Introduction.## Introduction to Portugal##Portugal is a country located in southwestern Europe, bordered by Spain to the north, Morocco to the northwest, Brazil to the northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and east. It has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with a unique cultural heritage that reflects its complex relationship with other nations. The Portuguese have played a significant role in European and world history, from the Age of Exploration to modern times.## Key Facts### Population: The estimated population of Portugal is approximately 10 million people, with the capital city Lisbon being one of the most populous cities in Europe.### Government: Portugal has a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, where the monarch serves as head of state and the prime minister is the head of government.### Language: Portuguese is the official language spoken by the vast majority of the population, although many other languages are also widely used in business and international communication.### Economy: Portugal has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, services, and agriculture, with strong ties to its European neighbors.### History### Ancient Times: The first inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula were the Celts and later the Romans, who established colonies and trading posts throughout the region. In 1139, the Portuguese kingdom was founded by Afonso Henriques, who would go on to play a key role in shaping Portugal's history.### Age of Exploration: Portugal's maritime explorations began in the 15th century, with Vasco da Gama leading an expedition to India in 1498. Christopher Columbus made several voyages to the Americas between 1492 and 1504. Portuguese navigators also established trade routes to Africa and Asia.### Colonization: Portugal colonized much of its former empire, including Brazil, which was established by Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500. The Portuguese established a strong presence in India, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.### Modern Times### In the late 19th century, Portugal experienced a period of economic decline and social unrest, which led to the fall of the monarchy in 1910. The country's political system was reformed in 1933, with Antonio de Oliveira Salazar becoming the first fascist leader of Portugal. During World War II, Portugal remained neutral, but was occupied by Germany during the war. After the war, Portugal transitioned to a democratic government and became an integrated member of European economic and social organizations.## Significant Contributions### Maritime¶