Portugal: Country Facts
Portugal, situated in southwestern Europe, is renowned for its maritime history, picturesque landscapes, and cultural heritage. Its capital is Lisbon. With a population of over 10 million, Portugal is known for its rich history, including the Age of Discovery, which established Portugal as a global maritime power. The country’s economy is diversified, with industries such as tourism, agriculture, and technology. Portuguese culture is celebrated for its music, literature, and cuisine, reflecting influences from Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Early History and Formation (Prehistoric – 1139)
Prehistoric Settlements
The territory of modern-day Portugal has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Paleolithic era. Various civilizations, including the Celts, Phoenicians, and Romans, left their mark on the region.
Roman Rule
Portugal was part of the Roman Empire for several centuries, known as Lusitania. Roman influence shaped the region’s culture, infrastructure, and language, with Latin becoming the basis for the Portuguese language.
Germanic Invasions
Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the Germanic Suebi and Visigoths invaded the Iberian Peninsula, establishing their kingdoms in what is now Portugal. These Germanic tribes contributed to the ethnic and linguistic diversity of the region.
Christian Reconquest
During the early medieval period, the Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule began. The Kingdom of Asturias, later evolving into the Kingdom of León, played a crucial role in pushing back Muslim forces from northern Portugal.
County of Portugal
In the 11th century, Henry of Burgundy was appointed Count of Portugal by the King of León, marking the beginning of the independent County of Portugal. This laid the foundation for the emergence of Portugal as a distinct political entity.
Formation of the Kingdom of Portugal (1139 – 1415)
First King of Portugal
Afonso I, also known as Afonso Henriques, declared himself king of Portugal in 1139 after defeating Muslim forces at the Battle of Ourique. He consolidated Portuguese territories and established the monarchy.
Expansion and Reconquest
Under subsequent monarchs, Portugal expanded its territory through military conquests and the Christian Reconquest, gradually pushing the Muslim Moors southward and securing its borders.
Age of Discoveries
Portugal’s strategic maritime location and seafaring traditions paved the way for the Age of Discoveries in the 15th century. Prince Henry the Navigator sponsored expeditions along the African coast, leading to the discovery of new trade routes and territories.
Treaty of Windsor
The Treaty of Windsor in 1386 established an alliance between Portugal and England, which would endure for centuries and contribute to Portugal’s global ambitions.
Capture of Ceuta
Portugal’s first overseas conquest occurred in 1415 with the capture of Ceuta, a strategic North African port, marking the beginning of Portugal’s overseas expansion and maritime empire.
Portuguese Empire and Golden Age (1415 – 1580)
Exploration and Trade
Portugal’s maritime explorations expanded during the 15th and 16th centuries, with expeditions led by explorers such as Vasco da Gama, who reached India by sea in 1498, establishing lucrative trade routes.
Colonial Expansion
Portugal established colonies and trading posts in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including Brazil, Goa, and Macau, creating a vast overseas empire known as the Portuguese Empire.
Cultural Exchange
The Portuguese Empire facilitated cultural exchange between Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, leading to the spread of Christianity, the exchange of goods and ideas, and the blending of diverse cultures.
University of Coimbra
The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, became a leading center of learning and intellectual inquiry during the Portuguese Golden Age, attracting scholars from across Europe and contributing to scientific and cultural advancements.
End of the Golden Age
The Portuguese Golden Age came to an end with the decline of the spice trade, competition from other European powers, and internal challenges, leading to economic stagnation and political instability.
Union with Spain and Restoration (1580 – 1640)
Succession Crisis
In 1580, King Sebastian of Portugal died without an heir, leading to a succession crisis. Philip II of Spain, already king of Spain, claimed the Portuguese throne, sparking the Portuguese succession crisis and the Union of the Iberian Crowns.
Union of the Iberian Crowns
Portugal remained under Spanish rule for over 60 years during the Union of the Iberian Crowns, leading to political, economic, and cultural integration between Portugal and Spain.
Resistance and Revolt
Portuguese resistance to Spanish rule grew over time, culminating in the Portuguese Restoration War, also known as the War of Portuguese Independence, which began in 1640.
Restoration of Independence
On December 1, 1640, Portuguese nobles and merchants led a coup against Spanish rule, proclaiming John IV of Portugal as king and restoring Portuguese independence, ending the Union with Spain.
Age of Enlightenment and Decline (1640 – 1910)
Enlightenment Reforms
The 18th century saw a period of Enlightenment-inspired reforms in Portugal, including efforts to modernize governance, education, and the economy, under rulers such as King Joseph I and his minister, the Marquis of Pombal.
Brazilian Gold Rush
The discovery of gold in Brazil in the 18th century brought immense wealth to Portugal, leading to economic growth and the development of infrastructure and urban centers.
Napoleonic Invasions
Portugal became embroiled in the Napoleonic Wars when French forces invaded the country in 1807. The Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil, where they established the seat of the Portuguese Empire.
Liberal Revolutions
The 19th century witnessed a series of liberal revolutions and political upheavals in Portugal, including the Liberal Wars between absolutists and liberals, leading to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.
End of the Monarchy
In 1910, a republican revolution overthrew the Portuguese monarchy, leading to the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic and the exile of the royal family.
First Republic and Estado Novo (1910 – 1974)
First Portuguese Republic
The First Portuguese Republic faced challenges such as political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest, leading to frequent changes in government and periods of authoritarian rule.
Estado Novo
In 1933, António de Oliveira Salazar established the Estado Novo regime, a corporatist authoritarian regime characterized by censorship, political repression, and economic autarky, which lasted until the Carnation Revolution in 1974.
Colonial Wars
Portugal fought colonial wars in its African colonies of Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau, seeking to maintain control over its overseas territories despite growing nationalist movements and international pressure.
Carnation Revolution
The Carnation Revolution of April 25, 1974, initiated by the Armed Forces Movement (MFA), overthrew the Estado Novo regime, leading to the establishment of democracy and decolonization.
Democratic Transition and European Integration (1974 – Present)
Democratic Transition
Following the Carnation Revolution, Portugal underwent a peaceful transition to democracy, with free elections, political pluralism, and the adoption of a new democratic constitution in 1976.
European Integration
Portugal joined the European Economic Community (EEC), now the European Union (EU), in 1986, marking a new chapter in its history as it embraced European integration, economic development, and democratic values.
Modernization and Development
Since the 1980s, Portugal has undergone significant modernization and development, with improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and living standards, supported by EU funding and investment.
Globalization and Challenges
Portugal faces challenges such as economic inequality, youth unemployment, and emigration, but it continues to adapt to globalization, promote innovation, and diversify its economy.
Cultural Renaissance
Portugal’s rich cultural heritage, including its Fado music, literature, and cuisine, continues to thrive, attracting tourists and fostering national pride.