Country Profile: Portugal

Portugal, located in Southwestern Europe, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and shares a land boundary with Spain to the east and north. As of 2025, the population is approximately 10.2 million, predominantly Portuguese with small communities from former colonies. The economy is classified as a high-income EU and eurozone economy, heavily reliant on services, particularly tourism and banking, while governance is established as a semi-presidential republic. Portugal has undergone significant political changes since the early 20th century, transitioning from monarchy to democracy after the 1974 revolution.

Geography

Portugal's landscape features a diverse terrain divided by the Tagus River, with mountainous areas in the north and rolling plains in the south. The country has a maritime temperate climate, characterized by cool, rainy conditions in the north and warmer, drier conditions in the south. Notably, the Azores and Madeira Islands enhance Portugal’s strategic maritime position.

92,090 sq km: Total area, slightly smaller than Virginia.
1,793 km: Coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
1,224 km: Land border with Spain.
2,351 m: Highest point at Ponta do Pico in the Azores.
43.3%: Proportion of land used for agriculture (2023 estimate).

People and Society

The estimated population of Portugal is 10,194,277 in 2025, with a high urbanization rate of 67.9%. The predominant language is Portuguese, and the country boasts a rich cultural heritage, primarily Roman Catholic, with a small percentage identifying as non-religious or belonging to other faiths. The median age in Portugal is 46.8 years, indicating an aging population.

12.7%: Population aged 0-14 years.
22.3%: Population aged 65 years and older (2024 estimate).
81.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate).
8.03 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 estimate).
54.3: Total dependency ratio (2025 estimate).

Economy

Portugal has a strong services sector that drives its economy, with tourism being a significant contributor. The GDP at purchasing power parity is projected to be $448.226 billion for 2024, while the GDP per capita is estimated at $41,900. Economic growth is fueled by private consumption and public investment, supported by EU funding.

6.4%: Unemployment rate in 2024.
16.4%: Population living below the poverty line (2021 estimate).
47.5%: Exports of goods and services as a percentage of GDP (2023 estimate).
$112.802 billion: Estimated government revenues for 2023.
$144.237 billion: Total exports projected for 2024.

Government

Portugal is a semi-presidential republic with Lisbon as its capital. The government consists of an executive branch led by the President and the Prime Minister, a unicameral legislature known as the Assembly of the Republic, and an independent judiciary. Universal suffrage is granted to citizens aged 18 and older.

2 April 1976: Date of the current constitution's adoption.
230: Number of seats in the Assembly of the Republic.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa: Current President since 9 March 2016.
Antonio Luis Montenegro: Prime Minister as of 2 April 2024.
10 June: National holiday commemorating Portugal Day.

Military and Security

The Portuguese Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with a focus on both external defense and internal security through various police forces. Military expenditures are projected at 2% of GDP in 2025.

25,000: Active-duty military personnel (2025 estimate).
1,100: Military personnel deployed globally, including NATO missions.
18-30 years: Age range for voluntary military service.
225: Troops deployed in the Central African Republic on a UN mission.
350: Troops supporting NATO in Lithuania and Romania.

Energy

Portugal’s electricity access is universal, with 100% of the population connected as of 2022. The energy sector is characterized by a mix of renewable sources contributing significantly to the installed generating capacity.

25.409 million kW: Installed generating capacity (2023 estimate).
50.317 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 estimate).
29%: Proportion of wind energy in total capacity.
12.6%: Solar energy contribution to installed capacity (2023 estimate).
4.325 billion cubic meters: Natural gas consumption (2023 estimate).

Environment

Portugal faces various environmental challenges including soil erosion, air pollution, and water pollution in urban areas. The country is active in multiple international environmental agreements, demonstrating its commitment to addressing climate change and biodiversity.

43.3%: Land used for agriculture (2023 estimate).
38.272 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 estimate).
920.03 million cubic meters: Total municipal water withdrawal (2022 estimate).
5.268 million tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 estimate).
23.5%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 estimate).

Transportation

Portugal has a well-developed transportation network, including an extensive rail system and numerous airports. The country’s civil aviation sector is supported by a growing number of commercial flights and helicopter services.

128: Total airports expected by 2025.
888: Number of merchant marine vessels (2023).
2,526 km: Total railway length (2020).
65: Heliports (2025 estimate).
18: Total ports, including key ports like Lisbon and Sines.

Communications

The telecommunications landscape in Portugal is advanced, with a high percentage of internet penetration and a robust mobile service market.

12.9 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
86%: Population using the internet (2023 estimate).
5.505 million: Fixed telephone line subscriptions (2023 estimate).
4.6 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 estimate).
44: Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023 estimate).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,194,277	2025 estimate
Area	92,090 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$448.226 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	6.4%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	8.03 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	81.9 years	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	100%	2022 estimate
CO2 Emissions	38.272 million metric tonnes	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	2% of GDP	2025 estimate
Total Exports	$144.237 billion	2024 estimate