Portuguese Republic (Portuguese: República Portuguesa), is a unitary semi-presidential republic.

It is
located in South-Western Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, and it is the westernmost country
of mainland Europe, being bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the
north and east. Aside from continental Portugal, the Portuguese Republic holds sovereignty over the
Atlanticarchipelagos of Azores and Madeira, which are autonomous regions of Portugal. The country is
named after its second largest city, Porto
Culture
Portugal has developed a specific culture while being influenced by various civilizations that have
crossed the Mediterranean and the European continent, or were introduced when it played an active
role during the Age of Discovery. In the 1990s and 2000s (decade), Portugal modernized its public
cultural facilities, in addition to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation established in 1956 in Lisbon. These
include the Belém Cultural Centre in Lisbon, Serralves Foundation and the Casa da Música, both
in Porto, as well as new public cultural facilities like municipal libraries and concert halls that were built
or renovated in many municipalities across the country. Portugal is home to fifteenUNESCO World
Heritage Sites, ranking it 8th in Europe and 17th in the world.
Architecture
Mafra National Palace
Cinema
Portuguese film directors such as Arthur Duarte, António Lopes Ribeiro, Pedro Costa,Manoel de
Oliveira, João César Monteiro, António-Pedro Vasconcelos, Fernando Lopes, Bruno de Almeida, João
Botelho and Leonel Vieira
Literature
Luís de Camões, Fernando Pessoa and José Saramago, until 1350, the Portuguese-
Galician troubadours spread their literary influence to most of the Iberian Peninsula.
Music[edit]
Portuguese music encompasses a wide variety of genres. The most renowned is fado, a melancholy
urban music, usually associated with the Portuguese guitar and saudade, or longing
Portugal has several summer music festivals, such as Festival Sudoeste in Zambujeira do Mar, Festival de
Paredes de Coura in Paredes de Coura, Festival Vilar de Mouros near Caminha, Boom Festival in Idanha-
a-Nova Municipality, and Optimus Alive!, Rock in Rio Lisboa and Super Bock Super Rock in Greater Lisbon
Sport[edit]
Cristiano Ronaldo
Football is the most popular sport in Portugal. There are several football competitions ranging from local
amateur to world-class professional level. The legendary Eusébio is still a major symbol of Portuguese
football history. FIFA World Player of the Year winners Luís Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo who won the fifa
"ballon d'Or" for 2013, are among the numerous examples of other world-class football players born in
Portugal and noted worldwide
Portugal Traditions
Every country possesses its distinctive features and traditions. Throughout its history, Portugal was a
powerful monarchy with multiple colonies, which nowadays turned into a small European country and
an attractive travel destination. Besides unique sightseeing spots, marvelous archipelagos and beaches,
one should also be aware of Portuguese traditions, as far as a national mentality and customs might be
advisable and reasonable while planning a trip to this country.
Lifestyle
First of all, Portuguese people are pretty calm and dreamy people, in contrast to their neighbors –
furious and emotional Spaniards. Besides, Portuguese natives dislike to be compared to Spaniards or any
other nation, as far as they strongly adhere to their historic
heritage. Deliberateness and uneventfulness areobvious attributes of the Portuguese in business and
at work. Late appearances are possible and acceptable. So, there is no surprise if tourists clash with
siesta phenomenon – from 12 AM – 3 PM all the institutions and shops are closed and phones remain
silent. This is a rest time caused by a baking sun and unbearable heat. In addition, Portuguese
restaurants also follow the idea of passive lifestyle – most of them are closed by 10 PM.
Clothes
Bright and vivid colors are a peculiar feature of Portuguese national clothes. Women
prefer bouffantlong skirts made of striped or checkered fabrics (known as saia), while men - shortened
leggings (calsas),waistcoats and sombreros. Kerchief is an obligatory part of the national costume of the
Portuguese women. Moreover, the national clothing style might vary regionally: from the rich and
colorful costumes in Minho to the shy dresses and black kerchiefs in Coimbra.
Music
Portugal people also can boast of national dances and music. Among folk dances preserved in the
culture one should know Vira, much similar to a common waltz, Corridinho, Fandango and many others.
Practically, all of them were originated in different regions, but, eventually, were distributed all over the
country. Music traditions of Portugal are much associated with Fado, a national genre carrying feelings
of sadness, loneliness and anguish. Therefore, it is not a surprise that fado songs were originated from
the word “fatum” (fate).
Faith
Most of the Portuguese are true-blue Catholics, which is also observed in national holidays and
celebrations. Commemoration of Saints and pilgrimages to holy places are typical and common
throughout the country. On feast days, marked with massive celebrations, it is essential to meet
churchmen holding images of canonized or Saints; then the holiday transforms into a lovely carnival with
performances and a staging of Bible plot lines. Probably, every Portuguese city can brag of multiple
churches and cathedrals, which points out respect and regard to Catholic religion.
Symbols
Speaking of specific national traditions in Portugal, grape and wines should be underlined. Grape is
considered a symbol of abundance and fireside comfort. It is also referred to the national New Year
tradition: at midnight a person should eat 12 grape berries with every stroke; simultaneously he or she
makes a wish for every month of the year.
The Portuguese are also skillful in handcrafts, which include wood-carving, jewelry and keepsakes
making and lace knitting. Most of the products might be purchased on the streets of travel resorts and
beaches.