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Subjected to regular invasions, Portugal has been home to a succession of inhabitants over the centuries, shaping the face of the country we know today.
The Roman era, which lasted from the 1st to the 5th century A.D., left an indelible mark on the landscape. The Romans also lent the Portuguese their language, which is largely Latin-based with some Arabic influences. The Moorish occupation lasted from the 8th to the mid-12th century.
One can trace its modern history to 1140 AD when, following a 9-year rebellion against the King of Leon-Castile, Afonso Henriques became the country's first king. The approximate present-day boundaries were secured in 1249 by Afonso III.
By 1337, Portuguese explorers had reached the Canary Islands. Inspired by Prince Henry the Navigator (1394-1460), explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias, and Pedro Alvares Cabral made explorations from Brazil to India and Japan. Portugal eventually became a massive colonial empire with vast territories in Africa and Latin America (Brazil) and outposts in the Far East (East Timor, Macau, Goa).
Unlike most other European countries, Portugal did not play a combatant role in World War II. It was a charter member of NATO, joining in 1949.
In the early 1960s, wars with independence movements in Portugal's African territories began to drain labour and wealth from Portugal. Professional dissatisfaction within the military, coupled with a growing sense of the futility of the African conflicts, led to the formation of the clandestine 'Armed Forces Movement' in 1973.
The downfall of the Portuguese corporate state came on April 25, 1974, when the Armed Forces Movement seized power in a nearly bloodless coup and established a provisional military government.
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The Portuguese have a close affinity to the sea. For centuries their famed mariners led the way in the exploration of Africa and the Americas, and opened trade routes to the East.
The country became a strong colonial power, and remained so until the mid-20th century, resulting in distinctive foreign influences on the local culture and architecture.
From Africa, for example, was imported the now traditional, sentimental fado music, which is one of the country’s unique experiences for visitors, particularly in the cafés of Lisbon.
From the visitor's point of view the compactness of the country makes it easy to take in all the best elements: sandy beaches, scenery, history, wonderful cuisine, lively entertainment, charming handcrafts, thrilling nightlife, country fairs, excellent sporting facilities and warm, friendly people.
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