Portugal is the most western country of the continental Europe. It contains a small 20 percent of the Iberian Peninsula. Spain is Portugal's only neighbour. Portugal is clearly a maritime country with a long Atlantic coast. Portugal also includes the archipelago of the Azores and Madeira, the island group of the Ilhas Selva Gens, all located in the Atlantic Ocean. The total area of Portugal is more than 2 x as large as the Netherlands. Since 1986 the country belongs to the European Union.

The landscape of Portugal is varied, including a rugged Atlantic coastline, steep cliffs rise from the sea, wide coastal plains and peaks of the central mountain chain Serra da Estrela. Along the banks of the river Tagus (Tejo), is the capital Lisbon with a relatively large (yacht) port, royal palaces, ancient cathedrals, narrow medieval streets, distinctive facades with decorative tiles (called Azulejos) and many shops and restaurants.

The port city of Porto, located in the north, was put on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 and is also known for its port wine. The popular Algarve coastal region lies in the far south of Portugal and attracts many tourists. This coastal region is characterized by a pleasant climate almost the whole year, picturesque (fishermen) villages, lagoons, sheltered bays with rugged rock formations and miles long sandy beaches. The 800 km long coastline is mostly flat and sandy, and often bordered with dunes that enclose lagoons. The Algarve is visited by many golfers, given the large number of golf courses.

The location of Portugal and its past have resulted in the Portuguese cuisine where a lot of fish is used. It is sometimes said that for each day of the year there is a bacalhau recipe. Pork is also a favourite ingredient in the Portuguese cuisine. Portuguese are among the largest rice-eaters in Europe. Portugal is the only European country where coriander is traditionally part of the kitchen.

Portuguese wines are well known. Outside Portugal, especially the Port, Vinho Verde and Madeira are very famous. The three main wine regions are Dão, Alentejo and Estremadura. Queijo da Serra, Azeitão and Serpa are the most popular cheeses.