Country Profile: Portugal

Portugal is a southwestern European nation located on the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by Spain to the east and the North Atlantic Ocean to the west. Known for its rich maritime history, Portugal experienced significant transformations from a powerful global empire in the 15th and 16th centuries to a democratic republic after a military coup in 1974. The country has a population of over 10 million and a high-income economy largely driven by services, particularly tourism. Governance operates as a semi-presidential republic, characterized by a blend of historical influences and modern democratic practices.

Geography

Portugal is situated in southwestern Europe, sharing a border with Spain and having a significant coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean. The terrain varies from the mountainous regions in the north to rolling plains in the south, with the Tagus River dividing the country. The climate is maritime temperate, with cooler, rainier conditions in the north and warmer, drier weather in the south. Notable geographical features include the Azores and Madeira Islands, which play strategic roles in maritime navigation.

Area: 92,090 sq km (includes Azores and Madeira)
Coastline: 1,793 km
Highest Point: Ponta do Pico, 2,351 m
Natural Resources: fish, forests (cork), minerals such as copper and uranium
Land Use: 43.3% agricultural land (2023 est.)

People and Society

Portugal's estimated population is 10,194,277 (2025), with a predominately Portuguese ethnic composition (95%). The country recognizes Portuguese as its official language and practices a variety of religions, with Catholicism being the most prevalent. The demographic landscape shows a median age of 46.8 years, and urbanization is significant, with approximately 67.9% of the population living in urban areas as of 2023.

Population Growth Rate: -0.11% (2025 est.)
Birth Rate: 8.03 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy: 81.9 years (2024 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Urban Population: 67.9% (2023)

Economy

Portugal has a high-income economy characterized by a strong services sector, substantial tourism, and a focus on public investment driven by EU funds. The GDP (PPP) was estimated at $448.226 billion for 2024, with a growth rate of 1.9%. Economic recovery has enhanced consumer spending, supported by a trade surplus and declining public debt. The labor market is tight, with a projected unemployment rate of 6.4% for 2024.

GDP per Capita: $41,900 (2024 est.)
Exports: $144.237 billion (2024 est.)
Imports: $136.976 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 6.4% (2024 est.)
Public Debt: 125.7% of GDP (2017)

Government

Portugal operates as a semi-presidential republic with a capital in Lisbon. The government comprises an executive branch led by a president and a prime minister, with a unicameral legislature known as the Assembly of the Republic. The Constitution was last adopted in 1976 and guarantees civil rights and liberties. Portugal is a member of several international organizations and maintains a strong commitment to NATO and the EU.

Current President: Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (since 2016)
Current Prime Minister: António Luis Montenegro (since 2024)
Legislature: 230 members in the Assembly of the Republic
Voting Age: 18 years

Military and Security

The Portuguese Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, supported by internal security forces. Military expenditures are expected to reach 2% of GDP in 2025, reflecting commitments to international defense obligations. Portugal actively participates in NATO missions and has around 25,000 active-duty personnel, contributing to global security initiatives.

Active Military Personnel: 25,000 (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures: 2% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Deployments: Over 1,100 personnel worldwide

Energy

Portugal has made significant strides in energy access, with 100% of the population having electricity access as of 2022. The energy matrix includes a diverse range of sources, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy, particularly wind and hydroelectric power. Total energy consumption per capita is 73.285 million Btu (2023 est.).

Installed Capacity: 25.409 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption: 50.317 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Energy Generation: 29% from wind, 24.7% from hydroelectric sources (2023 est.)

Environment

Portugal faces environmental challenges including soil erosion and air and water pollution, particularly in urban areas. The country is committed to several international environmental agreements, and ongoing urbanization creates pressures on natural resources. However, significant efforts in waste management and renewable energy utilization are underway.

CO2 Emissions: 38.272 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Municipal Solid Waste: 5.268 million tons generated annually (2024 est.)
Recycling Rate: 23.5% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)

Transportation

Portugal's transportation infrastructure is well-developed, featuring numerous airports, railways, and a merchant marine. The country has 128 airports and an extensive rail network of 2,526 km. Additionally, the merchant marine fleet comprises 888 vessels, facilitating both domestic and international trade.

Airports: 128 (2025)
Railways: 2,526 km (2020)
Merchant Marine: 888 ships (2023)

Communications

Portugal boasts a robust communication framework, with high mobile and internet penetration rates. Approximately 86% of the population is internet users, with a growing fixed broadband sector. The country also enjoys a variety of broadcasting options, with several national networks and international access for households.

Mobile Subscriptions: 12.9 million (2024 est.)
Internet Users: 86% of the population (2023 est.)
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions: 4.6 million (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,194,277	2025 estimate
Area	92,090 sq km	Total area
GDP	$448.226 billion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption	73.285 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	8.03 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Unemployment Rate	6.4%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	81.9 years	2024 estimate