Portugal is a small country with fantastic transport networks between the countrys three great cities, Lisbon, Coimbra, and Oporto. Most visitors to Portugal head for the sandy coves, pretty fishing villages, and stunning golf courses of the Algarve. However, beyond the south coast resorts lies the least explored corner of Western Europe: a country of rugged landscapes, ancient cities with proud traditions, and quiet rural backwaters.
| Factbook | |
|---|---|
| Capital (and Largest city): | Lisbon |
| Official languages: | Portuguese |
| EU accession: | 1 January 1986 |
| Currency: | euro (EUR) | 1EUR = 0.93GBP (last updated on 12. March 2009) |
| Time zone: | UTC+0 |
| Calling code: | +351 |
| Area: | 92,345 km² | 35,645 sq mi |
| Coastline: | 1,793 km |
| Population: | 10,617,575 |
| Climate: | maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south |
| Terrain: | mountainous north of the Tagus River, rolling plains in south |