Portugal

The republic of Portugal is located in the southwestern part of

Europe, situated in the western portion of the Iberian Peninsula,

bordered by Spain on the north and east and by the Atlantic Ocean

on the south and west. The Azores and Madeira Islands in the

Atlantic are independent regions of Portugal, considered integral

parts of the republic. Portugal administers one overseas

territory, Macau (Macao) in eastern Asia near Hong Kong. Macau is

scheduled to return to Chinese administration in 1999. The total

area of metropolitan Portugal, including the Azores (2247 sq.

km./868 sq. mi.) and the Madeira Islands (794 sq. km./307 sq.

mi.), is 92,345 sq. km. (35,655 sq.mi.). The capital and the

largest city is Lisbon.

Climate varies in Portugal according to the altitude in

which you are located. Low temperatures occur only in the

comparatively low regions of the south. The mean annual

temperature north of the Douro River is about 10 C (about 50 F).

Between Tajo and Douro the temperature is about 16 C (about 60

F). The temperatures in the valley of the Guadiana are at about

18 C (about 65 F). Rainfall is very heavy, especially in the

north.

Minerals are the most valuable natural resources in

Portugal. Much of these resources were developed until after

World War 2 (1939-1945). Some of the mineral resources are coal,

copper,