2. Portugal once owned half of the New World
Although no country truly ever “owned” half the world, the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) established a demarcation line that divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal. Portugal received control over the territories to the east, while the west was under Spanish rule. This division had lasting effects, including the Portuguese colonization of Brazil and a significant Portuguese presence in Africa and Asia that lasted for centuries and is still visible today.
3. The Portuguese Empire was one of the longest-lived European empires
The Portuguese Empire spanned 600 years. Let’s have a detailed look at one of the wildest fun facts about Portugal:
- Beginnings: The Portuguese Empire began with the conquest of Ceuta in North Africa in 1415.
- Age of Exploration: Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama, who found a sea route to India in 1498, played a crucial role in establishing Portugal as a global maritime power.
- Global Reach: The empire included territories in Africa (Angola, Mozambique), Asia (Goa, Macau, East Timor), and South America (Brazil). It also controlled key strategic points such as the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde islands. The spread of the Portuguese language, now one of the most spoken languages globally, was significantly influenced by the empire’s extensive reach.
- Decline: The empire began to decline in the 19th century with the loss of Brazil in 1822, followed by a series of decolonization movements in Africa and Asia in the mid-20th century. The final colonies, such as Macau, were handed over in the late 20th century.
4. Portugal is the oldest nation-state in Europe
A vibrant sea of orange tiles contrasts with the clear blue sky in Lisbon.
Portugal is the oldest nation-state in Europe founded in 1143 and has maintained its original borders since the mid-13th century.
Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, has an even longer history, founded around 1200 BCE, predating the Roman Empire and making it older than Rome and other major European capitals like London, Paris, and Madrid. Portugal’s capital has a rich historical significance, with Guimarães as the first capital, followed by Coimbra, and even Rio de Janeiro during the royal family’s exile.
5. Nine other countries have Portuguese as an official language
With about 260 million native Portuguese speakers it is the most spoken language in the Southern Hemisphere. Besides Portugal, Portuguese is an official language of nine countries across four continents:
- Angola
- Brazil
- Cape Verde
- East Timor
- Equatorial Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Macau
- Mozambique
- São Tomé and Príncipe
Additional fun fact: The Portuguese language even influenced Japanese. For example, the Portuguese word for bread, “pão,” transformed into “pan” in Japanese. Time to eat some pan during your next visit to Japan.
6. Port Wine is Portugal’s most famous export product and national drink.
Port wine, or simply Port, is Portugal’s most famous export product and national drink. Originated from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, it is made by adding grape spirit to the wine during fermentation, which stops the process and leaves residual sugar, resulting in a sweet, rich wine. To preserve this exquisite wine, a quality cork is essential. Fortunately, Portugal excels in this area as well, because…
7. Over half of the world’s cork comes from Portugal
With over 60% of the global production, Portugal is the world’s largest cork producer. With a forest covering approximately 2 million acres (809,371 hectares), Portugal hosts the world’s largest cork forest. Portuguese cork can be found as parts of artworks, shoes, wallets, and has even been used in space by the European Space Agency as insulation.
Portuguese cork coaster featuring a maritime design.
8. Portugal became a country because of a disagreement between a mother and her son
A disagreement between a mother and her son eventually led to Portugal’s independence as a country. I guess Portugal’s independence is taking ‘because I said so’ on a whole new level!
Turns out, arguing with your mom can have big consequences:
9. The Vasco da Gama Bridge is the second-longest bridge in Europe
The Vasco da Gama Bridge, the second-longest bridge in Europe after the Crimean Bridge in Russia, spans from Portugal’s capital to the southern region of the country. This structure is one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks with photos of the Vasco da Gama Bridge all over images of Portugal.
The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon, spanning the Tagus River, is known for its impressive length and architectural design.
10. Portugal is a world leader in renewable energy production
Portugal is a world leader in renewable energy production with a focus on wind farms, solar panels, and hydroelectric energy, due to its favorable climate and geographic location. In 2024, renewable sources accounted for 71% of Portugal’s electricity consumption, with wind and hydropower being the largest contributors. The country has set ambitious targets to achieve 80% renewable electricity by 2026 and carbon neutrality by 2045.
11. Portugal was one of the first countries to adopt the euro
Portugal was one of the first countries to adopt the euro, giving up its own currency, the Portuguese escudo, in 1999. Even so, until 2022, Portuguese people were still able to exchange Portuguese escudo banknotes for euros.
