Country Profile: Portugal

Portugal is a vibrant country located in southwestern Europe, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, and Spain to the east. With a population of approximately 10.2 million, the country boasts a rich history as a global maritime power and has transitioned to a semi-presidential republic since the 1974 democratic reforms. Its economy is bolstered by a robust services sector, particularly in tourism and banking, alongside a commitment to sustainable development and EU integration.

Geography

Portugal is situated in southwestern Europe, sharing a land border with Spain and surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean. The nation has a total area of 92,090 sq km and includes the Azores and Madeira Islands, which play significant roles in its maritime strategy. The country's diverse terrain ranges from mountainous regions in the north to rolling plains in the south, with a temperate climate that is cooler and rainier in the north and warmer and drier in the south.

1,793 km of coastline, enhancing its maritime economy.
42.8% of land is used for agriculture (2022).
The highest point is 2,351 m at Ponta do Pico in the Azores.

People and Society

Portugal has an estimated population of 10,207,177 (2024), predominantly comprised of ethnic Portuguese (95%). The official language is Portuguese, and the country has a rich cultural tapestry influenced by its colonial history. The majority of the population identifies as Roman Catholic, while urbanization is notable, with around 67.9% of people living in urban areas.

81.9 years is the life expectancy at birth (2024).
The median age is 46.4 years (2024).
14.5% of the population identifies as having no religious affiliation (2021).

Economy

Portugal has a high-income economy characterized by a strong services sector, particularly in tourism and financial services. The GDP estimated at $448.226 billion (2024) indicates steady growth with a projected annual growth rate of 1.9%. The country has seen declining public debt, and its economic growth is driven by private consumption and public investment supported by EU funds.

6.4% unemployment rate (2024).
66.4% of GDP derived from services (2024).
16.4% of the population lived below the poverty line (2021).

Government

Portugal operates as a semi-presidential republic, with Lisbon as its capital. The government is characterized by a unicameral legislature known as the Assembly of the Republic, comprising 230 members. The current president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has been in office since March 9, 2016, while the Prime Minister is appointed by the president from the majority party.

Universal suffrage is granted to citizens aged 18 and older.
The Constitution was last adopted on April 2, 1976.
Portugal participated in NATO since its founding in 1949.

Military and Security

The Portuguese Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, supported by various civil security services. Military expenditures are estimated at 1.6% of GDP (2024), focusing on national defense and international commitments through NATO and the EU.

Approximately 28,000 active-duty personnel (2024).
Over 1,100 military personnel deployed globally (2024).
The military's largest commitments include missions in Lithuania and the Central African Republic.

Energy

Portugal enjoys 100% electricity access, with a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources. The installed electricity generation capacity reached 25.409 million kW in 2023, with significant contributions from wind and solar energy.

50.317 billion kWh of electricity consumed in 2023.
Renewable sources account for 70% of total generating capacity (2023).

Environment

Environmental challenges in Portugal include air and water pollution, largely stemming from urban centers. The country actively participates in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity conservation.

42.8% of land is agricultural (2022).
16.2% of municipal waste was recycled (2014).
Portugal is a party to the Paris Agreement and various biodiversity treaties.

Transportation

Portugal's transportation network includes extensive rail, road, and maritime systems. The country consists of 128 airports and has a modern railway system that spans 2,526 km.

The merchant marine has 888 vessels (2023).
18 ports, with key facilities in Lisbon and Sines (2024).

Communications

Portugal has a well-developed communication infrastructure, with high levels of internet penetration and mobile subscriptions. Approximately 86% of the population uses the internet, and fixed broadband subscriptions reached 4.6 million in 2023.

12.8 million mobile subscriptions (2023), illustrating widespread mobile access.
Public broadcasters operate multiple TV channels and radio networks throughout the country.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,207,177 (2024 est.)
Area	92,090 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$448.226 billion (2024)
Energy consumption	73.285 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth rate	8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	6.4% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	81.9 years (2024 est.)