The media corps is well-informed and professional, and most Portuguese public media reach beyond Portugal to other Lusophone countries and to Portuguese communities abroad. 39. Simply enter your email address below and weâll send you a FREE REPORT â Explore the Old World in Laidback Portugal. Facts about Portugal: Made in Portugal Portuguese is an official language of nine other countries As a result of Portugalâs imperial ambitions, Portuguese is an official language in Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Macau, Mozambique, SÄo Tomé and Principe, as well as Goa in India. The largest community of Portuguese outside Portugal is in Rio de Janeiro. So, head to a street market and shop for cork coasters and beautiful cork handbags. Facts about culture and tradition. The rugged Estrela Mountains (Serra da Estrela, or “Star Mountain Range”), which lie between the Tagus and Mondego rivers, contain the highest point of mainland Portugal. 48. The Portuguese also discovered Brazil. Always a seafaring culture, the Portuguese know a thing or two about cooking fish. In fact, Sintra was once described as Portugal’s glorious Eden by Lord Byron. We would like to show you a description here but the site wonât allow us. He is considered one of the top players along with Lionel Messi. “Ar de Rock” by Rui Veloso, which was released in 1980, was the first popular Portuguese rock song. 8. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Japan, with a population of roughly 126 million, is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean with high-rise-filled cities, imperial palaces, mountainous ⦠32. You can find more details about the Omelet on this Guinness World Records site. Honestly, if I were forced to pick a favorite country to travel in, it would have to be Japan. © 2020 TheFactFile.Org. More than 60 operations are possible through the system including a donation for charities, phone credit top-ups and buying concert tickets. With these interesting facts about Portugal, let’s learn more about its history, culture, people, inventions, economy and more. The six bridges unite the cities of Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto. 14. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. According to the Global Peace Index 2018, it ranks as the 4th safest country in the world. 3. The country’s national drink is Port (wine), which is also its most famous export. 40. The Portugal Day Festival in Newark, New Jersey is a street festival celebrating the Portuguese people, language, and their culture.First organized in 1979 by the Bernardino Coutinho Foundation, since 2010 the Festival has been organized by the Union of Portuguese American Clubs of New Jersey (União de Clubes Luso-Americanos de New Jersey), or UCLANJ. Portugal is the world leader in the production of renewable energy. The people of Porto are not only proud that these are functional structures but also because they serve as true landmarks. 22. France tops the list of the most babies born in the EU with the tally reaching 819,300 in 2014. One of the most advanced ATM system in the world belongs to Portugal. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Thereâs a lot to know about this amazing country, so itâs hard to narrow it down into a single blog post, but weâre going to try! After the Carnation Revolution in 1974, Portugal regained its freedom of speech. Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country located mostly on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It (Portuguese) is also the 6th most spoken language (240 million speakers) in the world, followed by Bengali and Russian. One of the most interesting facts about Portugal is that it is home to the worldâs largest cork forest and produces over 70% of its cork exports. According to national legend, though, Lisbon, the national capital, was founded not by Celts but by the ancient Greek warrior Odysseus, who was said to have arrived at a rocky headland near what is the present-day city after leaving his homeland to wander the world and who, liking what he saw, stayed there for a while; his departure was said to have broken the heart of the nymph Calypso, who, the legend goes, turned herself into a snake, her coils becoming the seven hills of Lisbon. Portugal is the top country for cork production. Portugal was once extremely powerful Brazil was a colony of Portugal for over 300 years so a lot of their music, dance, literature, architecture, customs, and traditions derived from the Portuguese, African and indigenous native peoples of that time. It has a total area of 92,090 square km. In this article, I want to share with you some interesting facts about the Japanese and facts about Japan. With a whimsical design, the pavements create a magical aura, making a trip to the capital a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 46. 47. Fado is Portugal’s national music (it is characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor). 4. Which Country Is Larger By Population? Much of that empire was quickly lost, but even then Portugal retained sizable holdings along the African coast, in southern and eastern Asia, and in South America. Latin America Facts. The city clings to low but steep hills situated on the right bank of the Tagus and is a popular tourist destination. There is a whopping 6 bridges: Dom Luis I Bridge (most popular), Arrabida Bridge (most controversial), Maria Pia Bridge (the city’s oldest bridge), São João Bridge (the futuristic), Freixo Bridge (the remoted) and Infante D. Henrique Bridge (the newest). A coupleâs budget in Lisbon starts at about $2,100 or $2,200 a monthâ¦though you can, of course, spend more. The VASCO DA GAMA BRIDGE in Lisbon is the longest bridge in Europe with a total length of 17,185 meters. The University of Coimbra, established in Lisbon in 1290, is one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, the oldest university of Portugal, and one of its largest higher education and research institutions. The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance is the oldest alliance in the world that is still in force… Yeah, that’s true! 18. Another of the Interesting facts about Portugal is that Portugal owned half of the âNew Worldâ. Latin America is a large region extending from Mexico in the north to Argentina in the south. Portuguese appreciate art, music, drama and dance. Café culture is also an important cultural feature of the Portuguese. With the history of its golden era during the 15th and 16th century, and devastation in Lisbon in 1755 by an earthquake (killing an estimated 60,000 people in Lisbon alone), Portugal has so much to discover. It weighed a whopping 6.466 tons. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. In the case of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, the legend has been passed down so many times its hard to tell the man from the myth. Act Today, change Tomorrow. Learn more about Portugal and other European countries in our daily postcard e-letter. In 2011, Hawaiian Garret McNamara set a world record by surfing a wave that was 90 feet high. 26. Port wine is probably the only wine derived from a city name. Portugal is named after its 2nd largest city, Porto. 27. 25. Wine lovers go for wine-tasting tours at the caves of Gaia. Itâs true that the Irish are famed story tellers. Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. The footballer has played for big clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Juventus. Corrections? The earthquake was followed by a tsunami and devastating fires across the capital city. 24. On May 31, 2010, same-sex marriage was legalized in Portugal. Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, was the first European to reach India by sea. 28. 1. Did you know that Porto has the highest number of bridges in Europe crossing over the same river? 38. Portugal offers arguably the lowest cost of living in Western Europe. The largest artificial underwater park–The Ocean Revival Underwater Park—in the world, is in Portugal. Facts About Brazil. It originates from Douro Valley in Porto and aged in Vila Nova de Gaia cellars, located across the river from the city. 10. It is filled with about 5M liters of seawater. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Travel better, visit Portugal. Italians are credited with creating many different types of cheeses. Portugal had the biggest wave ever surfed. Tomorrow is Today. 21. Quiz. Euro (€) (EUR) is its official currency. This quiz will show you two countries. 35. He became the most expensive footballer in the world when he left Manchester United and was signed for €94 million in 2009 by Real Madrid. Moreover, it was declared a World Heritage Site, in the Cultural Landscape category by UNESCO in 1995. 20. Portugal has the EU’s lowest fertility rate with 82,367 babies born in the country in 2014. Portugal is best known for its distinctive Late-Gothic Manueline architecture. Once continental Europeâs greatest power, Portugal shares commonalities, geographic and cultural, with the countries of both northern Europe and the Mediterranean. 36. 12. It is from the countryside that the fado, a form of romantic ballad, is thought to have come (though it is now clearly associated with the cities of Lisbon and Coimbra), and it is in the countryside that the country’s traditional sport of bullfighting takes its finest form, though in Portuguese bullfighting the bull is not killed but rather is retired to the countryside for the rest of its life. Portugal is a founding member of NATO, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Free Trade Association. Portuguese people were a key factor to the Age of Exploration. 33. Long among the poorest countries of Europe, Portugal modernized in the last decades of the 20th century, expanding its economy from one based primarily on textile manufacture and livestock raising to include a range of manufactures and services. 13. 30. Later, the descendants of Romans and the Lusitani would live under Moorish rule for several centuries until an independent kingdom was established. 6. Beginning in the 15th century, Portugal began looking for new trade routes and searching for civilizations outside of Europe. Typical dwellings in the Ribeira district of Porto, Portugal. 43. The Island of Madeira, often called “the floating garden of the Atlantic,” is in Portugal. More than 275,000 residents died in 1755 in an earthquake considered to be one of the biggest earthquakes that occurred in Lisbon. In 1761, Portugal became the first colonial power to abolish slavery, doing so almost 50 years before Britain, France, Spain or the United States. The peculiar landmark is a common bucket list for tourists visiting Europe. The Dolphin Interaction Program (the only one of its kind in Europe) gets you up close and personal with the dolphins. Bertrand bookshop, located in Lisbon, Portugal, is the oldest operating bookshop. 42. It is most commonly used as a wine stopper. The Portuguese are fatalists. 1. According to the 2010 Census, Hispanics accounted for more than half of the growth in United States population between 2000 and 2010. With these interesting facts about Portugal, letâs learn more about its history, culture, people, inventions, economy and more. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. One of the oldest libraries (Joanina Library) in the university comprises over 30,000 books and is designed with marble walls and floors with gold leaf. Portugal, officially Portuguese Republic, Portuguese RepĂşblica Portuguesa, country lying along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Portugal is also known as the “country of tiles.” The Portuguese have been decorating their walls and floors with tiles for a long time. 1. No doubt, football is the most popular sport in the country. 45. Portuguese delight in the countryside, where they gather to hold family picnics, tend to their gardens and orchards, and relax. Christmas can be sunny and even warm in Portugal, as it receives more than 300 days of sunshine annually! (They really have a safe future considering the shortage of energy the world is facing). Piri-piri sauce was also invented by the Portuguese. The Green lane toll pay system and pre-paid mobile phone card are also Portuguese inventions, to name a couple. Sintra is regarded as the most romantic place in the country because of its charming streets, buildings, and misty climate. 23. Once continental Europe’s greatest power, Portugal shares commonalities—geographic and cultural—with the countries of both northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 41. The country is also able to convert the movement of ocean waves into electricity and energy. Chili, pepper, potatoes and tomatoes were introduced by the Portuguese to India. In constant battle and rivalry with Spain, its eastern neighbour, Portugal then turned to the sea and, after Henry the Navigator’s establishment of a school of navigation at Sagres, in time founded a vast overseas empire that would become Europe’s largest and richest. The fun facts about Italy are bound to be filled with a fair number of Italy food facts. Portuguese, the national language of Portugal is also spoken in Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe – a total of nine countries. Women in Portugal live longer than men in the country as the life expectancy of women is almost six years more than that of men. 29. As the Islamic Moors from North Africa and the Middle East conquered Portugal and Spain in the eighth century, a form of Arabic was the official language of the Iberian Peninsula until the Reconquista of the 13th century. All Rights Reserved. Portugal was founded in 1128, making it one of the oldest nations in Europe. Spain is its only land bordering country. Of course, had Odysseus actually come to Portugal, he would have found the land already well settled by the Lusitani. The term âHispanicâ originally denoted a relationship to Hispania, more commonly known as Portugal and Spain, and the people colonized by those two countries. They first appeared around Castelo de São Jorge and gradually grew in popularity, spreading quickly across the capital. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, Pre-Roman, Roman, Germanic, and Muslim periods, The county and kingdom of Portugal to 1383, The French revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, The 1976 constitution and subsequent reforms, https://www.britannica.com/place/Portugal, Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Portugal, Portugal - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Portugal - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Experience the scenic mountains and rocky coasts of the largest island of the Madeira Archipelago, Explore the historic neighborhoods and World Heritage sites of Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in Europe, Visit the vibrant and historic maritime Lisbon city, Portugal. Portugal is named after its 2nd largest city, Porto. In the 1st millennium bce the Celtic Lusitani entered the Iberian Peninsula and settled the land, and many traces of their influence remain. Portugal - Portugal - History: The earliest human remains found in Portugal are Neanderthal-type bones from Furninhas. To get to the wine cellars, you have to cross the stunning Dom Luís I bridge for about 10 minutes. Portuguese traditionally have prized a simple and unostentatious life, favouring the rural over the urban and the traditional to the modern, where a fine meal might consist of carne de porco Ă Alentejana (lean pork stuffed with clams), thick-crusted bread, and dark wine. 2. Out of 2,200,000 hectares of cork forest worldwide, 34% is in Portugal. Learn more about Portugal. Identify the one with the larger population. He was 106 years old at the time of his death. Lisbon is its capital and largest city. While the aquarium is the biggest attraction, visitors often take another tour to see exhibits of mammals, plants, invertebrates, etc. The University of Coimbra has a long history that may be traced back to the 13th Century. Os Lusíadas (by Luís de Camões) is the national epic of Portugal. Your email address. One of the most commonly enjoyed cheeses that were created in Italy is Parmesan, which was created around the city of Parma. Portugal is the worldâs largest cork producer . The average age of first-time mothers in Portugal is 29.2 years. Its cold, rocky northern coast and mountainous interior are sparsely settled, scenic, and wild, while the country’s south, the Algarve, is warm and fertile. It manages to meet almost 70% of its energy needs through hydro, wind and solar power. Christiano Ronaldo (world famous footballer) was born in Santo António, Portugal in 1985. He has an impressive record of more than 700 goals. 34. 15. 37. For a better Planet, a better Tourism. Situated in Parque das Nações District, the oceanarium is home to a huge variety of fishes from sunfish – the biggest bony fish, deep sea fish, sharks, to small tropical fishes. Monument to the Discoveries, Lisbon, Port. The montado landscape of Portugal produces approximately half of all cork harvested annually worldwide. 9. 11. You will find them all over Lisbon’s central streets. Japanese Culture, Traditions and Customs: 15 Lifestyle Facts to Know Japan will likely be one of the most mesmerizing countries youâll visitâthatâs why I keep going back! The oldest director in the world–Manoel de Oliveira–who continued to make films until his death on April 2, 2015, was also Portuguese. It is cluttered with one gorgeous spot after another and its cuisine is incredible and diverse, especially so if ⦠Including rent, a couple can live comfortably in Portugalâs interior, or in small cities, from about $1,700 a month. Portugal hosts six American Corners and one educational advising center to promote exchange opportunities, as well as discuss U.S. policy, history, culture, and values. 2. They must be serious about their wine. Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores (1983), Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications (2012), Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar (1996), Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture (2004), Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon (1983), Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde (1998,2010), University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia (2013). Portugal was founded in 1128, making it one of the oldest nations in Europe. It is also famed for breathtaking beaches, vast woodland, and Europe’s westernmost point (Cabo da Roca). Updates? Romance, culture and adventure awaits in Portugal. Neolithic (New Stone Age) cultures entered from Andalusia, leaving behind varied types of beehive huts and passage graves. Lisbon is rather more tranquil and reserved than Madrid in neighbouring Spain, but it shares with it a reputation for great food, melancholy and romantic music, dance, and sport. This quiz is based on Britannica’s list of the world’s populations, so review that before you start. Portugal is a developed country. They helped discover several lands unknown to the Europeans in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The majority of the towns in the country have at least one cinema. There are 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal (ranking it 8th in Europe and 17th in the world)… and each year more than 13 million tourists visit the country. A distinct culture first emerged in the Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) middens of the lower Tagus valley, dated about 5500 bce. It is also the westernmost country of mainland Europe. Culture and tradition of the Ghanaian people of West Africa are mixed especially due to the fact that the country boasts of several tribes that uphold their different cultural orientations as well as their varied ways of life. 31. Just about everything, from accommodation to groceries, is affordable. With annual cork production at 200,000 tons, 49.6% comes from Portugal. Yup, even though there may be a St. Patrickâs parade in cities and towns all over the [â¦] The enormous buildings of this faculty rise above the entire Coimbra, 100 meters above the sea level. Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and economic and cultural centre. The tiles are designed with mosaic patterns and have been carefully installed through a process that was discovered centuries ago. The world record for the largest omelet belongs to Portugal. Please select which sections you would like to print: While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 5. Portugal, country lying along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Omissions? 19. 7. Lisbon is a city of book lovers and even the oldest operating library in the world is found here. Lusitani tribes battled the Romans for generations before acceding to empire, whereupon Rome established several important towns and ports; the Roman presence can be seen in the very name of the country, which derives from Portus Cale, a settlement near the mouth of the Douro River and the present-day city of Porto. To learn more about the history and artistic evolution of the Portuguese tiles, from early times to modern-day, you could also visit the National Tile Museum in Lisbon. Time-lapse video of Lisbon and Sesimbra, Portugal. It has been in operation since 1732 and was officially documented in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2016. Still in Lisbon, you will find the largest indoor tank or aquarium. After some interesting facts about Japanese Culture? 16. ... 29.0 Has an influential culture. A trip to Lisbon takes you through a wealth of books crammed on the beautifully tiled streets. 44. Cork is impermeable, buoyant, elastic, and has fire retardant properties. Fun facts on Italy: the cheeses. 17. Portugal (Portuguese: [puɾtuËÉ£aÉ«]), officially the Portuguese Republic (Portuguese: República Portuguesa [ÊÉËpuβlikÉ puɾtuËÉ£ezÉ]), is a country located on the Iberian Peninsula, in southwestern Europe.It is the westernmost sovereign state in mainland Europe, being bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north and east by Spain. Thus, it became the sixth country in Europe to do so. Thatâs right folks. Portugal remained a colonial power until the mid-1970s, when a peaceful revolution transformed the country from a dictatorship into a democratic republic. In 1494, Portugal and Spain divided the world in two by signing the Treaty of Tordesillas which essentially gave Portugal the eastern half of the âNew Worldâ, including countries like ⦠The world record for the largest Santa Claus parade is held by Porto, Portugal with 14,963 attendees. The unique streets of Lisbon are lined with Portuguese pavement. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. They have deep faith in their destinies, which they believe cannot be escaped.
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