Portugal: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Portugal 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Portugal: 55
  • Happiness Score Portugal:6.030

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Portugal. PT.

    Portugal is a country located in Southern Europe, known for its parliamentary republic political structure. It has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional Fado music and historic architecture. Portugal has a strong economy, particularly in the tourism and wine industries.

    – Portugal was the first colonial power to abolish slavery in 1761.

  • – The country is home to the oldest bookshop in the world, the Bertrand Bookstore, which has been in operation since 1732.
  • – Portugal is famous for its delicious pastries, including the custard tart pastry known as Pastéis de Nata.

    Portugal – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History:

    The territory of present-day Portugal has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. The region was later home to various ancient civilizations, including the Iberians, Celts, and Carthaginians. The Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the 2nd century BC brought a significant cultural and architectural influence, leaving behind impressive ruins and landmarks.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    After the fall of the Roman Empire, Portugal was ruled by various Germanic tribes, including the Visigoths. In the 8th century, the Iberian Peninsula came under Moorish rule, ushering in an era of Islamic influence and the birth of the Caliphate of Córdoba. The Reconquista, a prolonged campaign by Christian kingdoms, eventually led to the establishment of the Kingdom of Portugal in 1139, with Afonso Henriques as its first king.

    Colonial Period:

    During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal embarked on an era of maritime exploration and colonial expansion, becoming a leading force in global trade and establishing a vast overseas empire. Under the leadership of figures like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, Portuguese navigators were instrumental in charting new trade routes and expanding their influence across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    Portugal gained independence from Spanish rule in 1640, marking the beginning of the House of Braganza dynasty. The country’s history in the modern era has been shaped by various conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, the Liberal Wars, and the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which saw the transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic system. Portugal joined the European Union in 1986 and has since undergone significant economic and social developments.

    Current Political Situation:

    Portugal is a semi-presidential republic with a multi-party parliamentary system. The current president is Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, elected in 2016. The prime minister is António Costa, who leads a coalition government formed by the Socialist Party and other left-wing parties.

    International Relations:

    Portugal maintains close ties with its European partners and is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The country has a longstanding alliance with the United Kingdom and maintains strong cultural and economic ties with its former colonies, particularly in Africa and South America.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Portugal has a developed economy, with major industries including tourism, textiles, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy. The country has made significant strides in human development, boasting a high life expectancy, literacy rates, and access to healthcare and education. However, economic challenges, such as high levels of public debt and youth unemployment, remain ongoing concerns.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Portugal is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including the iconic fado music, traditional azulejo tilework, and the unique Portuguese cuisine, influenced by its maritime history and overseas territories. The country is also home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the historic centers of Lisbon and Porto, the Alto Douro Wine Region, and the Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores.

    Challenges and Opportunities:

    Portugal continues to navigate economic challenges, including managing public debt, fostering innovation and competitiveness, and addressing issues like brain drain and aging population. However, the country’s strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and strong ties with the global Portuguese diaspora present opportunities for further economic growth and cultural exchange.

Main facts

Location

Portugal is located in southwestern Europe, situated on the Iberian Peninsula. It borders Spain to the east and north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. The country also includes the Azores and Madeira archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean.

Map References

Portugal is located in Southern Europe and is a part of the Iberian Peninsula.

Area – Comparative

With an area of approximately 92,212 square kilometers (35,603 square miles), Portugal is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Indiana.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Portugal shares a total land border of 1,214 kilometers (754 miles) with Spain, its only bordering country.

Coastline

Portugal has a coastline of 1,793 kilometers (1,114 miles) along the Atlantic Ocean, featuring numerous bays, capes, and beaches.

Maritime Claims

Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
Continental Shelf: 200 nautical miles or the edge of the continental margin

Climate

Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The Azores and Madeira archipelagos have a more temperate oceanic climate.

Terrain

The landscape of Portugal is diverse, with rugged hills and mountains in the north, rolling plains in the central regions, and a more arid climate in the south. The Tagus River is a major feature, flowing across the country.

Elevation Extremes

Highest point: Mount Pico (Pico Island, Azores) at 2,351 meters (7,713 feet)
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean at 0 meters

Natural Resources

Portugal’s major natural resources include fish, forests, iron ore, copper, zinc, tin, tungsten, silver, gold, uranium, marble, clay, gypsum, salt, arable land, and hydropower.

Major Bodies of Water

The major rivers in Portugal are the Tagus (shared with Spain), Douro, Guadiana (shared with Spain), Mondego, and Minho (shared with Spain). There are also several important lakes, such as the Alqueva Reservoir, which is shared with Spain.

Natural Hazards

Portugal is susceptible to several natural hazards, including earthquakes, volcanic activity in the Azores archipelago, forest fires, and occasional droughts.

Geography – Notes

Portugal’s strategic location along the Atlantic coast has played a significant role in its history as a maritime power and a hub for exploration and trade. The country’s diverse landscapes, from the mountainous north to the arid southern regions, contribute to its rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 34.60%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 48,742. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 39.50%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  39.399872-8.224454.
  • Capital: The capital of Portugal is  Lisbon
  • Major Cities: The major cities in Portugal and their populations are as follows:

    1. Lisbon – 505,526
    2. Porto – 287,591
    3. Vila Nova de Gaia – 302,295
    4. Amadora – 175,558
    5. Braga – 119,552

  • Population: 10,269,417
  • Area(Km2): 92212
  • Population Density( P/Km²):111. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:351
  • Official Language(s):Portugal is Portuguese, with 95% of the population speaking it as their primary language.
  • Currency: EUR

Main Economic Indicators

Portugal has a high-income, service-based economy that has become increasingly diversified over recent decades. Its key economic challenges include high public debt levels, low productivity growth, and an aging population. Notable economic policies aim to reduce the fiscal deficit and improve competitiveness through structural reforms.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2022: 8.0% (estimate)
2021: 1.3%
Source: International Monetary Fund

Credit Ratings

Fitch: BBB (Stable)
Moody’s: Baa2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BBB (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 2.2%
Industry: 19.6%
Services: 78.2%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Grain, potatoes, olives, grapes, fruits, beef, fish, and poultry.
Industrial Products: Textiles, footwear, wood products, machinery, paper, chemicals, and petroleum products.

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 5.2 million (2022 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: 79th in the world

Current Account Balance

2022: -$3.2 billion (estimate)
2021: -$2.1 billion
Comparative Ranking: 174th in the world

Exports and Imports

Exports: $69.9 billion (2021)
Key Export Partners: Spain, France, Germany, United States, United Kingdom
Main Exports: Machinery and equipment, vehicles, plastics, mineral fuels, and clothing.

Imports: $85.8 billion (2021)
Key Import Partners: Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands
Main Imports: Machinery and equipment, vehicles, mineral fuels, agricultural products, and chemicals.

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $27.5 billion (December 2022)
Gold Reserves: 382.5 metric tons (December 2021)

  • GDP (Current US$):$237,686,075,635. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 22.80%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 39.80%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.54. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $3.78. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 6.33%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Nationality (noun): Portuguese
Nationality (adjective): Portuguese

Ethnic Groups

  • Portuguese (81.8%)
  • Other European (6.6%)
  • African (4.9%)
  • Other (6.7%)

Religions

  • Roman Catholic (81%)
  • Other Christian (3.3%)
  • Muslim (0.6%)
  • Other (0.3%)
  • None (14.8%)

Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 13.7%
  • 15-64 years: 64.9%
  • 65 years and over: 21.4%

Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 52.2
Youth dependency ratio: 21.2
Elderly dependency ratio: 31

Median Age

Total: 43.2 years
Male: 41.2 years
Female: 45.2 years

Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 22.3%
  • Alcohol consumption: 12.3 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
  • Tobacco use: 24.8% of adults
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 81.3. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 97.2%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:8.5. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:12. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.38. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 84.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 6,753,579. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):27.70%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Portugal’s military consists of three branches: the Army, the Navy (including the Marine Corps and Naval Aviation), and the Air Force. The national police force, known as the Public Security Police, is responsible for internal security, while the National Republican Guard serves as a gendarmerie force with military status.

Military Expenditures

Portugal’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 1.38%
  • 2021: 1.32%
  • 2020: 1.42%
  • 2019: 1.39%
  • 2018: 1.33%

Portugal’s military spending is ranked [RANKING] globally.

Personnel Strengths

Portugal has approximately 29,000 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown by service branch:

  • Army: 15,000
  • Navy: 6,000
  • Air Force: 8,000

The National Republican Guard has an additional 25,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Portugal’s military equipment includes:

  • Main Battle Tanks: M60A3, Leopard 2A6
  • Infantry Fighting Vehicles: M113, Pandur II
  • Artillery: M109A5, Pandur II 30mm
  • Combat Aircraft: F-16 Fighting Falcon, EF-2000 Eurofighter Typhoon
  • Naval Assets: Frigates, Submarines, Patrol Vessels

Notable future acquisitions include the Boxer Armored Personnel Carrier and the KC-390 military transport aircraft.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Portugal has a voluntary military service system. The legal age for voluntary military service is 18-27 years old. Conscription was abolished in 2004.

Military Deployments

Portugal currently has military forces deployed in the following international missions:

  • NATO Mission in Kosovo: Approximately 300 personnel
  • United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA): Approximately 60 personnel

Strategic Military Notes

Portugal’s defense strategy focuses on collective security through participation in NATO and the European Union’s Common Security and Defense Policy. As a member of NATO, Portugal is committed to contributing forces to the alliance’s collective defense efforts and international peacekeeping operations.

Portugal also maintains close military partnerships with its former colonies, particularly in Africa, and participates in various UN and EU peacekeeping missions in the region.

  • Armed Forces Size: 24000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 5.12
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 58.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

Leave a Comment