12 interesting things you should know about Portugal

Portugal is a wonderful country with many beautiful landscapes, rich in historical values ​​and traditional culture. Where to go, you can clearly feel the national identity with typical, rich and diverse customs and traditions. In addition, the Portuguese people are also extremely friendly and hospitable.

If you are planning to travel this summer, Portugal is not a bad choice. Find out what's interesting about this beautiful country!

1. Half the world once belonged to Portugal

Portuguese flag.

In 1494, Spain and Portugal signed the Tordesillas Agreement on the delimitation of the boundaries of the sphere of influence and the land used as colonies. In particular, Portugal has the right to rule the eastern half of the world, including Brazil, Africa and Asia. The Portuguese Empire at that time was actually the first global empire in history. It is also one of the longest-lived colonial powers, lasting nearly six centuries since the city of Ceuta was occupied in 1415, until Macau returned to China in 1999. In 1808, the king of Portugal Nha, Dom João moved to Brazil and announced the establishment of a state which included Portugal, Brazil and Algarves. This state is called the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and Algarves from 1815 to 1822. The kingdom's new capital is Rio de Janeiro. The kingdom collapsed in 1822 after the king returned to Portugal in 1821, leaving his son, Prince Dom Pedro, ruling Brazil, who claimed Brazil to be independent and separated from Portugal. .

2. Portuguese is the official language of 9 countries

Portuguese is the mother tongue of more than 236 million people worldwide. In particular, Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Angola, Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique Republic, Principe, Sao Tome and Republic Equatorial Guinea. In addition, Portuguese is also used in Goa (India), Macau, and East Timor.

3. Portugal is the oldest country in Europe

Because the kingdom was established, recognized in 1143 and has a stable border in 1249, it can be said that Portugal is the oldest nation in Europe . In 1139, when Afonso Henriques first declared himself a Portuguese emperor, the country remained a kingdom for nearly 800 years until 1910.

4. Portugal was the first colonial state to abolish slavery

Portugal abolished slavery in 1761 - more than half a century before other colonial capitalist countries like Britain, France, Spain, or the United States.

5. Portugal owns the oldest bookstore in the World

Bookstore Bertrand was founded in 1732, located in the capital of Portugal - Lisbon.

6. Portugal is the world's largest cork producer

Portugal produces 70% of cork exports in the world. The main importer of Portuguese cork is: Germany, England and America. The country also has the largest cork forest.

7. One of the oldest universities in Europe is in Portugal

Coimbra University.

Coimbra University was founded in 1290. Currently, the school has about 20,000 students and is home to the largest community of international students in Portugal.

8. Portugal has the longest bridge in Europe

Vasco Gama da Gama Bridge.

Vasco Gama da Gama Bridge in Lisbon is 10.5 miles long (17km) and is the longest bridge in Europe.

9. Portugal and England have the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world

The Anglo-Portuguese alliance agreement was signed in 1373 and is in effect today. Previously, both countries entered the war to protect each other, including when the United Kingdom entered the Iberian Peninsula war and when Portugal entered World War I.

10. Portugal is one of the world's top surfing spots

Portugal has a coastline stretching 497 miles (800km) and can surf up to 364 days a year.

Tram in Lisbon.

11. In 1755, Lisbon was once shaken by one of the 10 most powerful earthquakes in human history

On November 1, 1755, Lisbon was struck by an earthquake of about 8.5 magnitude, followed by a tsunami, a fire that made the city a ruin. Furthermore, the earthquake occurred on the day of the big fire on All Saints Day, which killed 275,000 people and 85% of buildings were destroyed. The terrible devastation of this earthquake is still mentioned today.

12. Portugal Fado is classified as a UNESCO world cultural heritage

Fado (meaning "fate" in Portuguese) is a genre of music originating in the city of Lisbon. It is a kind of mournful and moving folk music. The genre of music has been added to the list of intangible cultural heritage of the world.