Portugal

Following its heyday as a world 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 in 1822 of Brazil as a colony. A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy; for most of the next six decades, repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a left-wing military coup installed broad democratic reforms. The following year, Portugal granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 10,642,836 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Portuguese (singular and plural)

Nationality (Adjective): Portuguese

Official Language(s): Portuguese, Mirandese

Major Languages Spoken: Portuguese, Mirandese

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Portuguese Republic

Country Name (short form): Portugal

Country Name (local long form): Republica Portuguesa

Country Name (local short form): Portugal

Name of Capital: Lisbon

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Portugal: Spain

Land Area: 91951 sq km

Water Area: 440 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Indiana

Total Land Boundry: 1,214 km

Coastline: 1,793 km

National Holiday: Portugal Day (Day of Portugal), 10 June (1580); note - also called Camoes Day, the day that revered national poet Luis de Camoes (1524-80) died

International Phone Code: 351

Currency Code: euro (EUR)

Internet Country Code: .pt

US Embassy Location: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600-081 Lisbon

US Embassy Mailing Address: Apartado 43033, 1601-301 Lisboa; PSC 83, APO AE 09726