Portugal

Portugal is a country on the western edge of Europe. It faces the Atlantic Ocean. Long ago, Portuguese explorers sailed around the world. Today Portugal is known for its beautiful tiles, tasty pastries, and friendly people.

Land and People

About 10 million people live in Portugal. The capital is Lisbon, a hilly city by the sea. Portugal has sunny beaches in the south, green hills in the north, and rivers running through valleys. The weather is warm and pleasant.

Tall stone columns from an old Roman temple in Portugal.
Tall stone columns from an old Roman temple in Portugal. (Norbert Nagel / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Portuguese explorers discovered sea routes to India, Brazil, and Africa over 500 years ago. Pasteis de nata are egg custard tarts loved by everyone. Fado is a style of sad, beautiful music. Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is from Portugal.

Fun Facts

  • Portugal is the oldest country in Europe with the same borders since 1249.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest soccer players ever, is Portuguese.
  • Portuguese is spoken by over 250 million people around the world.

Did You Know?

Portugal's Vasco da Gama was the first explorer to sail from Europe all the way to India by going around Africa. This voyage in 1498 changed world history by opening new trade routes between East and West.