Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe having established its continental frontier as it is set today on 1297. Portugal has been an independent kingdom since 1143 When D. Afonso Henriques rebelled against his mother to wrestle the Condado Portucalense away from the Kingdom of Leon .

Portugal is located on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula, ideally positioned between Spain and the Atlantic ocean. Its geographic location along the Atlantic coastline is the reason why Portugal quickly became an ocean-bound country setting the stage for centuries of sea adventure and discoveries.

1415 was the year that set the tone for centuries to come. under the guidance of Prince Henry "The Navigator", the Portuguese set sail on epic voyages that would make them the first to discover the ocean routes to India, Brazil, China and Japan, while at the same time founding settlements on both African coasts.

Traces of this worldwide historic presence may be seen as trademarks of the Portuguese culture. The Portuguese language became one of the most widely spoken in the world, and the Portuguese people were privileged for being exposed to so many different civilizations. The vast monumental, artistic and archaeological heritage witness not only the 850 years of history of encounters with distant cultures, but also the presence in the territory of more ancient peoples (Celts, Suevians, Visigoths, Romans and Arabs).

Portugal's natural advantages of a sunny country with such diverse geographic features have turned the country into a chosen destination for many holidaymakers, an ideal place for practicing water sports and playing golf, offering modern tourism facilities, and quaint and personalized means of accommodation, such as Solares de Portugal (privately owned homes ranging from wonderful farmhouses to manor houses), and luxury and charm hotels located in castles, old monasteries and manor houses known as Pousadas of Portugal.

A member-country of the European Union since 1986, Portugal currently enjoys a steady economic growth. For centuries Portugal has kept the greatest treasure of a renowned reputation for hospitality that makes the country a haven of congeniality and safety.

Information on this page courtesy of ICEP-Portugal