The Country History
Throughout the fifteenth century Portuguese explorers sailed around the world and established trading posts. The country lost most of its wealth and status after Lisbon was destroyed in the deadly earthquake of 1755, the consequent Napoleonic Wars and the release of an important colony, Brazil. A revolution in 1910 toppled the monarchy in the land, but Portugal continued to face political and economic struggles until much needed democratic reforms were introduced by a military coup in1974. The country entered the EU in 1986 and was a founding member of NATO.
Geography
Portugal occupies the southwest part of the Iberian Peninsula and shares its borders with Spain in the north and east. An 830-km Atlantic coastline borders the country on the west and south.
The Douro, Guadiana and Tagus are three large rivers that originate in Spain, and flow into the Atlantic Ocean, before dividing the country into three geographic areas.
North Portugal is mountainous, the highest part being the Serra da Estrela, a popular ski area. South of Lisbon are vast plains of the Alentejo region. Far south, a range of mountains divides the Alentejo from the Algarve, which is one of the most popular areas with wide sandy beaches and bays. |
