Country Profile: Portugal

Portugal, located in southwestern Europe, is a maritime nation bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and Spain to the east and north. With a population of approximately 10.2 million people, the country has a rich cultural heritage marked by its historical significance as a global maritime power in the 15th and 16th centuries. Portugal has transitioned from a monarchy to a semi-presidential republic, known for its democratic governance since the military coup of 1974. The economy is characterized by a strong services sector, notably in tourism and banking, and is supported by public investment and trade surpluses.

Geography

Portugal covers an area of approximately 92,090 sq km, featuring a diverse landscape that includes mountainous terrains in the north and rolling plains in the south. The country is blessed with a 1,793 km coastline and has maritime claims extending into the North Atlantic. Its strategic location is further enhanced by the presence of the Azores and Madeira islands, which are crucial for shipping routes.

Highest Point: Ponta do Pico at 2,351 m.
Area Comparison: Slightly smaller than Virginia.
Natural Resources: Includes fish, forests (cork), and various minerals.

People and Society

Portugal's estimated population in 2024 is 10,207,177, predominantly Portuguese (95%). The country has a median age of 46.4 years and a life expectancy of 81.9 years. The major urban centers are Lisbon, with approximately 3.001 million residents, and Porto with 1.325 million.

Languages: Officially Portuguese; Mirandese is also recognized locally.
Religions: Predominantly Roman Catholic (79.7%).
Urbanization Rate: 67.9% of the population resides in urban areas as of 2023.

Economy

Portugal is recognized as a high-income economy within the EU and is characterized by a strong service sector, contributing 66.4% to the GDP. The country has a projected real GDP of $448.226 billion for 2024, with a per capita GDP of $41,900.

Unemployment Rate: Estimated at 6.4% in 2024.
Exports: Expected to reach $144.237 billion in 2024, primarily to Spain (21%) and France (11%).
Public Debt: Previously high, now declining significantly.

Government

The Portuguese Republic operates as a semi-presidential republic with Lisbon as its capital. The government consists of an executive headed by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Antonio Luis Montenegro. The legal system is based on civil law, and legislative power is vested in the unicameral Assembly of the Republic.

Next Election: Expected in January 2026.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.
Administrative Divisions: Includes 18 districts and 2 autonomous regions.

Military and Security

Portugal's military is primarily composed of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with approximately 25,000 active-duty personnel. The country is an active NATO member and continually engages in international missions.

Military Expenditures (2025): Projected at 2% of GDP.
Key Deployments: Over 1,100 personnel engaged in global missions.
Military Conscription: Abolished in 2004, but can be reinstated if needed.

Energy

Portugal has achieved full 100% electricity access for its population as of 2022. The energy mix includes a significant portion of renewable sources, such as solar and wind, contributing to a cleaner energy portfolio.

Electricity Generation Capacity: Approximately 25.409 million kW.
Energy Consumption (2023): 73.285 million Btu/person.
Natural Gas Imports (2023): Totaling 4.251 billion cubic meters.

Environment

Portugal faces environmental challenges such as soil erosion and pollution in urban areas. The government is actively involved in various international environmental agreements.

Total Water Withdrawal (2022): Over 5.1 billion cubic meters.
Recycling Rate: 23.5% of municipal solid waste recycled as of 2022.
CO2 Emissions (2023): Approximately 38.272 million metric tonnes.

Transportation

Portugal has a robust transportation network, with 128 airports and a 2,526 km railway system, enhancing connectivity within the nation.

Merchant Marine: Comprises 888 vessels as of 2023.
Civil Aircraft Registration Code: CR, CS.
Ports: A total of 18, including major ports like Lisboa and Sines.

Communications

Portugal enjoys a high rate of internet connectivity, with about 86% of the population being internet users. The country has a comprehensive telecommunications system.

Fixed-line Subscriptions: Approx. 5.505 million.
Mobile Subscriptions: Roughly 12.8 million.
Broadcast Media: Includes several domestic TV channels and regional services.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,207,177 (2024 est.)
Area	92,090 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$448.226 billion (2024)
Energy Consumption per Capita	73.285 million Btu	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	8 births/1,000 people	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	6.4% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	81.9 years (2024 est.)