Portugal, officially known as the Portuguese Republic (Portuguese: República Portuguesa), is located on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe. The country includes the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north and east by Spain, its only land neighbor. Lisbon serves as the capital and largest city.
Geography
Portugal covers an area of 92,230 km² (35,610 sq mi) and features a diverse landscape that includes the westernmost point in continental Europe. Its mainland is divided by the Tagus River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Lisbon. The northern region of Portugal is mountainous with plateaus, while the south, including the Algarve and Alentejo regions, features rolling plains.
The highest point in Portugal is Mount Pico in the Azores, an ancient volcano rising 2,351 meters (7,713 feet) above sea level. The mainland’s highest peak is in the Serra da Estrela, standing at 1,991 meters (6,532 feet). Portugal’s unique geographical location includes significant maritime zones, with the third-largest exclusive economic zone of the European Union.
Demographics
As of December 2022, Portugal’s population was estimated at 10,467,366. The population has remained relatively homogeneous throughout history, predominantly Roman Catholic and speaking Portuguese. Modern genetic studies suggest that the Portuguese people primarily descend from Paleolithic populations, with later influences from various migrations over the centuries.
The predominant genetic marker among the Portuguese is the R1b haplogroup, common among other Atlantic Arc countries, indicating historical maritime connections. Despite recent economic development, the Portuguese have been among the shortest populations in Europe since the late 19th century, attributed to modest wage growth and delayed human capital formation.
The total fertility rate in Portugal is low, at 1.52 children per woman, contributing to an aging population. The median age in Portugal is 43.7 years, reflecting one of the world’s oldest populations. Like many Western nations, Portugal faces challenges related to low fertility and an aging demographic.