Area: 91,905 sq kms including Madeira and the Azores
Population: 10,676,910
Capital: Lisbon
Language: Portuguese. English & French are spoken and understood
Religion: Roman Catholic (97%), Protestant (2%) and other (1%)
Time Zones: GMT
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 HZ
Passport: Valid passports required
Currency: Escudo = 100 centavos
Climate: Portugal enjoys a mild climate. Summers are warm, winters are mild.
International Dialling Code: 011+351
Portugal is the westernmost country in Continental Europe. It is bounded by Spain on the north and east and by the Atlantic Ocean on the south and west.
Traveling to or through Portugal can be a complete delight of the senses, it is a smaller country compared to neighboring Spain, therefore it has more character and personality.
The major resort areas offer the traveler as many attractions as anywhere in Europe. Throughout Portugal there are a chain of Tourist offices manned by bilingual staff to assist you. The Portuguese are by nature very hospitable and proud to share their country with foreign visitors.
The normal shopping hours are from 9:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night and most shopping centers stay open until 11:00 at night, with the exception of certain public holidays.
Public awareness of disabled travelers is now happily evident in most areas, with the appearance of special parking spaces in public areas, special toilets at airports, stations, and centers of entertainment. There are also disabled bus and and taxi services in most areas.
The local money is Escudos and foreign currency can be exchanged at Banks, Bureau De Change or at one of the currency exchange machines in the streets. These facilities will offer a better rate of exchange then the hotels and receptions. Eurocheques are a cheaper method then travelers cheques in obtaining cash. All well known Credit Cards are usually accepted.
So come visit Portugal, visit the Museum, Art Galleries, and all of the beautiful sites of Portugal, and find your self a welcome visitor by the residents of Portugal.
Map of Portugal
