Facts About Portugal

Quick Facts About Portugal

Kingdom of Portugal Recogized: 1143

Republic Proclaimed: October 5, 1910

Official Country Name: Portuguese Republic

Form of Government: Parliamentary Democracy

Population: about 11 million

Capital City: Lisbon

Lisbon was destroyed in 1755 earthquake

Religion: 85% Roman Catholic

Official Languages: Portuguese and Mirandese

Gave independence to all its African colonies in 1975

Entered the European Union in 1986

Location: Southwest Europe

Borders: Spain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Cadiz

Islands: Azores and Madeira

Number of Airports: 66

Railroad Tracks: about 2,800 kilometers

Land Area: about 92,000 square kilometers

Water Area: 440 square kilometers

Coastline: 1,793 kilometers

Terrain: Mountains N of Tagus River, plains in the south

Highest Point: 2,351 meters (Ilha do Pico in the Azores)

Lowest Point: 0 (Sea level)

Natural Hazards: Earthquakes