Portugal

Portugal is a country in southwestern Europe on the Iberian peninsula, bordered by the Atlantic ocean to the west and Spain to the east and north. Its territory is mostly mountaineous in the north while the south features mostly rolling plains and a climate somewhat warmer and drier than the one in the north. Portugal was originally settled by Celts and later occupied by a number of forein powers, including the Romans, Suevi, Buri, Visigoths, and finally conquered by Moors in the 8th century. Portugal first became an independent country in 1139 AD. In the 15th century Portugal embarked on a series of discovery voyages, which resulted in the establishement of a worldwide colonial empire. Following the loss of its last colonies in 1975 Portugal experienced a deep economic crisis. The economy has made substantial progress since 1975, but still lags the major European economies in terms of competitiveness. Portugal has a mild mediterranean climate and a rich cultural heritage.