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Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. It is the westernmost country of mainland Europe, being bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north and east by Spain. Its territory also includes the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, both autonomous regions with their own regional governments.

History

The history of Portugal dates back to the Early Middle Ages. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal established the first global maritime empire, becoming one of the world's major economic, political, and military powers. During this period, known as the Age of Discovery, Portuguese explorers pioneered maritime exploration with the discovery of what would become Brazil, parts of Africa, and extensive parts of Asia. This era of expansion established a legacy of a vast Lusophone world.

Geography

Portugal is characterized by a Mediterranean climate and is one of the warmest countries in Europe. The mainland is split by its main river, the Tagus River, that flows from Spain and disgorges in Lisbon, the capital and largest city. To the north, the landscape is mountainous in the interior areas with plateaus, cut by several rivers flowing into the Atlantic. The south, including the Algarve and the Alentejo regions, is characterized by rolling plains.

Politics

Portugal is a unitary semi-presidential republic, with the President of Portugal serving as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. It has a multi-party system, and the Parliament, known as the Assembleia da República, is the legislative body. Portugal is a founding member of NATO, the Eurozone, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries.

Economy

The Portuguese economy is diversified, with significant revenues generated from the agriculture, tourism, and technology sectors. Portugal is known for its wine production, cork, and olive oil, with a strong tradition in agriculture. The technology sector has been growing, particularly in areas such as software development, renewable energy, and biotechnology. Tourism also plays a crucial role, with millions visiting Portugal's historic cities, beautiful coastlines, and the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores.

Culture

Portuguese culture is a rich mosaic of influences from various periods, including Roman, Germanic, Moorish, and the Age of Discovery. Fado, a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, is a symbol of Portuguese culture. Portuguese literature, cuisine, dance, and art are significant aspects of the national identity. The country is also known for its significant contributions to world literature, with authors such as Luís de Camões and Fernando Pessoa.

See Also

• History of Portugal
• Geography of Portugal
• Economy of Portugal
• Culture of Portugal
• Tourism in Portugal