> Located in the south-western Europe, the Iberian peninsula
(1 / 6 of its area) and on the islands of the Azores and Madeira in the
Atlantic Ocean. On the west by the Atlantic Ocean. A land border only with
Spain.
Portuguese population in ethnically homogeneous: 99,7% of the amount
to the Portuguese, whose language belongs to the Romance group.
Approximately 70% of the population lives in the western coastal areas and
islands. In the interior, and some southern parts of the population
density in 5 - 10 times less. Different historical fate of the north and
south of the country, their natural and economic features have created
some differences in the traditions of these regions. In typical rural
settlements in the north-story buildings used for housing the top, bottom
- under the business premises. In the south is dominated by the village
street lay-out with one-story adobe buildings. In the decoration of houses
characterized by the use of colorful blue and white tiles.
National clothes Portuguese diverse and rich palette of colors. The
main features of the female folk costume - skirt, usually striped or
checkered, with a rim along the bottom edge, apron, red, yellow, green or
black, blouse, shoes without backs with wooden soles. Shawl - an integral
part of women's clothing. There are several ways to wear: knotted under
the chin or so to the end of the three came together at the crown,
sometimes tuck the ends, and sometimes hanging on the back. Man's suit -
shorts with leggings, vest, belt, hat sambreyru (south), knitted cap
(north).
The food is dominated by seafood, especially sardines and cod. Omarov
caught so many that the price they are available to every Portuguese.
Delicacies are mullet, eel, oysters. Of the first courses may be noted two
traditional - corn soup with honey and potatoes. The mountain is prepared
cheeses.
Traditional crafts - manufacture of ceramic utensils, lace, weaving,
woodcarving.
In Portugal, many holidays. Usually solemn days are organized
magnificent procession, during which believers are statues of saints,
organize masquerades, exhibitions, fireworks are lit, give presentation on
biblical subjects. On the night of San Juan (Midsummer Day) everywhere,
even in large cities, burning bonfires and dancing in the streets. In the
town of Viseu, for example, are still respected tradition originating in
the XVI century.: Cavalcade defiles along the streets of riders, dressed
in white tunics, with a wreath of red carnations and green sticks in their
hands.
In August, the country held celebrations to commemorate the historic
victory over the Spanish troops, which led to the liberation of Portugal.
In March, celebrated the holiday «torkato», which, along with the
demonstration of livestock held horse races, and the dancers challenged
the prize for the best performance of folk dances. Among the many folk
dances most popular Vira. A common form of the Portuguese lyrics are
kosanty, a feature which - repeat chorus after each couplet. The
characteristic form of folk art - the lyrical quatrains, the main role in
the creation and performance of which at all times, students have played.
There are seven universities. The largest of them are located in the
cities of Lisbon, Coimbra, Oporto. Since the XVIII century. There Academy
of Sciences. Nevertheless, Portugal occupies the last place in Europe in
literacy. So far, one third of the population has no education, although
in. introduced a law on compulsory education for children.
Lisbon - industrial, cultural and economic center of the country. He
grew up during the Great Geographical Discoveries (XV - XVI centuries.),
Becoming the commercial center of the vast colonial empire. The city is
spread on the bank of the river estuary Tezhu, near the Atlantic Ocean.
Most of it housed on seven hills. Picturesque amphitheater terraces
surrounding the Lisbon, lush green gardens and parks make it one of the
most beautiful in Europe. The oldest of the three parts of Lisbon -
Eastern city is a web of narrow streets. It is from here, where there were
more Roman building, and then an Arab fortress, begins the story of the
capital. Here were the first residence of Portuguese kings. On the
southern slope of the hill is the oldest church in Lisbon - Ponds, made
from a mosque. To the East of the city attractions also include the Church
of Our Lady (Madre de Deus) early XVI century., Palace Mitra XVII century.
Which houses the Museum of the city, Vicente de Fora church of the XVI
century.
Porto - the only major city north of the country, the second largest
town of Portugal. This former capital of the state, which gave him his
name. The town was founded in the VI. BC It distinguished the Old Town and
New. The old city rises on a terraced hillside, facing the River. Narrow
streets with low buildings connected by steep streets, staircases. New
city with a clear layout and a more comfortable, stretched out on the
plateau in the ocean. To the south of Porto, on the high bank of the river
Mondego, resting in the quiet evergreen laurel Coimbra - Old university
town. University moved here in the XVI century. from Lisbon, where he was
based in. Among the architectural monuments stand in the Old Cathedral
XII., New Cathedral XVI century. and monastery Site Cruz.
third largest industrial center and port of the country - the city of
Setubal. In the past, the source of its economic prosperity were vast salt
pans, whose development began in the Roman era. Earthquake. Setubal was
almost completely destroyed and then rebuilt.
Together with the entire Iberian Peninsula country belongs to the
Mediterranean region. However, its Mediterranean climate is experiencing
strong influence of the Atlantic. Cooling effect on him in the cold Canary
Current. By topography varies northern and southern parts of the
territory. To the north of the River Tagus, there are mountains that are a
continuation of Spanish meseta. South territory occupied by the Portuguese
lowlands.
framework of the Portuguese ethnic group were Lusitanian - one of the
ancient Iberian tribes. In the I millennium BC. e. country's territory was
affected by the Celtic relocation. The entry of Portugal into the Roman
Empire (II century. BC. E. - V in. N. E.) Caused a cultural and linguistic
Romanization. Significant impact on the local population has the
Arab-Berber rule. In the XII century. Portuguese formed an independent
state. In the XV century. began colonial conquests of Portugal outside
Europe. Spanish rule in the XVI - XVII centuries., Economic and political
dependence on Britain slowed national unity. In. monarchy was overthrown
and Portugal proclaimed a republic. In April. revolution took place, ended
the decolonization of the Portuguese possessions in Africa.
vast majority of believers - Catholics. The commitment of the Roman
Catholic Church recognized by the first Portuguese king in the XII
century. Christianity spread throughout the Iberian peninsula since the
Roman conquest. Until now, a place of pilgrimage is the city of Braga,
which was erected the first Catholic cathedral in Portugal.
in the subtropical zone of the Atlantic, at the most important ways of
linking Europe with America, Africa and Asia, Azores lie (area - 2,3
thousand km2) and Madeira (area - 800 km2). Soft, warm maritime climate,
the lack of dry season favor the spread of evergreen vegetation. The
Azores islands are covered with evergreen forests. At Madeira, the climate
is drier, so there is dominated by subtropical savanna. The sea, beaches,
warm climate of the islands attract many tourists. The main city and an
important transit port of the Azores, Ponta Delgada is located on the
southern coast of the island of San Miguel, on the shore of an artificial
harbor. Center of Madeira - Funchal's port is located on the shores of
sheltered bays. This is a year-round seaside resort.
head of state is the president. Legislative power belongs to the
Assembly of the Republic (unicameral parliament). Influential political
parties: the Portuguese Socialist, Social Democratic coalition «Democratic
unity». The current constitution adopted. Then it was adjusted several
times.
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