Area: 92,389 sq km (35,672 sq ml).
Population: 9,906,000.
Currency: 1 Escudo = 100 Centavos.
Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Others 5%.
Ethnic Groups: Portuguese 99%.
Languages: Portuguese.
Half of the country lies on the edge of the high and ancient Iberian plateau, in a region of rugged hills, lakes and deep gorges. Winters are cold here, and there is moderate rainfall. Much of the region is covered with forests of pine and cork oak, and from it flow three great rivers, the Douro, Tagus and Guadiana, which water the flat and sandy coastal plain. Here it is warm, although still fairly dry: vineyards flourish, as do cereals and citrus fruits.
PORTUGAL NATIONAL TOURISM SERVICE