Country Profile: Portugal

Portugal, located in Southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, is a semi-presidential republic with a rich maritime history. The country has a diverse geography characterized by its mountainous northern regions and rolling plains to the south, along with a coastline that stretches over 1,700 kilometers. Its population, estimated at over 10 million, primarily resides in urban areas, especially along the Atlantic coast, contributing to a strong service-driven economy. Portugal is a member of the EU, benefiting from public investment and trade, while having made significant strides in democratic governance since the 1974 revolution.

Geography

Portugal is situated in Southwestern Europe, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean to the west and Spain to the east. The country's area totals approximately 92,090 square kilometers, including the Azores and Madeira Islands, which are crucial for maritime navigation. With a coastline of 1,793 kilometers, Portugal features significant geographical diversity, including the mountainous terrain in the north and the rolling plains in the south.

92,090 sq km: Total area of Portugal.
1,793 km: Length of Portugal's coastline.
2,351 m: Elevation of the highest point, Ponta do Pico in the Azores.

People and Society

Portugal has an estimated population of 10.2 million as of 2025, predominantly ethnically Portuguese, with a small percentage of residents from former colonies. The official language is Portuguese, and the country is predominantly Catholic. Portugal's society reflects a median age of 46.8 years, highlighting an aging population, with a birth rate of 8.03 births per 1,000 people.

67.9%: Proportion of the urban population (2023).
10.1%: Percentage of arable land used for agriculture (2023).
81.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).

Economy

Portugal's economy is classified as a high-income EU economy, with a strong focus on services, including tourism and banking. The country has experienced positive GDP growth rates, supported by private consumption and EU investments. As of 2024, Portugal's GDP is projected at $448.226 billion, reflecting ongoing economic recovery and growth.

$448.226 billion: Projected GDP (PPP) for 2024.
2.6%: GDP growth rate for 2023.
6.4%: Unemployment rate estimated for 2024.

Government

Portugal operates as a semi-presidential republic with a President and a Prime Minister overseeing the executive branch. The legislative body, the Assembly of the Republic, has 230 directly elected members. The current President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has been in office since 2016, with the next presidential election scheduled for January 2026.

18: Number of administrative districts.
230: Seats in the Assembly of the Republic.
18 years: Minimum voting age.

Military and Security

The Portuguese Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with around 25,000 active personnel deployed globally for various missions. Military expenditures for 2025 are expected to reach 2% of GDP, reflecting Portugal's commitment to NATO and international security.

2% of GDP: Military expenditure for 2025.
1,100: Number of military personnel deployed globally.
18-30 years: Age range for voluntary military service eligibility.

Energy

Portugal has achieved 100% electrification, with an installed electricity generation capacity of 25.409 million kW as of 2023. The energy mix includes a significant portion from renewable sources, notably wind and hydroelectric power, contributing to the country's overall energy sustainability.

50.317 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption in 2023.
29%: Portion of electricity generated from wind energy (2023).
100%: Electrification rate (2022).

Environment

Portugal faces several environmental challenges, including soil erosion and water pollution, particularly in urban areas. The country's commitment to various international environmental agreements reflects its proactive approach to addressing climate change and environmental preservation.

38.272 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions estimated for 2023.
43.3%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
6: Number of global geoparks and regional networks (2024).

Transportation

Portugal has a robust transportation infrastructure that includes an extensive network of roads, railways, and ports. The country has 128 airports and a merchant marine fleet comprising 888 vessels, aiding both domestic travel and international trade.

2,526 km: Total railway length (2020).
128: Number of airports (2025).
888: Merchant marine fleet size.

Communications

The communications sector in Portugal is growing, with high rates of internet penetration and mobile subscriptions. Approximately 86% of the population are internet users, and the country supports a wide range of media outlets, including numerous television and radio stations.

12.9 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
86%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023).
4.6 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,194,277 (2025 est.)
Area	92,090 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$448.226 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	6.4% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	8.03 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	81.9 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population	67.9% (2023)
Military Expenditure	2% of GDP (2025 est.)
Electrification Rate	100% (2022 est.)
CO2 Emissions	38.272 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)