Portugal has a surface area of 91,642 km² and a population of approximately 10 million. Together with Spain, it forms the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is situated on the Atlantic Ocean and has a sea climate with mild winters and warm summers. The southernmost province, Algarve, is a popular place for northern Europeans to spend the winter. The river Tagus divides the country in two with green hills to the north and low dry plains to the south.

The port vineyards are situated in the Douro river valley in northern Portugal. In the past port was transported to the city of Porto by boat. Every year a big festival - one of the biggest events in the country - is held to celebrate the wine harvest. Cork oak, olive and almond trees grow abundantly in the south. Portugal is also known for its colourful pottery.

The capital, Lisbon, is an important port and home to about one-fifth of the inhabitants of Portugal. Pottery, cork, sardines, tomato sauce and wine are shipped all over the world from its port. Lisbon is an ancient city, but most of the houses date from the 18^th century. In 1755 Lisbon was hit by a major earthquake, which destroyed two-thirds of the city.
 

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. One of its most famous sites is the double bridge built by Eiffel. The famous ships that carry casks of port are moored in the city’s harbour.

The Portuguese consume more fish than any other people in Europe. The best-known fish in Portugal is bacalhau: salt-cured and semi-dried fish, served in variety of dishes. Other staples of the Portuguese diet include rice, potatoes and cabbage, enjoyed to the accompaniment of native wines, such as Dão and Vinho Verde. The Portuguese island of Madeira is known for the eponymous sweet wine. 
 

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