Portugal is the oldest country in Europe. It has had the same defined borders since 1139. It's no surprise that Portuguese is the official language of 9 countries with over 236 million people speaking it around the world.
Portugal is famous for its typical seafood dishes, popular beach destinations, and 16th to 19th-century architecture, from when this country was a powerful maritime empire. It's also known for its soccer legends, fado music, historical cities, and port wine. Let's go over the 15 things that Portugal is known for!
During the Middle Ages, the region around Portus Cale became known by the Suebi and Visigoths as Portucale. The name Portucale evolved into Portugale during the 7th and 8th centuries, and by the 9th century, that term was used extensively to refer to the region between the rivers Douro and Minho.
Historically, daughters were commonly given their mother's surname, and sons were given their father's surname. It was also common for children to receive both of their parents' surnames. When this combination occurred, the mother's surname would typically precede the father's surname.
As you may know, Portugal is sometimes referred to as Lusitania, but that is taking something of a geographical liberty: two centuries before Christ, the Roman province called Lusitania only comprised the area south of the Douro river, as well as a part of modern Spain.
The word Portugal derives from the Roman-Celtic place name Portus Cale. Cale or Cailleach was the name of a Celtic deity and the name of an early settlement located at the mouth of the Douro River (present-day Vila Nova de Gaia), which flows into the Atlantic Ocean in the north of what is now Portugal.
In Portugal, Santa Claus is called Pai Natal. He is believed to bring presents to children on Christmas Eve. Presents are left under the Christmas tree or in shoes by the fireplace.
The Rooster of Barcelos (Portuguese: Galo de Barcelos) is a common symbol of Portugal.
Portugal is a predominantly Roman Catholic country with a close-knit family ethic. Its rich culture results from many influences, including Celtic, Lusitanian, Phoenician, Germanic, Visigoth, Viking, Sephardic Jewish, and Moorish.
Portugal is one of the world's oldest nation-states, with over 800 years of history and relatively stable territorial borders.
Portugal was founded in 1143, year of the Zamora's Treaty signing. The treaty, agreed upon by D. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, and Alphonse the VII of León and Castile, recognized Portugal as an independent kingdom. In 1179 that status was confirmed by Pope Alexander the III.
The main crops grown in Portugal are cereals (wheat, barley, corn [maize], and rice), potatoes, grapes (for wine), olives, and tomatoes. Since 1999, Portuguese farmers have planted genetically modified corn. Portugal is among the world's largest exporters of tomato paste and is a leading exporter of wines.
The most common items you'll find in a Portuguese breakfast are: bread, sliced cheese, sliced ham, bread, jam, and a milky coffee. Sometimes it's just toast without the ham and cheese, but the common denominators are almost always bread and a milky coffee like a galão or a meia de leite.
In terms of GDP, Portugal is not necessarily considered a “rich” country, ranking number 47 worldwide. A country's richness cannot also be measured solely through GDP. However, the Portuguese economy has been growing in recent years, despite the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Portuguese are very proud of their gastronomy and love showing it off. Generally the food in Portugal is healthy and focuses on fresh produce, with fresh fish and meat often taking centre stage.
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Portugal is ranked 112nd in terms of urbanization. The Sex Ratio in Portugal in 2021 is 89.84 males per 100 females. There are 4.81 million males and 5.36 million females in Portugal. The percentage of female population is 52.68% compare to 47.32% male population.
Portugal have never won the World Cup, despite boasting some incredible players over the years, including Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Eusebio. A last-four spot in 2006 was a rare modern World Cup highlight for them, as Ronaldo has consistently been left frustrated on the biggest international stage.