total renewable water resources
77.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
concentrations are primarily along or near the Atlantic coast; both Lisbon and the second largest city, Porto, are coastal cities
Elevation
Highest point: Ponta do Pico (Pico or Pico Alto) on Ilha do Pico in the Azores 2,351 m
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Mean elevation: 372 m
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Mean elevation: 372 m
Area
Total : 92,090 sq km
Land: 91,470 sq km
Water: 620 sq km
Note: Includes Azores and Madeira Islands
Land: 91,470 sq km
Water: 620 sq km
Note: Includes Azores and Madeira Islands
Age structure
0-14 years: 12.7% (male 662,419/female 631,284)
15-64 years: 65% (male 3,264,766/female 3,371,087)
65 years and over: 22.3% (2024 est.) (male 908,578/female 1,369,043)
15-64 years: 65% (male 3,264,766/female 3,371,087)
65 years and over: 22.3% (2024 est.) (male 908,578/female 1,369,043)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Portuguese (singular and plural)
Adjective: Portuguese
Adjective: Portuguese
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 18 years (2022 est.)
Male: 17 years (2022 est.)
Female: 18 years (2022 est.)
Male: 17 years (2022 est.)
Female: 18 years (2022 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 67.9% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 0.44% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 0.44% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 97.9% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99.3% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 2.1% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0.7% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 97.9% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99.3% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 2.1% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0.7% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.001 million LISBON (capital), 1.325 million Porto (2023)
Physician density
5.85 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
3.5 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
29.9 years (2020 est.)
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 53.8 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 19.5 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 34.3 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 2.9 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 19.5 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 34.3 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 2.9 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Portuguese 95%; citizens from Portugal’s former colonies in Africa, Asia (Han Chinese), and South America (Brazilian) and other foreign born 5%
Religions
Catholic 68.1%, not applicable 12.9%, no religion 12.0%, no response 2.2%, Protestant 1.8%, other 1.0%; less than 1%: other Christians, Orthodox, Muslim (2021 est.)
Note: Data represent population 15 years of age and older
Note: Data represent population 15 years of age and older
Languages
Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official, but locally used)
Health expenditure
10.6% of GDP (2022)
14.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
14.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.71 (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
50.6% (2021 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 21.2% (2024 est.)
Male: 21.6% (2024 est.)
Female: 20.7% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 21.6% (2024 est.)
Female: 20.7% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
1.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
Total: 46.8 years (2025 est.)
Male: 44.3 years
Female: 48.3 years
Male: 44.3 years
Female: 48.3 years
Maternal mortality ratio
15 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.46 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Population
Total: 10,207,177 (2024 est.)
Male: 4,835,763
Female: 5,371,414
Male: 4,835,763
Female: 5,371,414
Infant mortality rate
Total: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Male: 2.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 2.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 20.7% (2025 est.)
Male: 26.1% (2025 est.)
Female: 15.9% (2025 est.)
Male: 26.1% (2025 est.)
Female: 15.9% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
20.8% (2016)
Death rate
10.92 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Birth rate
8.03 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
0.9% (2016 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 10.37 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 2.62 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 6.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.34 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.37 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 2.62 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 6.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.34 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.37 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 81.9 years (2024 est.)
Male: 78.8 years
Female: 85.2 years
Male: 78.8 years
Female: 85.2 years
Education expenditure
4.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
10.4% national budget (2022 est.)
10.4% national budget (2022 est.)
Population growth rate
-0.11% (2025 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 920.03 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 1.83 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 3.419 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 1.83 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 3.419 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 5.268 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23.5% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23.5% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
7.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
38.272 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 20,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 29.525 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 8.727 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 20,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 29.525 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 8.727 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
73.285 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador John Joseph ARRIGO (since 30 September 2025)
Embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600-081 Lisboa
Mailing address: 5320 Lisbon Place, Washington DC 20521-5320
Telephone: [351] (21) 727-3300
FAX: [351] (21) 726-9109
Email address and website:
Conslisbon@state.gov
https://pt.usembassy.gov/
Consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores)
Embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600-081 Lisboa
Mailing address: 5320 Lisbon Place, Washington DC 20521-5320
Telephone: [351] (21) 727-3300
FAX: [351] (21) 726-9109
Email address and website:
Conslisbon@state.gov
https://pt.usembassy.gov/
Consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores)
Administrative divisions
18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2 autonomous regions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma); Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa (Lisbon), Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Viseu
Capital
Name: Lisbon
Geographic coordinates: 38 43 N, 9 08 W
Time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Time zone note: Portugal has two time zones, including the Azores (UTC-1)
Etymology: The origin of the name is unclear; some trace it back to the legendary Greek hero Ulysses; others claim a derivation from the Phoenician alis-ubbo, or "joyful bay"
Geographic coordinates: 38 43 N, 9 08 W
Time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Time zone note: Portugal has two time zones, including the Azores (UTC-1)
Etymology: The origin of the name is unclear; some trace it back to the legendary Greek hero Ulysses; others claim a derivation from the Phoenician alis-ubbo, or "joyful bay"
Constitution
History: Several previous; latest adopted 2 April 1976, effective 25 April 1976
Amendment process: Proposed by the Assembly of the Republic; adoption requires two-thirds majority vote of Assembly members
Amendment process: Proposed by the Assembly of the Republic; adoption requires two-thirds majority vote of Assembly members
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA (since 9 March 2016)
Head of government: Prime Minister Antonio Luis MONTENEGRO (since 2 April 2024)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); following legislative elections, the president usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister
Most recent election date: 24 January 2021
Election results:
2021: Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA (PSD) 60.7%, Ana GOMES (ran as an independent but is a member of PS) 13%, Andre VENTURA (CH) 11.9%, João FERREIRA (PCP-PEV) 4.3%, other 10.1%
2016: Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA elected president in the first round; percent of vote - Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA (PSD) 52%, António SAMPAIO DA NOVOA (independent) 22.9%, Marisa MATIAS (BE) 10.1%, Maria DE BELEM ROSEIRA (PS) 4.2%, other 10.8%
Expected date of next election: January 2026
Note: There is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative body to the president
Head of government: Prime Minister Antonio Luis MONTENEGRO (since 2 April 2024)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); following legislative elections, the president usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister
Most recent election date: 24 January 2021
Election results:
2021: Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA (PSD) 60.7%, Ana GOMES (ran as an independent but is a member of PS) 13%, Andre VENTURA (CH) 11.9%, João FERREIRA (PCP-PEV) 4.3%, other 10.1%
2016: Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA elected president in the first round; percent of vote - Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA (PSD) 52%, António SAMPAIO DA NOVOA (independent) 22.9%, Marisa MATIAS (BE) 10.1%, Maria DE BELEM ROSEIRA (PS) 4.2%, other 10.8%
Expected date of next election: January 2026
Note: There is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative body to the president
Flag
Description: Two vertical bands of green (left side, two-fifths) and red (three-fifths), with the national coat of arms (armillary sphere and national shield) centered on the dividing line
Meaning: Explanations for the color meanings are ambiguous, but a popular interpretation says that green symbolizes hope and red the blood of those defending the nation
Meaning: Explanations for the color meanings are ambiguous, but a popular interpretation says that green symbolizes hope and red the blood of those defending the nation
Independence
1143 (Kingdom of Portugal recognized); 1 December 1640 (independence reestablished after 60 years of Spanish rule); 5 October 1910 (republic proclaimed)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal de Justica (consists of 12 justices); Constitutional Court or Tribunal Constitucional (consists of 13 judges)
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court justices nominated by the president and appointed by the Assembly of the Republic; judges can serve for life; Constitutional Court judges - 10 elected by the Assembly and 3 elected by the other Constitutional Court judges; judges elected for 6-year nonrenewable terms
Subordinate courts: Supreme Administrative Court (Supremo Tribunal Administrativo); Audit Court (Tribunal de Contas); appellate, district, and municipal courts
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court justices nominated by the president and appointed by the Assembly of the Republic; judges can serve for life; Constitutional Court judges - 10 elected by the Assembly and 3 elected by the other Constitutional Court judges; judges elected for 6-year nonrenewable terms
Subordinate courts: Supreme Administrative Court (Supremo Tribunal Administrativo); Audit Court (Tribunal de Contas); appellate, district, and municipal courts
Legal system
civil law system; Constitutional Court reviews legislative acts
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica)
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 230 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 5/18/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: Social Democratic Party (PPD/PSD) - Democratic and Social Centre - People's Party (CDS-PP) (88); Chega (CH) (60); Socialist Party (PS) (58); Other (24)
Percentage of women in chamber: 35.7%
Expected date of next election: September 2029
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 230 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 5/18/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: Social Democratic Party (PPD/PSD) - Democratic and Social Centre - People's Party (CDS-PP) (88); Chega (CH) (60); Socialist Party (PS) (58); Other (24)
Percentage of women in chamber: 35.7%
Expected date of next election: September 2029
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, CD, CE, CERN, CPLP, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
National holiday
Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal), 10 June (1580)
Note: also called Camoes Day, the day that revered national poet Luis DE CAMOES (1524-80) died
Note: also called Camoes Day, the day that revered national poet Luis DE CAMOES (1524-80) died
Political parties
Democratic Alliance or AD (2024 electoral alliance in the Azores, includes PSD, CDS-PP, PPM)
Democratic and Social Center/People's Party (Partido do Centro Democratico Social-Partido Popular) or CDS-PP
Ecologist Party "The Greens" or "Os Verdes" (Partido Ecologista-Os Verdes) or PEV
Enough (Chega)
Liberal Initiative (Iniciativa Liberal) or IL
LIVRE or L
People-Animals-Nature Party (Pessoas-Animais-Natureza) or PAN
People's Monarchist Party or PPM
Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Portugues) or PCP
Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata) or PSD (formerly the Partido Popular Democratico or PPD)
Socialist Party (Partido Socialista) or PS
The Left Bloc (Bloco de Esquerda) or BE or O Bloco
Unitary Democratic Coalition (Coligacao Democratica Unitaria) or CDU (includes PCP and PEV) (2024)
Democratic and Social Center/People's Party (Partido do Centro Democratico Social-Partido Popular) or CDS-PP
Ecologist Party "The Greens" or "Os Verdes" (Partido Ecologista-Os Verdes) or PEV
Enough (Chega)
Liberal Initiative (Iniciativa Liberal) or IL
LIVRE or L
People-Animals-Nature Party (Pessoas-Animais-Natureza) or PAN
People's Monarchist Party or PPM
Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Portugues) or PCP
Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata) or PSD (formerly the Partido Popular Democratico or PPD)
Socialist Party (Partido Socialista) or PS
The Left Bloc (Bloco de Esquerda) or BE or O Bloco
Unitary Democratic Coalition (Coligacao Democratica Unitaria) or CDU (includes PCP and PEV) (2024)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
semi-presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Portuguese Republic
Conventional short form: Portugal
Local long form: Republica Portuguesa
Local short form: Portugal
Etymology: Name derives from the Roman designation "Portus Cale," meaning "Port of Cale;" Cale was located in present-day northern Portugal, and its name is said to come from the Latin word calere (to be warm) because the harbor never iced over
Conventional short form: Portugal
Local long form: Republica Portuguesa
Local short form: Portugal
Etymology: Name derives from the Roman designation "Portus Cale," meaning "Port of Cale;" Cale was located in present-day northern Portugal, and its name is said to come from the Latin word calere (to be warm) because the harbor never iced over
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Antonio DUARTE LOPES (since 7 June 2022)
Chancery: 2012 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: [1] (202) 350-5400
FAX: [1] (202) 462-3726
Email address and website:
Info.washington@mne.pt
https://washingtondc.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt/en/
Consulate(s) general: Boston, Newark (NJ), New York, San Francisco
Consulate(s): New Bedford (MA), Providence (RI)
Chancery: 2012 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: [1] (202) 350-5400
FAX: [1] (202) 462-3726
Email address and website:
Info.washington@mne.pt
https://washingtondc.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt/en/
Consulate(s) general: Boston, Newark (NJ), New York, San Francisco
Consulate(s): New Bedford (MA), Providence (RI)
National anthem(s)
Title: "A Portugesa" (The Song of the Portuguese)
Lyrics/music: Henrique LOPES DE MENDOCA/Alfredo KEIL
History: Adopted 1911; originally written to protest the Portuguese monarchy's acquiescence to the 1890 British ultimatum forcing Portugal to give up areas of Africa
Lyrics/music: Henrique LOPES DE MENDOCA/Alfredo KEIL
History: Adopted 1911; originally written to protest the Portuguese monarchy's acquiescence to the 1890 British ultimatum forcing Portugal to give up areas of Africa
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
armillary sphere (a spherical astrolabe for modeling objects in the sky)
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Portugal
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years; 6 years if from a Portuguese-speaking country
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Portugal
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years; 6 years if from a Portuguese-speaking country
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 17 (16 cultural, 1 natural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Évora (c); Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores (c); Cultural Landscape of Sintra (c); Laurisilva of Madeira (n); Historic Guimarães (c); Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon (c); Convent of Christ in Tomar (c); Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde (c); University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia (c); Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga (c)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Évora (c); Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores (c); Cultural Landscape of Sintra (c); Laurisilva of Madeira (n); Historic Guimarães (c); Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon (c); Convent of Christ in Tomar (c); Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde (c); University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia (c); Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga (c)
National color(s)
red, green
Population below poverty line
16.4% (2021 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 2.5% (2022 est.)
Highest 10%: 28.8% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 28.8% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
cars, garments, vehicle parts/accessories, unpackaged medicine, refined petroleum (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Spain 21%, France 11%, Germany 10%, USA 8%, UK 5% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
milk, tomatoes, olives, grapes, maize, pork, potatoes, chicken, apples, oranges (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $112.802 billion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $109.044 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $109.044 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
cars, crude petroleum, vehicle parts/accessories, refined petroleum, garments (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
0.924 (2024 est.)
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
0.924 (2024 est.)
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
Industries
textiles, clothing, footwear, wood and cork, paper and pulp, chemicals, fuels and lubricants, automobiles and auto parts, base metals, minerals, porcelain and ceramics, glassware, technology, telecommunications; dairy products, wine, other foodstuffs; ship construction and refurbishment; tourism, plastics, financial services, optics
Economic overview
High-income EU and eurozone economy; strong services sector led by tourism and banking; tight labor market; growth driven by private consumption, trade surplus, and public investment from EU funds; declining public debt
GDP (official exchange rate)
$308.683 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 62% (2023 est.)
Government consumption: 16.8% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 20.1% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.4% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 47.5% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -46.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 16.8% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 20.1% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.4% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 47.5% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -46.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
Spain 33%, Germany 11%, France 7%, Netherlands 5%, China 5% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 17.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
0.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
5.464 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$42.434 billion (2024 est.)
$35.243 billion (2023 est.)
$32.232 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$35.243 billion (2023 est.)
$32.232 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
125.7% of GDP (2017 est.)
Note: Data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Note: Data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Unemployment rate
6.4% (2024 est.)
6.6% (2023 est.)
6.1% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
6.6% (2023 est.)
6.1% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
22.8% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$448.226 billion (2024 est.)
$439.745 billion (2023 est.)
$428.547 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$439.745 billion (2023 est.)
$428.547 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
2.4% (2024 est.)
4.3% (2023 est.)
7.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
4.3% (2023 est.)
7.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$6.708 billion (2024 est.)
$1.624 billion (2023 est.)
-$5.356 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$1.624 billion (2023 est.)
-$5.356 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$41,900 (2024 est.)
$41,600 (2023 est.)
$41,100 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$41,600 (2023 est.)
$41,100 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$136.976 billion (2024 est.)
$133.617 billion (2023 est.)
$132.193 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$133.617 billion (2023 est.)
$132.193 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$144.237 billion (2024 est.)
$137.934 billion (2023 est.)
$126.953 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$137.934 billion (2023 est.)
$126.953 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
1.9% (2024 est.)
2.6% (2023 est.)
7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
2.6% (2023 est.)
7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
1.2% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 2% (2024 est.)
Industry: 18.4% (2024 est.)
Services: 66.4% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 18.4% (2024 est.)
Services: 66.4% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Consumption: 7,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 1 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 6,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 3 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 1 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 6,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 3 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 25.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 12.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 29% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 24.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Geothermal: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 7.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 12.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 29% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 24.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Geothermal: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 7.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Consumption: 4.325 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 4.251 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 4.251 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 8,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 204,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 204,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 25.409 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 50.317 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 3.422 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 13.656 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 5.129 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 50.317 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 3.422 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 13.656 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 5.129 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 86% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.pt
Broadcast media
Radio e Televisao de Portugal, the publicly owned TV broadcaster, operates 4 domestic channels and external service channels to Africa; roughly 40 domestic TV stations; widespread access to international broadcasters, with more than half of households connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems; publicly owned radio operates 3 national networks and provides regional and external services; several privately owned national radio stations and about 300 regional and local commercial radio stations
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 12.8 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 125 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 125 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 4.6 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 5.505 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 53 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 53 (2023 est.)
Railways
Total: 2,526 km (2020) 1,696 km electrified
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
CR, CS
Airports
128 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 888 (2023)
By type: Bulk carrier 110, container ship 299, general cargo 191, oil tanker 29, other 259
By type: Bulk carrier 110, container ship 299, general cargo 191, oil tanker 29, other 259
Heliports
65 (2025)
Military expenditures
2% of GDP (2025 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
1.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
1.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security forces
Portuguese Armed Forces (Forças Armadas Portuguesa): Portuguese Army (Exercito Portuguesa), Portuguese Navy (Marinha Portuguesa; includes Marine Corps, aka Corpo de Fuzileiros or Corps of Fusiliers), Portuguese Air Force (Forca Aerea Portuguesa, FAP)
Ministry of Internal Administration: Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública, PSP) , National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana, GNR) (2025)
Note: The PSP has jurisdiction in cities while the GNR has jurisdiction in rural areas; the GNR is a national gendarmerie force comprised of military personnel with law enforcement, internal security, civil defense, disaster response, and coast guard duties; it is responsible to both the Ministry of Internal Administration and to the Ministry of National Defense; it is not part of the Armed Forces, but may be placed under its operational command in the event of a national emergency
Ministry of Internal Administration: Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública, PSP) , National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana, GNR) (2025)
Note: The PSP has jurisdiction in cities while the GNR has jurisdiction in rural areas; the GNR is a national gendarmerie force comprised of military personnel with law enforcement, internal security, civil defense, disaster response, and coast guard duties; it is responsible to both the Ministry of Internal Administration and to the Ministry of National Defense; it is not part of the Armed Forces, but may be placed under its operational command in the event of a national emergency
Military - note
the Portuguese military is responsible for external defense, humanitarian operations, and fulfilling Portugal’s commitments to European and international security; maritime security has long been a key component of the military's portfolio, and Portugal has one of the world's oldest navies
Portugal was one of the original signers of the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 establishing NATO, and the Alliance forms a key pillar of Portugal’s defense policy; Portugal is also a signatory of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy, and it regularly participates in a variety of EU and NATO, as well as UN deployments around the world; the military’s largest commitments include air, ground, and naval forces under NATO-led missions and standing task forces in the Baltics, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean Sea; the military also participates in exercises with NATO partners (2025)
Portugal was one of the original signers of the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 establishing NATO, and the Alliance forms a key pillar of Portugal’s defense policy; Portugal is also a signatory of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy, and it regularly participates in a variety of EU and NATO, as well as UN deployments around the world; the military’s largest commitments include air, ground, and naval forces under NATO-led missions and standing task forces in the Baltics, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean Sea; the military also participates in exercises with NATO partners (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 25,000 active-duty military personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory includes mostly European- and US-origin weapons systems along with smaller amounts of domestically produced equipment; Portugal's defense industry is noted for its shipbuilding (2025)
Military deployments
the Portuguese Armed Forces have more than 1,100 military personnel deployed around the world engaged in missions supporting the EU, NATO, the UN, and partner nations; key deployments include 225 troops in the Central African Republic under the UN and about 350 troops supporting NATO's forward presence in Lithuania and Romania; it also participates in NATO air policing and maritime patrolling operations (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-30 years of age for voluntary or contract military service for men and women (upper age limit varies by military branch, position, role); no compulsory military service (abolished 2004) but conscription possible if insufficient volunteers available; contract service lasts for an initial period of 2-6 years, and can be extended to a maximum of 20 years of service; initial voluntary military service lasts 12 months; reserve obligation to age 35 (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 71,166 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 21 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 31 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 21 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 31 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Space program overview
largely focuses on the acquisition and operation of satellites; researches and develops a range of space-related technologies with an emphasis on small satellites for remote sensing (RS), navigational, science/technology, and telecommunications, as well as satellite launch services; space program is integrated with the ESA and involved in a variety of ESA and EU space programs; works with the space agencies and industries of a range of countries, including Algeria, Angola, Brazil, China, India, Japan, Morocco, South Korea, and the US; also cooperates with international organizations and projects such as the Europe South Observatory and the Square Kilometer Array; one of the objectives of the country's national space strategy is to expand its commercial space sector (2025)
Space launch site(s)
in August 2025, Portugal granted a license to a commercial consortium to build and operate a space launch center on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores; the first orbital launches are expected in 2027 (2025)
Space agency/agencies
Portuguese Space Agency (Agência Espacial Portuguesa; aka Portugal Space; established 2019) (2025)
Geoparks
Total global geoparks and regional networks: 6 (2024)
Global geoparks and regional networks: Açores; Arouca; Estrela; Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional; Oeste; Terras de Cavaleiros (2024)
Global geoparks and regional networks: Açores; Arouca; Estrela; Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional; Oeste; Terras de Cavaleiros (2024)
Ports
Total ports: 18 (2024)
Large: 3
Medium: 2
Small: 4
Very small: 9
Ports with oil terminals: 5
Key ports: Aveiro, Funchal, Lagos, Lisboa, Sines
Large: 3
Medium: 2
Small: 4
Very small: 9
Ports with oil terminals: 5
Key ports: Aveiro, Funchal, Lagos, Lisboa, Sines
Key space-program milestones
1993 - first technology demonstrator microsatellite (PoSat-1) launched on a European rocket
2000 - joined the ESA
2020 - launched strategic plan for space development (Portugal Space 2030), which included building a spaceport, developing a reusable rocket/satellite launch vehicle, growing the country's domestic commercial space sector, and establishing an Earth observation/remote sensing satellite constellation
2024 - first Portuguese communications satellite (PoSat-2) launched by US as part of a planned constellation of 12 ocean-monitoring/maritime communication satellites
2000 - joined the ESA
2020 - launched strategic plan for space development (Portugal Space 2030), which included building a spaceport, developing a reusable rocket/satellite launch vehicle, growing the country's domestic commercial space sector, and establishing an Earth observation/remote sensing satellite constellation
2024 - first Portuguese communications satellite (PoSat-2) launched by US as part of a planned constellation of 12 ocean-monitoring/maritime communication satellites
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
36.3 (2022 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality