Portugal
Portugal
- Capital
- Lisbon
- Population
- 10,305,564
- Region
- Europe
- Languages
- Portuguese
Portugal is home to the world’s oldest bookstore, Bertrand, which has been operating in Lisbon since 1732. The country also established the first global maritime empire, yet it was the first colonial power to abolish slavery in its territories in 1761. Additionally, it provides over half of the world's cork supply, harvested from protected oak forests that have been legally preserved since the 14th century.
Currency
The official currency is the Euro (EUR), which was adopted in 1999 for electronic transactions and 2002 for physical circulation. Before this transition, Portugal used the Portuguese Escudo, a currency that was first introduced in 1722 and saw its value fluctuate through centuries of colonial trade and economic modernization.
Flag symbolism
The green portion represents the hope of the Portuguese people, while the red signifies the blood of those who died defending the nation. Centered on the boundary of the two colors is the armillary sphere, an astronomical instrument used by Portuguese navigators during the Age of Discovery. This design replaced the previous blue and white monarchist flag following the 1910 revolution that established the republic.
Emblem history
The national emblem features a traditional shield superimposed over an armillary sphere, reflecting Portugal's pioneering role in the Age of Discovery. Inside the shield, five small blue shields represent the five Moorish kings defeated by the nation's first king, while the white circles within them signify the five wounds of Christ. The outer red border is decorated with seven golden castles, symbolizing the fortresses reclaimed during the historical Reconquista period.