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Portugal is an astonishingly beautiful country
and it has a diverse
mix of scenery. From the contorted southern coastline of beaches, cliffs and coves to the rolling hills and forests of
the Ribatejo region; the plains of the Alentejo to the rugged mountains of the Beiras.
Whether you are visiting
Portugal
for a holiday, weekend break or looking to purchase a property
as a retreat or to relocate, the country has a lot to offer.
With approximately 92,000 kilometres in area,
Portugal
is the westernmost country in Europe
and it's entire coastline borders onto the Atlantic Ocean.
Portugal
has only one
land frontier, that being with Spain. |
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Historically mainland
Portugal
was split into 10 different
provinces -
Tras-o-Montes, Douro, Minho, Beira Alto, Beira Litoral, Beira Baixa, Estramadura, Ribatejo,
Alentejo and
the
Algarve. However in 1976 these regions changed and
Portugal is now divided into districts (concelhos), of which
there are 18.
Most of these districts are named by using the largest city
or town within them. These districts are
Aveiro, Braga, Beja,
Braganca, Castelo Branco,
Coimbra, Evora,
Faro, Guarda,
Leiria,
Lisbon,
Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo
and Viseu. The islands of Madeira and the Azores have been
autonomous regions of
Portugal
since 1978. |
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The
fortunes of
Portugal
have changed drastically over the
centuries. During the Middle Ages it was a major sea-faring
nation and the discoveries made helped the country’s
economic growth and influenced its culture. It was one of
the first nations to begin colonization, which brought great
prosperity.
By the
late 17th
century however
Portugal began a slow decline, which was
hastened by the independence in 1822 of the country’s
largest colonial possession, Brazil. Economic problems
continued into the 20th century when the monarchy
was disposed.
It is only in the last three decades,
since the Carnation Revolution in 1974, which ended 48 years
of dictatorship rule;
Portugal has begun to redress the
balance. Entry into the European Union, as a founder member
has been a major contributor providing investment in
infrastructures and a more stable economic growth.
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