The European country of Portugal situated on the Iberian Peninsula is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the west and south and by Spain, in the north and east. The countries diverse geography, comprising of mountains, arid plains, sub-tropical volcanic islands, lush-green meadows and picturesque beaches makes it a tourist haven.

The official name of Portugal is the ‘Republic of Portugal’, the official language Portuguese and the official currency is Euro. Portugal was founded by Alfonso Henriques in 1152. During the Roman times, Portugal was called Luisitania.

In 1975 Portugal granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986.

The capital city of Lisbon is also the largest city of Portugal.

Vasco Da Gama is best known for discovering the sea route to India. Bartholomew Diaz was the first person to sail round the southern tip of Africa, which he named the Cape of Good Hope, while Pedro Alvarez Cabral discovered Brazil. Ferdinand Magellan was the first to complete a circumnavigation of the world in 1522.

The Kingdom of Portugal lasted from 1139 to 1910. The country has been a republic since 1910 and their vast colonization has made Portuguese the official language of 9 countries.

The Arrábida Natural Park a protected area is unique for its unusual soil and microclimate, Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros and Parque Natural da Arrabida house well-preserved dinosaur tracks.

The Vasco da Gama Bridge of Lisbon is the longest bridge in Europe.

best car rental portugal agencies in Portugal include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt.

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