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Portugal, wedged as a triangle between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean is home to some 10 million inhabitants. Equal in size to Scotland, Portugal is blessed in
terrain has diverse as its cultural heritage. Although
it still remains somewhat unknown compared to its European brethren. Much of the country side is undeveloped, with smaller fishing villages dotting the
countryside - undiscovered even by Europeans. Scenically, Portugal is captivating, with mossy green Minho and spectacular gorge valley of the Douro, culturally refined and architecturally fascinating Lisbon front and center, and the exquisite Faro in the deep south. For those who have experienced Portugal's richness it's the only holiday destination in Europe!
Moving from countryside grandeur to the contemporary
intensity of Lisbon and Porto, natural beauty remains
intact. Portugal enjoys a coastline that stretches from
top to bottom. Between the grand stretches of endless
beaches are broken only by deserted sands. Perhaps the
most striking are along the northern Costa Verde, around
Viana do Castelo, or the more isolated wild beaches of
southern Alentejo.
For this reason, the sea is the greatest influence over
Portuguese culture. Vasco da Gama, a mariner led the
way in the exploration of Africa and the Americas.
Portugal remained a colonial power until just 30 years
ago. This colonialism carried many African and South
American accents into the country's culture. The
distinction is most apparent in hearty music of fado
heard in Lisbon and Cimbra, or the Moorish-influenced
and Manueline architecture that touches the coastal
towns in Belem and Viana do Castelo.
Portugal has also weathered storms, a monarchy until
1910, a period of great instability followed. In 1926 a
coup d'etat installed a dictatorship that ruled Portugal
for almost five decades. A series of costly colonial
wars in Africa beginning in the 1960s depleted
Portugal's resources and weakened their economy. As
a result of these wars, a revolution occurred in
Portugal in 1974, and a military outfit assumed power.
The next year Portugal granted independence to all of
its African colonies. A new constitution in 1976
established a democratic system of government.
Today, Portugal's is once again harvesting the "frutos
de mar" (fruits of the ocean) with a rapid expansion of
modern life. Industry and service sectors are
flourishing as people flock to Lisbon and Porto in
search of employment. In rural areas daily life still
centers on the home and family, as many as 3 generations
often live in the same house. Which makes for an
interesting gathering during Portugal's most popular
pastime - Soccer. Portugal shares with Spain its
passion for bullfighting. But displays a somewhat
sympathetic end to the event by carrying the bull way.
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