History of Portugal in Timeline
Portugal is a country located on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe. It is bordered by Spain to the north and east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west. Lisbon is the capital and largest city, followed by Porto. The Azores and Madeira archipelagos are autonomous regions of Portugal. Its location marks the westernmost point of continental Europe, sharing the longest uninterrupted border within the European Union with Spain.
October 1910: The 5 October 1910 revolution
In October 1910, the monarchy was replaced with the Portuguese First Republic.
October 1910: Coup d'état overthrows Monarchy
On 5 October 1910, a coup d'état overthrew the monarchy and the Republic was proclaimed.
1910: End of the House of Braganza
The House of Braganza reigned until 1910.
1911: Children born per woman data
In 1911, there were 5 children born per woman.
1911: Spain claims Savage Islands
The islands have been claimed by Spain since 1911.
May 1926: Coup d'état and creation of the National Dictatorship
In May 1926, a coup d'état led to the creation of the National Dictatorship (Ditadura Nacional).
1933: Creation of the Estado Novo
In 1933, the right-wing dictatorship of the Estado Novo (New State), under António de Oliveira Salazar was created.
1940: Concordata
In 1940, the Concordata between Portugal and the Holy See was established.
1949: Founding member of NATO
Portugal is a founding member of NATO since 1949.
1949: Organisation of Ibero-American States
Portugal was a full member of the Organisation of Ibero-American States in 1949.
1954: Loss of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
In 1954, pro-Indian residents of Dadra and Nagar Haveli separated those territories from Portuguese rule.
1955: Portugal joins the United Nations
In 1955, Portugal joined the United Nations.
1956: Establishment of Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
In 1956, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation was established in Lisbon.
1957: Last terrestrial volcanic eruption
The last terrestrial volcanic eruption occurred in 1957–58 (Capelinhos).
1960: Founding member of EFTA
Portugal is a founding member of EFTA since 1960.
1961: Loss of Overseas Territory
In 1961, Portugal lost the Indian overseas territory.
1961: Annexation of Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá and Loss of Goa
In 1961, the annexation of Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá and the loss of Goa marked the start of the dissolution of the Portuguese Empire.
1961: Founding member of OECD
Portugal is a founding member of the OECD since 1961.
1961: Civil Procedure Code
The main laws include the Civil Procedure Code (1961).
1966: FIFA World Cup
In 1966, Portugal finished third in the FIFA World Cup.
1968: Marcelo Caetano takes over
From 1968 Marcelo Caetano governed the authoritarian and conservative Estado Novo regime.
1971: Government purchased Savage Islands
In 1971 the government purchased the Savage Islands and established a natural reserve area covering the whole archipelago.
1971: Amendment to Concordata
In 1971, the 1940 Concordata between Portugal and the Holy See was amended.
April 1974: Carnation Revolution
In April 1974, the Carnation Revolution led to the independence of territories and restoration of democracy.
1974: Carnation Revolution
In 1974, the Carnation Revolution occurred, marking the end of a notable phase of economic expansion in Portugal.
1974: End of the Portuguese Colonial War
The Portuguese Colonial War lasted from 1961 till 1974.
1974: Coup of 1974
The territories continued to be represented in the National Assembly until the coup of 1974.
1975: Independence of Portuguese African territories
By 1975, all Portuguese African territories were independent.
1975: Tensions rise, country on the verge of civil war
By the summer of 1975, tensions were so high, that the country was on the verge of civil war.
1975: Loss of Overseas Territory
In 1975, Portugal lost the African overseas territory.
1976: Portuguese Constitution
In 1976, the separation of church and state was reiterated in the Portuguese Constitution.
1976: Portuguese legislative election of 1976
Portugal continued to be governed by a National Salvation Junta until the Portuguese legislative election of 1976, which was won by the Portuguese Socialist Party and Mário Soares, its leader, became prime minister.
1976: Ratification of the Constitution of 1976
Portugal has been a semi-presidential representative democratic republic since the ratification of the Constitution of 1976.
1976: Establishment of Autonomous Regions
Since 1976, the largest administrative units in Portugal are either mainland Portugal or the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira.
1977: Pursuit of IMF stabilisation programs in 1977
Portugal's economic situation after the revolution obliged the government to pursue International Monetary Fund (IMF)-monitored stabilisation programmes in 1977–78.
1978: Mário Soares continues as prime minister in 1978
Mário Soares was prime minister until 1978.
1982: Penal Code
The main laws include the Penal Code of Portugal (1982).
1982: Constitution revisions of 1982
Until the revisions of 1982, the constitution had references to socialism, the rights of workers, and the desirability of a socialist economy.
1983: Mário Soares becomes prime minister again in 1983
Mário Soares became prime minister again from 1983.
1983: Full member of the Latin Union
Portugal was a full member of the Latin Union in 1983.
1983: Pursuit of IMF stabilisation programs in 1983
Portugal's economic situation after the revolution obliged the government to pursue International Monetary Fund (IMF)-monitored stabilisation programmes in 1983–85.
1985: Mário Soares continues as prime minister until 1985
Mário Soares was prime minister until 1985.
1986: Portugal joins the European Economic Community
In 1986 Portugal alongside Spain, joined the European Economic Community.
1986: Joined EEC
Portugal has been a net beneficiary of the European Union budget since it joined the union, then known as EEC, in 1986.
1989: Constitution revisions of 1989
Until the revisions of 1989, the constitution had references to socialism, the rights of workers, and the desirability of a socialist economy.
1993: Became the European Union
The European Economic Community became the European Union in 1993.
1995: Implementation of Schengen Area rules
In 1995, Portugal started to implement Schengen Area rules, eliminating border controls with other Schengen members.
1996: Co-founded the Community of Portuguese Language Countries
In 1996, Portugal co-founded the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).
1998: Nobel Prize in Literature
José Saramago was the recipient of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Literature.
1999: Loss of Overseas Territory
In 1999, Portugal lost the Far East Asian overseas territory.
1999: Macau handed over to China and founding of the Eurozone
In 1999, Portugal's last overseas territory, Macau, was peacefully handed over to China and it was one of the founding countries of the euro and eurozone.
2000: WHO Ranking
In 2000, Portugal's healthcare system was ranked 12th by the World Health Organisation.
2000: Euro Transition Began
In 2000, the euro began transitioning from the Portuguese Escudo.
2000: Natura 2000 network
Over 22% of Portugal's land area is included in the Natura 2000 network.
2001: Drug decriminalisation declared
In 2001, Portugal decriminalized all common drugs, becoming the first country to allow usage and personal possession.
2001: Religious Freedom Act
In 2001, the Religious Freedom Act was established.
2001: Gross agricultural product
In 2001, the gross agricultural product accounted for 4% of Portugal's economy.
2002: Euro Consolidated
In 2002, the Euro was consolidated as Portugal's national currency.
2002: Independence of East Timor recognised
In 2002, the independence of East Timor was formally recognised by Portugal.
2003: Establishment of Smaller Metropolitan Areas
From 2003, smaller metropolitan areas (Algarve, Aveiro, Coimbra, Minho, and Viseu) held metropolitan area status.
2003: Anti-discrimination employment law added
In 2003, Portugal added an anti-discrimination employment law based on sexual orientation.
2004: José Manuel Barroso nominated President of the European Commission
In 2004 José Manuel Barroso was nominated President of the European Commission.
2004: Sexual orientation added to the Constitution
In 2004, sexual orientation was added to the Constitution as a characteristic protected from discrimination.
2005: MTV Europe Music Awards in Lisbon
In 2005, Portugal held the MTV Europe Music Awards in Pavilhão Atlântico, Lisbon.
2005: Higher Education Statistics
In 2005, all higher education students, both domestic and international, totalled 380,937.
2006: Passengers and Goods
In 2006, CP carried 133,000,000 passengers and 9,750,000 tonnes of goods.
2006: Lisbon Tourist Numbers
In 2006, Lisbon attracted the sixteenth-most tourists among European cities, with seven million tourists.
2006: FIFA World Cup
In 2006, Portugal finished fourth in the FIFA World Cup.
2006: Adoption of the Bologna Process
In 2006, the Bologna process was adopted by Portuguese universities and poly-technical institutes.
2006: Solar Power Plant Began Operating
In 2006, the world's then largest solar power plant, the Moura Photovoltaic Power Station, began operating.
July 2007: First EU-Brazil summit
In July 2007, Portugal hosted the first EU–Brazil summit.
December 2007: Second EU-African Union summit and signing of the Treaty of Lisbon
In December 2007, Portugal hosted the second EU–African Union summit and the signing of the Treaty of Lisbon.
2007: Financial crisis
During the financial crisis of 2007-2008, many people emigrated from Portugal.
2008: Financial crisis
During the financial crisis of 2007-2008, many people emigrated from Portugal.
2008: Citizenship Aquisition
From 2008 to 2022, more than 340,000 resident foreigners acquired Portuguese citizenship.
2008: Conversion to Intermunicipal Communities
In 2008, several smaller metropolitan areas were converted into intermunicipal communities.
2008: Aguçadoura Wave Farm Opened
In 2008, the world's first commercial wave power farm, the Aguçadoura Wave Farm, opened in the Norte region.
December 2009: Treaty of Lisbon enters into force
On December 2009 the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force.
2009: HIV infection cases dropped
By 2009, HIV infection cases in Portugal had dropped by 50 percent following the 2001 drug decriminalization.
2009: PISA Assessment Level
In 2009, the PISA assessment was near below average.
November 2010: NATO summit
In November 2010, Portugal hosted the NATO summit.
2010: Electricity Exports Outnumbered Imports
As of 2010, electricity exports had outnumbered imports and 70% of energy came from renewable sources.
2010: Same-sex marriage legalized
In 2010, Portugal legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the sixth country in Europe and eighth in the world to do so.
2010: Diabetes Mortality Rate
In 2010, Portugal's diabetes mortality rate was 4.5%.
2010: Incarceration rate rose
Since 2010, Portugal's incarceration rate has been on the rise.
2010: Compulsory Secondary Education
Since 2010, secondary education (three years) became compulsory in Portugal.
May 2011: Bailout from EU and IMF
In May 2011, Portugal received a 78-billion-euro bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund due to a severe recession.
2011: Negotiations with IMF and EU for a loan
In 2011, Portugal negotiated a loan with the IMF and the European Union to stabilise its finances.
2011: Innovation Scoreboard
The European Innovation Scoreboard 2011, placed Portugal-based innovation 15th.
2012: PISA Assessment Level
In 2012, the PISA assessment was near below average.
2013: Municipalities subdivided
After a reform in 2013, Portugal's municipalities were subdivided into civil parishes.
2013: Local Government Reform
Since the 2013 local government reform, Lisbon and Porto are the only two metropolitan areas with administrative legal status.
2014: Best European Country
In 2014, Portugal was elected The Best European Country by USA Today.
2014: Discovery of Aroeira 3 skull
In 2014, the 400,000-year-old Aroeira 3 H. Heidelbergensis skull, the oldest human fossil found in Portugal, was discovered in the Cave of Aroeira.
2015: PISA Assessment Level
In 2015, mean performance was at a similar level in previous PISA assessments.
2016: Births to unmarried women
In 2016, 53% of births were to unmarried women.
2016: LGBT adoption allowed
Since 2016, LGBT adoption has been allowed in Portugal, as has female same-sex couple access to medically assisted reproduction.
2017: Europe's Leading Destination
In 2017, Portugal was elected Europe's Leading Destination.
2017: Eurovision Song Contest Victory
In 2017, Portugal won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Amar pelos dois".
2017: Law of Gender Identity simplified
In 2017, the Law of Gender Identity simplified the legal process for transgender people to change their gender and name.
2017: Added to UNESCO's world heritage list
The Selvagens Islands have been tentatively added to UNESCO's world heritage list in 2017.
2018: UEFA Nations League Victory
In 2018, Portugal finished first in the UEFA Nations League.
2018: Hosted Eurovision Song Contest
In 2018, Portugal hosted the Eurovision Song Contest.
2018: World's Leading Destination
In 2018, Portugal was elected World's Leading Destination.
2018: Tax breaks for returning emigrants
In 2018, Portugal's parliament approved a budget plan for 2019 that included tax breaks for returning emigrants.
2018: PISA Assessment
In 2018, according to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Portugal scored around the OECD average in reading, mathematics and science.
2018: Rights for gender identity protected
In 2018, the right to gender identity and gender expression self-determination became protected and intersex minors were protected from unnecessary medical procedures.
2018: OECD Economic Recovery Reports
Since 2018, OECD economic reports show recovery in Portugal.
2019: World's Leading Destination
In 2019, Portugal was elected World's Leading Destination.
2019: Social Justice Index
In 2019, Portugal was ranked 24th in the Social Justice Index in the EU.
2019: Global Competitiveness Report
The Global Competitiveness Report for 2019, published by the World Economic Forum, placed Portugal 34th.
2021: Census on Religious Affiliation
According to the 2021 Census, 80.2% of the Portuguese population was Roman Catholic Christian.
2021: HDI Data
In 2021, Portugal's Human Development Index (HDI) was 0.874.
2021: National Statistics Institute Study
In 2021, a National Statistics Institute study was conducted, shortly after the census, regarding racial identification.
2021: Religion Census
In 2021, data was collected for religion in Portugal.
2021: Diabetes Mortality Rate
In 2021, the diabetes mortality rate decreased to 2.8%.
2021: Recognition of Barranquenho
Since 2021, Barranquenho, a particular dialect spoken in Barrancos, is also officially recognised and protected in Portugal.
2021: Adult Literacy Rate
The total adult literacy rate in Portugal was 99.8% in 2021.
2022: Emigration and Immigration Rates
In 2022, Portugal's emigration rate increased to 6.9‰, while the immigration rate was around 11.3‰.
2022: National Statistics Institute Study
In 2022, according to an INE study, over 262,000 people aged 18-74 identified as Mixed-race.
2022: Foreign Residents Acquiring Citizenship
In 2022, almost 21,000 foreign residents acquired Portuguese citizenship.
2022: Labour productivity data
In 2022, labour productivity in Portugal had fallen to the fourth lowest among the 27 EU member-states.
2022: Rent Increase and Inflation
In 2022, rents in Lisbon jumped 37%, and the inflation rate was 8%.
2022: Gross agricultural product
In 2022, the gross agricultural product accounted for 2% of Portugal's economy.
2022: Immigrant Population Statistics
In 2022, the statistical office figures suggested that 16.1% of the country's population were first generation immigrants.
January 2023: Prison Population Count
As of January 2023, Portugal's prison population was about 12,257 inmates.
December 2023: Population Estimate
By December 31, 2023, the population of Portugal was estimated to be 10,639,726.
2023: Eurostat Health Opinion Poll
A Eurostat opinion-poll in 2023 found that 55.4% of adults rated their health as good or very good.
2023: Tourism Sector
As of 2023, nearly half of real GDP growth in Portugal was due to the tourism sector, accounting for 16.5% of GDP.
2023: Military personnel numbers
As of 2023, the Portuguese armed forces numbered 24.000 military personnel.
2023: Number of Foreign Tourists
By 2023, Portugal received more than 26.5 million foreign tourists.
2023: GDP Per Capita (PPP)
By the end of 2023, Portugal's GDP (PPP) was $47,209 per capita, according to the World Bank.
2023: Debt as percentage of GDP fell below 100 percent
By the end of 2023, the share of Portugal's debt as a percentage of GDP fell below 100 percent, to 97.9%.
2023: Economic Growth and Decreasing Inflation
In 2023 economic growth continued, while inflation decreased to 5%.
2023: GDP per capita and export data
In 2023, Portugal's GDP per capita was 83% of the EU27 average, and total exports represented 47.4% of its GDP.
2023: Immigrant Background Study
In 2023, a National Statistics Institute study found that 13% of the population has an immigrant background.
2023: National Statistics Institute Study
In 2023, according to an INE study, 6.4 million people aged 18-74 identified as White.
2023: Euthanasia approved
In 2023, euthanasia was approved in Portugal after several parliamentary reviews, but legislation is yet to be defined and implemented.
2023: Median age and citizens over 65 data
In 2023, the median age was 46 and it had the world's 4th highest number of citizens over 65 years, at 21.8% of the whole population.
2023: Numbeo Quality of Life Index
The Numbeo quality of life index placed Portugal 20th in the world in 2023.
2024: Infant Mortality Rate
As of 2024, Portugal's infant mortality rate was 2.25 deaths per 1,000 live births.
2024: Debt as percentage of GDP fell further
By the end of 2024, the share of Portugal's debt as a percentage of GDP fell further, to 95.3%.
2024: Inflation Downward Trend
In 2024 the annual inflation in Portugal continued a downward trend ending at 2.3%.
2024: Median Life Expectancy
In 2024 the median life expectancy in Portugal was 82.8 years.
2024: Average Gross Salary
In 2024, the average gross salary in Portugal was €1,602 per month.
2024: Global Innovation Index
Portugal was ranked 31st in the Global Innovation Index in 2024.
2025: Minimum Wage
As of 2025, the minimum wage in Portugal is €870 per month (paid 14 times per annum).
2025: Healthcare System Ranking
In 2025, Portugal was ranked as the 23rd best healthcare system in the world.
2025: Forecasted Economic Growth and Inflation
In 2025, the economy is expected to continue growing at 1.9% annually, while inflation is forecast at 2.1%.
2027: Rugby World Cup Qualification
The Portuguese national rugby union team qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
2080: Population projection
According to projections by the national statistics office, Portugal's population will fall to 7.7 million by 2080.
