PORTUGAL-FUN FACTS

Here are some fun facts we learned about Portugal this week:

 

Pioneers of Exploration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Portuguese have always been known for their exploration prowess. They led the way when it came to exploration. The most famous were  Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, Bartholomeu Dias and Gaspar and Miguel Corte Real. 

 

Pastries

 

Catholic monasteries of the Middle Ages are responsible for the wide range of famous Portuguese pastries today, including: the pastéis de Belém (or pastéis de nata) from Lisbon and ovos moles from Aveiro.

Soccer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The most popular sport in Portugal is football (soccer), the national team finished 3rd in the 1966 World Cup, 2nd in Euro 2004, and 4th in 2006 World Cup. Christiano Rinaldo, Famous Portuguese player is considered one of the best in the world.

 

 

Half of the "New World" once belonged to Portugal

In 1494, the Treaty of Tordesillas was signed which essentially gave Portugal the eastern half of the "New Word", including Brazil, Africa, and Asia. The Portuguese Empire was actually the first global empire in history! It was also one of the longest-lived colonial powers, lasting for almost six centuries from when Ceuta was captured in 1415, until Macau (now China) was handed-over in 1999. In 1808, the King of Portugal, Dom João moved to Brazil and proclaimed a single state which included Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves. The single state was called the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, which was effective from 1815-1822. The new capital of the kingdom was Rio de Janeiro. The kingdom was disestablished in 1822 after the King returned to Portugal in 1821, leaving his son, Prince Dom Pedro to rule Brazil who in turn declared independence from Portugal.

 

Portuguese is the official language of 9 countries

Over 236 million people world-wide are native Portuguese speakers. Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Principe, Sao Tome, and Equatorial Guinea. Portuguese is also spoken in Goa (India), Macao, and East Timor.

 

Portugal is the oldest country in Europe

Portugal has had the same defined borders since 1139, making it the oldest nation-state in Europe. Afonso Henriques was proclaimed the first King of Portugal in 1139 and the country remained a kingdom for almost 800 years thereafter, until 1910.

 

 

The oldest bookstore in the world is in Portugal's capital

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Bertrand bookstore (pictured above, located at the corner), was established in 1732, is located in the capital of Portugal - Lisbon.

 

Portugal is the largest cork producer in the world

Portugal produces 70% of the world's cork exports. Main importers of Portuguese cork are: Germany, the U.K., and the U.S. The country also has the largest cork forest.

 

 One of the oldest universities in Europe is in Portugal

The University of Coimbra was established in 1290, making it one of the oldest universities on the European continent.

 

Portuguese Fado was classified as world cultural heritage by UNESCO

Fado (fate in Portuguese) is a music genre that originates in urban Lisbon. It's a type of mournful and heart-touching folk music sung by the common people. The music genre was recently added to the World's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
 

Portugal was the first colonial power to abolish slavery

Portugal abolished slavery all the way back in 1761 - that's half a century before Britain, France, Spain, or the United States.