Portugal is located on the Iberian Peninsula west of Spain, with a Mediterranean climate and Lisbon as its capital. It has a population of over 10 million people who are mostly Roman Catholic. Portugal has a unique culture influenced by its history, including the mournful fado music and festivals celebrating saints. Soccer is very popular and the country has found success in international competitions. Geographically, Portugal has over 900 km of coastline and terrain that ranges from mountainous in the north to plains in the interior and south.

1. By Garrett McBroom

2. Miscellaneous Info.
• Located on the Iberian Peninsula, west of
Spain
• Consists of a Mediterranean climate
• Capital is Lisbon
• Population: 10,707,924
• 97% of population are Roman Catholic
• Land Area: 92,391 sq. km
• Currency: Euro

3. Culture
• Portugal’s unique music is due to its cultural past.
Fado, a type of lyrical music, is described by
mournful tunes and lyrics
• Festivals such as the Santos Populares, which occurs
in June, celebrates three saints, St.’s Anthony , John,
and Peter.
• Futbol, or soccer in the U.S., is one of the most
popular sports and Portugal and has been successful
in past years.

4. Geography
• Portugal has a coastline of 943 km.
• The north is mainly mountainous with the
interior and south being a plain.
• The average temperature is 53-64 ⁰F.
• Highest point is Ponto do Pico at 2,351 m.

5. Customs and Traditions
• Regional dances of Portugal play a huge role in
the traditions of the Portuguese.
• One custom of Portugal is wearing black for a
period of time after the death of a family
member.
• Portuguese is the main language spoken,
while having 5 different dialects, all are still
considered part of this unique Romance
language.

6. Brief History
• Conquered by the Visigoths in the 5th century.
• In the 15 and 16th century Portugal was a
world leading exploration government staking
claims in South America and Africa
• In the 7 year war Spain and France tried to
force Portugal to join a compact.
• In 1975, the third republic implicated a new
democratic reformed and much of Portugal’s
foreign land was granted independence.