Economy
The Portuguese economy has undergone significant changes over the years, from once being a colonial power to becoming a modern and diversified economy.
The Portuguese economy is based on several key sectors. Tourism is one of the main economic drivers of the country, with its beautiful beaches, historic cities, and breathtaking landscapes attracting millions of visitors every year. Religious tourism also plays an important role in the Portuguese economy, with the Camino de Santiago crossing the entire country through different paths and the route to the sanctuary of Fatima.
The manufacturing sector is also a major contributor to the economy, with the production of automobiles, electronic equipment, textiles, and footwear being exported worldwide.
Agriculture in Portugal is still an important economic activity, despite the scarcity of arable land (about a third of the total). The predominant crops are cereals and potatoes in the northern regions, while fruit plantations are found in the central and southern parts of the country. Great importance is given to the cultivation of olives and vines, from which famous wines, including Port, are produced. Portugal also has sheep, cattle, pig, and poultry farms.
In recent years, Portugal has made great progress in the field of renewable energy. Thanks to its abundant solar and wind resources, the country has heavily invested in green energy, becoming one of the world leaders in renewable energy production. However, Portugal still relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, with 65% of its energy imports being above the EU average.
Portugal is among the world’s 50 largest economies, and until 2020, it had a positive growth outlook. However, the economic shock caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to a marked decline. The Portuguese government is working to address the challenges by implementing policies to stimulate economic growth and create new jobs.
LGBTQ+ Rights
Socially, Portugal is a modern and progressive society. The country has made great strides in promoting gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
Portugal has made significant progress in promoting LGBTQ+ rights in recent years. In 2010, Portugal became the eighth European country to legalize same-sex marriage. The country has also taken measures to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, prohibiting discrimination in the workplace, access to public services, and education.
Portuguese society has become increasingly welcoming to LGBTQ+ people. Major cities like Lisbon and Porto have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities with nightlife, bars, and festivals dedicated to this community. Pride in Lisbon has become one of the most important events in Europe to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride.
Despite this progress, it is important to note that discrimination and intolerance towards LGBTQ+ people can still occur in some areas of the country. However, the Portuguese government and civil society organizations continue to work to promote equality and combat discrimination in all its forms.
Racism
Racism is a serious problem affecting many societies, including Portugal. Despite efforts to promote inclusion and diversity, cases of racial discrimination still exist in the country. It is important to combat racism through education, awareness-raising, and the implementation of anti-discrimination policies. Portuguese society must work together to create an environment in which every individual is respected and valued, regardless of their ethnic origin or race.
Religion
Portugal is a country with a strong religious tradition, mainly of the Catholic faith. The Catholic Church has had a great influence on Portuguese culture and society over the centuries. In addition to Catholicism, there are other religions in Portugal, such as Islam, Judaism, Protestantism, and other Christian denominations. The country has also seen an increase in atheism and secularism, with a growing number of people identifying themselves as non-religious. Portugal is a secular state, which means that religion should not influence political or governmental decisions. However, the Catholic Church still retains some influence in Portuguese society, especially in social and moral issues. It is important to stress that Portugal is a country that promotes freedom of religion and respect for different religious beliefs.
Country’s Security
As for security, Portugal is one of the most stable and secure countries in Europe, ranking third in the Global Peace Index. It is recognized worldwide as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations.The Portuguese health system is considered one of the best in Europe, offering high-quality care to all citizens. Remember the rules that apply in any state when traveling, and for the rest, enjoy your Portuguese experience.
