Fascinating Facts About Portugal

Overview

• Portugal, a small but impactful country.
• Significant contributions:
  • Barbecued chicken
  • Port wine
  • Cristiano Ronaldo

Key Historical and Cultural Facts

1. One of the Oldest Nations in Europe

• Established in 1143.
• Borders set in the mid-13th century.
• Key historical timeline:
  • 1415: Began exploration and expansion.
  • Established colonies in Africa, East Timor, and India.
  • 18th Century: Educational reforms led by the Marquee of Pombal.
  • 20th Century: Shift from monarchy to dictatorship.
  • 1974: Carnation Revolution ended dictatorship; focus on education and democracy.
  • Joined European Economic Community in 1986 and adopted the euro in 1999.

2. Lisbon's Catastrophic Earthquake

• Date: November 1, 1755.
• Resulted in:
  • One of the largest natural disasters ever recorded.
  • Over 60,000 lives lost.
  • Triggered a tsunami, reaching up to 65 ft in height.
  • Waves affected areas as far as the Caribbean.
  • Reconstruction symbolized resilience of the people.

3. Maximum Prison Sentence is 25 Years

• Capped at 25 years, regardless of crime severity.
• Focus on rehabilitation over punishment.
• Death penalty abolished.

4. Decriminalization of All Drugs

• First country to decriminalize all drugs, including methamphetamines and heroin.
• Drug possession for personal use is no longer criminalized.
• Shift aimed at reducing stigma and treating addiction as a public health issue.
• Result: Low drug usage rates in the EU.

5. First Country to Abolish Slavery

• Abolished slavery in 1819, 14 years before Britain.
• Internal advocacy and pressure from other nations led to the decision.
  • Actively worked to suppress the slave trade in colonies.

6. Portugal and Spain Divided the World

• Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 divided navigational and colonial rights.
• Line between Cape Verde and Cuba separated spheres of influence.
• Did not prevent other countries, like England and the Netherlands, from exploring.

7. Longest Dictatorship in Europe

• 48-year dictatorship: 1926 - 1974 under Salazar.
• Three phases:
  • Military dictatorship (1926-1928).
  • National dictatorship (1928-1933).
  • Estado Novo (1933-1974).
• Ended with the Carnation Revolution; Freedom Day celebrated on April 25.

8. Portugal Introduced Tea to England

• 1662: Catherine of Braganza married Charles II, introducing tea.
• Generated a tea culture in England, becoming a symbol of sophistication.

9. High Rate of Portuguese Immigration

• Portugal has the highest immigration rate in the EU.
• Over 2 million Portuguese citizens live abroad (20% of the population).
• Significant diaspora in Luxembourg (14.5% of its population).

10. Famous for its Tiles (Azulejos)

• Tiles date back to the 13th century, originally introduced by Arabs.
• Popularized by King D Manuel I in the 15th century.
• Tiles represent cultural history, often blue and white, influenced by Oriental porcelain and Dutch aesthetics.
• The National Tile Museum in Lisbon preserves this tradition.

Conclusion

• Portugal's rich history and contributions extend far beyond its size.
• Represents resilience, innovation, and cultural richness.

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