Portugal: Statistical Overview

Total Population: 10,379,007

Natural Increase: 0.5%

Density: 113 Inhabitants/km²

Urban Population: 67.4%

Population of main cities: Lisbon (552,700); Porto (237,600); Vila Nova de Gaia (186,500); Amadora (175,200); Braga (136,900); Funchal (111,600); Coimbra (105,900); Setúbal (98,200); Almada (96,400)

Ethnic Origins: The population is made up of a largely homogeneous Mediterranean community, with a minority of people of Asian or African origin, many of whom immigrated during decolonisation. The largest groups of foreign residents in Portugal are Brazilians, Cape Verdeans, British, Romanians, Ukrainians and Chinese. (National Institute of Statistics of Portugal).

Official Language: Portuguese

Other Languages Spoken: Spanish, French and English are the foreign languages best known and utilised in business relations.

Business Language(s): The language utilised depends on the age of your business contact. Typically, those under 40 will also speak English. Those over 40 tend to speak French. That being said, Spanish is gaining ground within the Portuguese business scene.

Religion: Catholics: 95%

Literacy Rate: 93.8%

Area: 92,230 km²

Type of State: Portugal is a republic based on a parliamentary democracy. The constitution establishes a 'semi-presidential' regime for the country.

Type of Economy: High-income economy, OECD member.
High level of deficit and public debt since the economic crisis

HDI*: 0.830/1

HDI (World Rank): 43/188

Telephone Code:
To call from Portugal, dial 00
To call Portugal, dial +351

Internet Suffix: .pt

Computers: 17.2 per 100 Inhabitants

Telephone Lines: 42.6 per 100 Inhabitants

Internet Users: 64.0 per 100 Inhabitants

Access to Electricity: 100% of the Population