Considering Portugal has a fascinating history, tourists are likely to find classical attractions in this European country. From the medieval castles in the villages of Portugal to the sun kissed beaches, Portugal offers visitors a unique visit. The capital city of Lisbon has wonderful views of the river and cobble-stoned pathways to take you back into time. Along with the hustle and bustle of city life, tourists can truly feel the dichotomy of old and new in this region.
Location
Portugal is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is on the west-most side of Europe, borders Spain to the north and east and lies next to the Atlantic Ocean. The region of Portugal contains a total area of 92,090 sq km with a population of over 11 million inhabitants.
People
Even though Portugal has embraced a more informal way of life, polite terms of address are still used with people in the country. Educated individuals are addressed as Senhor Doutor (Mr. Dr.) and upper-class women are referred to as Dona. It is said that the high level of politeness in Portugal is seen as a reflection of respect. People on the whole are easy going and mild-mannered.
Events
Despite the small size of the region of Portugal, it is filled with festivals and celebrations. The months of February and March is livened up with the onset of the Carnaval (that takes place during the last few days before Lent). This festival is represented by outrageous costumes, parades and fairs. Besides that, there are several sporting, cultural and musical events that take place during the course of the year.
Weather
Portugal has a typical Mediterranean climate and is known to be one of the warmest regions in Europe. The temperatures in the summer are above 30°C. However, during the winter months the temperatures do fall and a high level of rain and wetness is expected in the region.
| General | |
| Language | Portuguese, Mirandese |
| Time Zone | WET(UTC0) summer (UTC+1) |
| Dialing Code | +351 |
| Electricity | 230V, 50Hz |
| Major Cities | Lisbon, Porto, Amador, Braga |
| Currency | Euro |
| Clothing | Light clothing is recommended, accompanied by some warmer clothes for days when the weather may fall. |
| Health Related |
|
| Mortality Rate | 10.74 deaths/ 1000 population |
| Life Expectancy | M 76/ F 83 |
| Patient : Physician Ratio | 290: 1 |
| Hospitals JCI accredited | 4 |
| Recommended Vaccinations | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Influenza, Yellow fever, Diphtheria-tetanus, Measles, Varicella |
| Other Infections | Toscana virus, West Nile virus, Mediterranean spotted fever, Israeli spotted fever, Tick-borne relapsing fever, HIV |
|
Tourism Related |
|
| Population | 11,317,192 |
| Global Competitiveness | 4.38 |
| Tourism Competitiveness | 5.0/7 |
| GDP/Capita | $21,407 |
| Health and Hygiene | 6.0/7 |
| Safety and Security | 6.0/7 |
| Air Transport Infrastructure | 4.1/7 |
| Tourism Infrastructure | 6.3/7 |
| Cultural Infrastructure | 5.8/7 |
| Visa Requirements | 40/133 |
| Reliability of Police Services | 34/133 |
| Physician Density | 21/133 |
| Hospital Beds | 48/133 |
| Quality of Air Transport Infrastructure | 43/133 |
| International Air Transport Network | 39/133 |
| Quality of Roads | 14/133 |
| Hotel Rooms | 22/133 |
| Tourism Openness | 45/133 |
| Attitude of Population Towards Foreign Visitors | 15/133 |