Portugal, a privileged country worth knowing and exploring!
THE COUNTRY
Situated in the extreme south-west of Europe, just a few hours from any others European capitals, Portugal attracts visitors from all over the world. With almost nine centuries of defined borders bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, PORTUGAL offers you an exceptional range of landscapes and environments just a short distance away. PORTUGAL has a democratic parliamentary regime with great political stability. Member of the EU since 1986, joined the Euro in 2002.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
The meeting point between three continents - Europe,Africa and America - it has always been central to the most important international routes, with its 943 Km of Coastline.Here you can find international airports all over the country - Lisbon, Faro and Oporto, with regular connections to major cities in the world. Pleasant temperate weather all year round, with mild winters and long warm summers. The number hours of sunshine per year reaches 3300, one of the highest in Europe.
COST OF LIVING
Most foreigners consider the cost of living to below. It is 30% cheaper than most countries in Europe. Eurostats published the data on consumption prices of EU goods and services. Portugal is in the top of the affordable countries in Western Europe and amongst the cheapest in Europe. By living in Portugal you increase your purchasing power for services and goods’ consumption. The standard of living is moderate too high affording good quality of life.
THE PORTUGUESE AND CULTURAL AWARENESS
The Portuguese are gracious and friendly, welcoming all visitors regardless of where they come from. Portugal is culturally rich and open to foreign cultures. A wide range of events - from Fado (‘fate’) to the international and even worldwide shows, happen every time. Large parts of the population speak foreign languages, specifically English and will be willing to assist you anytime as required.
INFRASTRUCTURES OF EXCELLENCE Concerning to mobility, Portugal competes with the highest standards. By air, by sea or by land, we are in possession of the most advanced solutions: 5 international seaports and airports in mainland Portugal, railway network with transport capacity national and international freight and one of the most developed the national road networks and more skilled motorway in Europe. In the main cities, a very efficient public transport network will take you everywhere.
GASTRONOMY
Portuguese cuisine is considered one of the most substantial and richest in the world due to its variety of products and influences. A true Mediterranean feast. Well known for its abundance of fish and seafood, with nobility of choice from north to south. Most regional restaurants are family owned and offer a selection of typical regional dishes – fish, meat and poultry. To accompany these magnificent flavors, plentiful choices of traditional white and red wines are available.
GOOD HEALTH SERVICES
The National Health Service is of convenient and superior service to all residents. The service is free and the cost of medication is subsidized and tax-deductible. The National Health Service is complemented by a network of private practices and modern well equipped hospitals. Private health insurance is available at reasonable prices.
HIGH-LEVEL EDUCATION AND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
The Portuguese work benefits the education system, fully developed and modern, resulting in a high rate of enrollment in an active and intense population on competent human resources. The education system provides public and private schools.Universities offer high level of academic worldwide recognition.There are a large range of international schools, namely German, English, French and others throughout Portugal.