92,345 sq km (35,655 sq miles).

9,927,400 (1996).

108.0 per sq km.

Lisbon.

2,048,000 (1992).

Portugal occupies the southwest part of the Iberian Peninsula and shares borders in the north and the east with Spain, while to the south and west lies the Atlantic Ocean. The country is divided into various provinces, including the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores; the latter lying some 1220km (760 miles) due west of Lisbon. The Douro, Tagus and Guadiana rivers flow across the border from Spain. North Portugal is mountainous, the highest part being the Serra da Estrela, a popular area for skiing. South of Lisbon stretch the vast plains of the Alentejo region. A range of mountains divides the Alentejo from the Algarve, which runs along the south coast, and is one of the most popular resort areas with wide sandy beaches and attractive bays.

Republic since 1910. Gained independence from Spain in 1640. Head of State: President Jorge Fernando Branco de Sampaio since 1996. Head of Government: Prime Minister António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres since 1995.

Portuguese. English is widely spoken within the business community.

Roman Catholic.

GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

220 volts AC, 50Hz. 110 volts in some areas and 220 DC in parts of the south. Continental 2-pin plugs are in use.