Country Profile: Portugal

Portugal, located in southwestern Europe along the Atlantic coast, is known for its rich maritime history and vibrant culture. With a population of approximately 10.2 million, the country has experienced significant shifts from its early global maritime power status to a founding member of NATO and the EU. Portugal's economy is characterized by a strong services sector, particularly in tourism and banking, and it benefits from EU investments. The governance of Portugal is structured as a semi-presidential republic, ensuring democratic representation and civil rights.

Geography

Portugal is situated in southwestern Europe, sharing a land border with Spain and featuring a long coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean. Its terrain varies from mountainous regions in the north to rolling plains in the south, which are largely influenced by the cool northern climate and warmer southern temperatures. The country comprises the mainland as well as the Azores and Madeira Islands, which hold strategic maritime positions.

92,090 sq km - Total area of Portugal, including islands.
1,793 km - Length of Portugal's coastline.
620 sq km - Total area covered by water.
1,224 km - Total land boundaries with Spain.
Ponta do Pico - Highest point at 2,351 m in the Azores.

People and Society

The population of Portugal is estimated to be about 10.2 million, with a slight female majority. The Portuguese are predominantly of native descent, with about 5% being citizens from former colonies. The primary language is Portuguese, and the population remains largely Roman Catholic. Urbanization is significant, especially in coastal cities like Lisbon and Porto.

81.9 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
67.9% - Urban population (2023).
2.4 deaths/1,000 live births - Infant mortality rate (2025 est.).
46.8 years - Median age of the population (2025 est.).
8.03 births/1,000 population - Birth rate (2025 est.).

Economy

Portugal boasts a high-income economy fueled by a robust services sector, including tourism and banking. The country's GDP per capita is around $41,900, with significant contributions from private consumption and public investments, particularly from EU funds. Agriculture plays a role, but the majority of the economic activity lies in the service industry.

$448.226 billion - Real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
66.4% - Services sector contribution to GDP (2024 est.).
6.4% - Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
$144.237 billion - Projected exports for 2024.
2% - Agriculture's share of GDP in 2024.

Government

Portugal is a semi-presidential republic, with a president and a prime minister sharing executive powers. The legislative body, the Assembly of the Republic, is unicameral and directly elected. The country has a rich legal and constitutional framework and recognizes dual citizenship.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa - Current President since March 2016.
Antonio Luis Montenegro - New Prime Minister appointed in April 2024.
230 seats - Total in the Assembly of the Republic.
18 years - Minimum voting age for suffrage.
10 June - National holiday celebrating Portugal Day.

Military and Security

The Portuguese Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, complemented by public security forces. Portugal is committed to NATO and participates in international peacekeeping missions. The military emphasizes maritime security and external defense responsibilities.

2% of GDP - Military expenditure (2025 est.).
25,000 - Approximate number of active-duty military personnel (2025).
1,100 - Military personnel deployed globally (2025).
18-30 years - Age range for voluntary military service.
Portugal is a NATO founding member - Established in 1949.

Energy

Portugal has achieved 100% electricity access for its population, with diverse energy sources including wind, hydro, and solar power. The country is focused on increasing its renewable energy capacity while managing consumption effectively.

50.317 billion kWh - Total electricity consumption (2023).
25.409 million kW - Total installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
29% - Share of wind energy in total installed capacity (2023).
4.325 billion cubic meters - Natural gas consumption (2023).
100% - Electrification of the total population (2022 est.).

Environment

Portugal faces environmental challenges such as soil erosion and urban pollution. The country is a participant in several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity.

38.272 million metric tonnes - Total CO2 emissions (2023).
43.3% - Land used for agriculture (2023 est.).
67.9% - Urban population (2023).
5.268 million tons - Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.).
23.5% - Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).

Transportation

Portugal has a well-developed transportation network that includes an extensive railway system, numerous airports, and a robust maritime fleet. The country's major ports facilitate trade and tourism.

128 - Airports in Portugal (2025).
2,526 km - Total railway length (2020).
888 - Total vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
5 - Key ports with oil terminals.
65 - Heliports in the country (2025).

Communications

The communications infrastructure in Portugal is advanced, with high rates of internet penetration and mobile subscriptions. The media landscape is diverse, featuring both public and private broadcasting services.

86% - Internet usage among the population (2023).
12.9 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
5.505 million - Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
4.6 million - Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
53 - Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,194,277	2025 est.
Area	92,090 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$448.226 billion	2024 est.
Energy consumption per capita	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 at birth	81.9 years	2024 est.
CO2 emissions	38.272 million metric tonnes	2023 est.
Total municipal solid waste	5.268 million tons	2024 est.
Internet usage	86%	2023 est.