Country Profile: Portugal

Portugal, a semi-presidential republic located in Southwestern Europe, is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and shares a border with Spain. The nation has a population of approximately 10 million people, primarily residing in coastal areas, with Lisbon being the vibrant capital. The economy is categorized as high-income, driven mainly by a robust services sector that includes tourism and banking, while also benefiting from public investment and a favorable trade balance. Portugal's governance transitioned to a democratic framework in 1974, and it is a founding member of NATO and the European Union.

Geography

Portugal is situated in Southwestern Europe, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, with Spain to the east and north. The country's terrain includes a mountainous north and rolling plains in the south, divided by the west-flowing Tagus River. Portugal possesses a total area of 92,090 sq km, comprising land and water bodies, including the Azores and Madeira Islands. The climate is maritime temperate, characterized by cooler, rainy conditions in the north and warmer, drier weather in the south.

• 1,793 km: Total coastline length
• 12 nm: Territorial sea claim
• 43.3% (2023 est.): Agricultural land use
• 36.6% (2023 est.): Forest cover
• 2,351 m: Highest point (Ponta do Pico, Azores)

People and Society

Portugal has a population of approximately 10.2 million as of 2025, with the majority being ethnic Portuguese. The official language is Portuguese, and the predominant religion is Catholicism. The population is aging, with 22.3% over the age of 65, and the median age is 46.8 years. Urbanization is significant, with 67.9% of the population residing in urban areas, mainly along the Atlantic coast, including major cities like Lisbon and Porto.

• 81.9 years (2024 est.): Life expectancy at birth
• 8.03 births/1,000 population (2025 est.): Birth rate
• 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.): Infant mortality rate
• 10.6% of GDP (2022): Health expenditure
• 4.6% of GDP (2022): Education expenditure

Economy

Portugal's economy is classified as a high-income economy within the EU and eurozone, prominently featuring a strong services sector alongside agriculture and industry. GDP at purchasing power parity is estimated at $448.226 billion (2024), with a real GDP growth rate of 1.9% (2024 est.). Key economic drivers include private consumption, a trade surplus, and EU public investment. The unemployment rate stands at 6.4% (2024 est.), reflecting a tight labor market.

• $308.683 billion (2024 est.): GDP at official exchange rate
• 66.4% (2024 est.): Services sector contribution to GDP
• 2% (2024 est.): Agriculture's contribution to GDP
• $144.237 billion (2024 est.): Exports
• $136.976 billion (2024 est.): Imports

Government

Portugal operates as a semi-presidential republic with a capital in Lisbon. The country is administratively divided into 18 districts and 2 autonomous regions. The legislative branch consists of a unicameral Assembly of the Republic, while the executive is headed by a President and a Prime Minister. The most recent presidential election occurred in 2021, with the next expected in 2026.

• President: Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (since 2016)
• Prime Minister: Antonio Luis Montenegro (since 2024)
• 230 members: Seats in the Assembly of the Republic
• 18 years: Minimum voting age
• 17 total: World Heritage Sites

Military and Security

The Portuguese Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, complemented by internal security forces. Portugal is actively engaged in international missions through NATO and the EU, with around 25,000 active-duty personnel. Military expenditures are projected at 2% of GDP (2025 est.), highlighting the country's commitment to defense.

• 1,100 personnel: Deployed globally (2025)
• 18-30 years: Age range for voluntary military service
• 5: Ports with oil terminals
• 1.3% of GDP (2023): Military expenditure
• Approximately 25,000: Active-duty military personnel

Energy

Portugal boasts a fully electrified population, with 100% access as of 2022. The country's energy generation capacity includes significant contributions from renewable sources such as wind and solar. Total energy consumption is approximately 73.285 million Btu/person (2023 est.), reflecting a shift towards sustainable energy practices.

• 25.409 million kW (2023 est.): Total installed electricity generating capacity
• 4.325 billion cubic meters (2023 est.): Natural gas consumption
• 50.317 billion kWh (2023 est.): Total electricity consumption
• 13.656 billion kWh (2023 est.): Electricity imports

Environment

Portugal faces several environmental challenges, including soil erosion and water pollution, particularly in urban areas. The country's climate is maritime temperate, and it has signed multiple international environmental agreements aiming to combat climate change and protect biodiversity. Agricultural land accounts for about 43.3% of land use.

• 38.272 million metric tonnes (2023 est.): Carbon dioxide emissions
• 23.5% (2022 est.): Municipal solid waste recycled
• 5.268 million tons (2024 est.): Annual municipal solid waste generated
• 920.03 million cubic meters (2022 est.): Municipal water withdrawal

Transportation

Portugal has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, encompassing a network of 2,526 km of railways and 128 airports. The merchant marine includes 888 vessels, ensuring robust maritime trade operations.

• 25.7%: Fossil fuels in installed electricity generation capacity
• 128: Total airports
• 888: Total merchant marine vessels
• 2,526 km: Railways, with 1,696 km electrified

Communications

Portugal enjoys a high level of connectivity, with 86% of the population using the Internet. Fixed-line subscriptions total approximately 5.505 million, and mobile cellular subscriptions have reached around 12.9 million as of 2024.

• 4.6 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions
• 124 per 100 inhabitants: Mobile cellular subscriptions
• 44 per 100 inhabitants: Fixed broadband subscriptions

Key Metrics

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