Agriculture and food in Portugal

Agriculture in Portugal

Portugal is a country located in southwestern Europe. It is the westernmost country of mainland Europe and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east. Portugal is the oldest state on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the oldest European nations, its territory having been continuously settled, invaded, and fought over since prehistoric times. The land within the borders of present-day Portugal has been inhabited for around 600,000 years. In 2010, the oldest human fossil found in Portugal was discovered in the Cave of Aroeira in Almond. Neanderthal fossils have also been discovered in caves in northern Portugal, with the most famous being the Cave of Alvão in Terra Nova de São Pedro and the Cave of Abrigo do Lagar Velho in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. The earliest modern humans inhabiting Portugal are believed to have been Cro-Magnon, around 21,000 years ago. These were eventually replaced by the Neanderthals, around 100,000 years ago. Neanderthals were the only human inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula until the arrival of Homo sapiens around 35,000 years ago. The Maltese people are thought to be descended from a wave of ancient humans that left Africa and settled on the island of Malta around 60,000 years ago. Portugal is a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Union (EU). It is also a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). Portugal is a developed country with an advanced economy and a high Human Development Index. It is the 14th-largest exporter in the world, with $47.7 billion exported annually. Portugal has been a member of the United Nations since 1955 and is a founding member of several international organizations, including the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the United Nations. The Portuguese economy is diversified, with a service sector accounting for more than 60% of the GDP and an industrial sector accounting for around 30%. The country has been a member of the Eurozone since 1999. Portugal is ranked the 8th most peaceful country in the world and 12th in Western Europe. Portugal is a Roman Catholic country with one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world. About 85% of the population identify as Catholic, although only about 40% of these are practicing Catholics. There are also small minorities of Protestants, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Jews. The Portuguese language is the national language of Portugal, spoken by about 10 million people, predominantly in Portugal, Brazil, and Angola. Portuguese is a Romance language that evolved from Vulgar Latin in the Galician-Portuguese region of northwestern Spain. It is closely related to Spanish, with which it shares similarities in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, Angola, Mozambique, East Timor, and Macau. It is also one of the co-official languages of the African Union and Mercosul. Portuguese is one of the world's major languages, ranked 6th in terms of the number of speakers. In 2013, Portugal was the 9th most visited country in the world, with a total of 20 million tourists. Lisbon was the 5th most visited city in Southern Europe after Istanbul, Rome, Barcelona, and Athens, with 3.4 million tourists. Portugal is a unitary semi-presidential republic, with the President of Portugal as the head of state and the Prime Minister of Portugal as the head of government. The country has a parliamentary system of government, with the Assembly of the Republic as the legislature. The Constitution of Portugal, approved in 1976, defines the country as a unitary semi-presidential republic, with the President of Portugal as the head of state and the Prime Minister of Portugal as the head of government. The President is elected to a five-year term by direct universal suffrage and is responsible for nominating the Prime Minister, who must be approved by Parliament. The Assembly of the Republic is the unicameral parliament, elected to a four-year term by proportional representation. The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court of Justice, which nominates judges to the lower courts. Portugal has a varied landscape, with something to offer everyone. From stunning coastal scenery and sandy beaches to rolling hills and mountains, there is truly something for everyone. One of the best things about Portugal is that it is still relatively undiscovered by tourists. This means that you can enjoy all the beauty of the country without the crowds. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, then Portugal is the perfect destination. With its mild climate and beautiful scenery, it is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Portugal's economy is heavily reliant on tourism and exports, with the latter accounting for around 60% of GDP. The country has a strong tradition of wine production, and its ports are among the busiest in Europe. Portugal is also a leading producer of cork. The global financial crisis of 2008 hit Portugal hard, and the country is only now beginning to recover. Unemployment remains high, at around 15%, and the public debt is close to 100% of GDP. The Portuguese government is working to improve the business environment and reduce the country's reliance on tourism and exports. These efforts are starting to pay off, with foreign investment rising and the economy growing slowly but steadily. Portugal is a member of the European Union and the eurozone. Portugal's economy is heavily reliant on tourism and exports, with the latter accounting for around 60% of GDP. The country has a strong tradition of wine production, and its ports are among the busiest in Europe. Portugal is also a leading producer of cork. The global financial crisis of 2008 hit Portugal hard, and the country is only now beginning to recover. Unemployment remains high, at around 15%, and the public debt is close to 100% of GDP. The Portuguese government is working to improve the business environment and reduce the country's reliance on tourism and exports. These efforts are starting to pay off, with foreign investment rising and the economy growing slowly but steadily. Portugal's agricultural sector is highly diversified, with a wide range of products being produced. The country is a major producer of olive oil and wine, and also produces significant amounts of fruit, vegetables, cereals, livestock, and dairy products. The Portuguese government provides significant support to the agricultural sector, with a range of subsidies and tax breaks being available. This support has helped to make Portugal one of the most competitive agricultural producers in the European Union. Portugal is a major exporter of agricultural products, with olive oil, wine, and fruit being among the most valuable exports. The country is also a significant importer of agricultural products, particularly livestock. The agricultural sector plays a significant role in the Portuguese economy, accounting for around 2.5% of GDP. The sector employs around 4% of the country's workforce. The Portuguese government is committed to supporting the agricultural sector and has introduced a range of measures to help boost productivity and competitiveness. The government is also working to promote sustainable agriculture, with a focus on reducing the use of pesticides and increasing the use of organic methods. The agricultural sector is facing a number of challenges, including the impact of climate change, the need to increase productivity and competitiveness, and the need for more sustainable practices. The government is working to address these challenges and support the sector in its efforts to meet them. As of 2016, Portugal's population was estimated to be 10,341,330. The population density is 116.9 inhabitants per square kilometer. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 41.1 years. Portugal is a highly urbanized country, with 82.7% of the population living in cities and towns. Lisbon is the capital and largest city, with a population of 547,631. The Portuguese people are predominantly Roman Catholic. Christianity was introduced to the country by the Romans in the 1st century AD, and Portugal remains a predominantly Catholic country to this day. According to the 2011 census, 81.0% of the population identifies as Catholic. Other religious groups represented in Portugal include Protestants (2.2%), Muslims (1.3%), and other (1.4%). The Portuguese government does not collect data on the religious affiliation of citizens, but the Catholic Church is the largest religious institution in the country. The life expectancy in Portugal is 79.5 years for men and 84.8 years for women. The total fertility rate is 1.58 children born per woman. The infant mortality rate is 4.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. Portugal has a diverse and multicultural society, with a wide range of ethnic and religious groups. Portuguese society is divided into several categories: the bourgeoisie (the upper and middle classes), the proletariat (the working class), and the underclass (those who are unemployed or live in poverty). The Portuguese language is the official language of Portugal. Portuguese is a Romance language that originated in Galicia, in northwestern Spain. It is spoken by about 10 million people, including 5 million Brazilians. Portuguese is also the official language of Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, São Tomé, and Príncipe. Portuguese culture is renowned for its art, music, literature, and food. Portugal is home to many world-famous writers, artists, and musicians. Some of the most famous Portuguese authors include Luís de Camões, Fernando Pessoa, and José Saramago. Portuguese artists include Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Vieira da Silva. Portuguese musicians include Amália Rodrigues, Carlos Paredes, and Mariza. Portugal is known for its delicious food, which is a mix of Mediterranean and Atlantic influences. Portuguese cuisine includes dishes such as bacalhau (codfish), cozido à portuguesa (a stew of meats and vegetables), and francesinha (a sandwich with meat, cheese, and eggs). As a result of its colonial history, Portugal is a diverse and multicultural country. There are a significant minority of people with Portuguese ancestry living in other countries, such as Brazil, Canada, the United States, and France. Portugal is a predominantly Catholic country, with around 84% of the population declaring themselves to be Catholic. However, there is a significant minority of Protestants (4%), as well as small numbers of other religions such as Islam (2%). The Portuguese Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and there is generally good religious tolerance in the country. However, the Catholic Church does have a privileged position and receives state funding. For example, religious education is compulsory in state schools. The majority of Portugal's Muslims are from immigrant communities, particularly from Africa and Asia. There are also small numbers of Hindus and Buddhists in the country. Portugal is a land with a rich and vibrant culture that has been molded by centuries of history. From the early days of the Celts and Romans to the more recent Moorish and Spanish influences, Portugal has always been a culturally diverse country. Today, Portuguese culture is a unique blend of all of these influences. The country's traditional music, dance, and art are all deeply rooted in its history. Portuguese food is also a reflection of the country's diverse culture, with dishes that incorporate ingredients from around the world. Portugal is a fascinating country to explore, and its culture is just one of the many reasons to visit. If you're planning a trip to Portugal, be sure to add some of these cultural experiences to your itinerary.