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Portugal Official Facts
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Population: 10,707,924
- Currency: Euro
- Major Religions:
Roman Catholic - Major Exports:
Clothing and footwear, machinery, chemicals, cork and paper products, hides
Weather in Portugal
Portugal has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry throughout Portugal, particularly in the Algarve, which experiences very little rain. However refreshing sea breezes make for pleasant conditions. Winters are cold and wet, particularly in the northern and west coast regions. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant.
Teaching Abroad in Portugal Overview:
Portugal is an unrivaled country that borders Spain in Western Europe. You may not know this but 60 percent of the corks used in the world are created in Portugal. That fact may not be significant enough for you to plan a trip or start an English teaching career. But once you arrive in Portugal, the booming nightlife, wild ocean beaches and traditional folk festivals will captivate any traveler or language instructor into an extended stay. The food is scrumptious and the various wines unique to the region complement each and every dish. Fill up on the various delicacies as you will need your energy when you make your way through hill-top villages sure to transport you to a place and time that is uniquely Portuguese. Working in Portugal puts this distinctive land and people center stage for your enjoyment. Tudo bem. (All good.)
Interesting Facts About Portugal
- Although bull-fighting is a popular spectator sport in Portugal, it's in the country's law that you cannot kill the bull.
- The Portuguese are great explorers. Portuguese is an official language in nine different countries and is spoken by 230 million people.
- The Portuguese are very green. Portugal has the world's oldest commercial solar and wind energy plants.
- Many of the streets in Lisbon are paved black and white. The black represents the holy attire of Saint Vincent while the white symbolizes the outfits of the Crusaders who vanquished the Moors.
- The University of Coimbra, established in 1290, is one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Highlights of Working Abroad in Portugal
- Be a part of the vibrant nightlife of Bairro Alto, Lisbon.
- Catch some rays on the sandy beaches of Costa da Carparica.
- Explore the revitalized medieval district of the Alfama in Lisbon.
- Eat sardinhas asadas, (charcoal grilled sardines) or pasties de nata, (custard tarts).
- Top your meal off with some vinhos, (wine) or tawny port.
Festivals in Portugal
Feast of St. Anthony - June 12-14 in Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal
On the feast of day of St. Anthony, patron saint of Lisbon, the capital city goes crazy for sardines! Yes, those tiny salty fish are grilled outside little houses and restaurants throughout the entire city! The aromas are certainly hard to miss! These tasty treats are consumed in honor of Anthony of Padua. The tradition relates to a remarkable event that occurred while the 13th century Catholic saint was in Rimini, Italy. Saddened and disappointed that the locals would not listen to his sermons, he wandered to the shore to confide in the fish, hence the celebration of fish.
This annual tradition is celebrated with a parade along Avenida de Liberdade complete with colorful decorations including streamers, paper lanterns and bright lights. The fun doesn't end there; single girls carry out all sorts of rituals to implore Anthony, known as the matchmaker saint, to help them find a worthy husband.
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