Portugal

History

Portugal was proclaimed a Republic in 1910. The new constitution formed in 1911 separated the church from the state.

The country fought in the First World War on the allied side.

It participated in the formation of NATO in 1949 and joined the United Nations in 1955.

It then granted its African colonies independence between 1974 and 1975.

Food/ culture

The country is primarily a Roman Catholic country. It has influences from Celtic, Lusitanian, Phoenician, Jewish and German culture.

The main crops grown in the country are cereals, rice, grapes, potatoes, tomatoes and olives.

The common dishes are grilled fish, sardines, pork sandwiches, clams, seafood bread stew, Caldo Verde, codfish, bifanas and francesinha sandwich.

Wildlife

Common wildlife animals are the wild pig, wild goat, deer and lynx.

Annual events/ celebrations/ festivals

The main celebrated events include Carnaval, Holy Week, Fatima Pilgrimage, Sintra Festival, Cascais Festival and National Agriculture Fair.

Things to see

Belem Tower that has existed since the 16^th century was used for embarkation and disembarkation for the Portuguese explorers.

There is also Park and National Palace of Pena of the Romanticist that is built at Sintra.

Other must-see places in Portugal are Jeronimos Monastery, Castle de S. Jorge, Praca do Come and National Azulejo Museum.

Interesting facts

It is the oldest nation; its land borders were defined in 1139 CE.

It has the oldest bookstore that still operates today. It is in Livraria Bertrand and it was founded in 1732 in Lisbon.

It is the leading world’s producer of cork.

The national language is Portuguese.

Borders

Portugal is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and south and by Spain on the north and east.