History of Portugal in Timeline
Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is located on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe. It includes the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. Holding the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Portugal shares its western and southern borders with the Atlantic Ocean, while its eastern border with Spain forms the EU's longest uninterrupted border. Portugal comprises two autonomous regions and mainland Portugal, with Lisbon as its capital and largest city. Popular tourist destinations include Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve.
October 1910: Coup D'état and Establishment of the Republic
In October 1910, a coup d'état took place in Portugal, leading to the overthrow of the monarchy and the proclamation of a republic. The event marked a turning point in Portuguese history, as it ended centuries of monarchical rule and ushered in a new era of republicanism.
1910: Revolution and Establishment of the First Portuguese Republic
In 1910, a revolution took place in Portugal, leading to the overthrow of the monarchy that had ruled for almost 800 years. This paved the way for the establishment of the democratic but unstable Portuguese First Republic.
1910: End of the House of Braganza
The year 1910 marked the end of the House of Braganza's reign in Portugal, which had begun in 1640. The House of Braganza had a significant impact on Portuguese history, overseeing periods of exploration, colonial expansion, and economic prosperity, particularly during the gold rush in Brazil in the 18th century.
1911: Peak Fertility Rate in Portugal
Portugal experienced its highest fertility rate in 1911, with an average of 5 children born per woman.
1911: Spanish Claim
The Savage Islands have been claimed by Spain since 1911.
May 1926: Coup D'état and the Rise of the National Dictatorship
May 1926 witnessed a coup d'état in Portugal, which resulted in the establishment of the National Dictatorship (Ditadura Nacional), effectively ending the First Portuguese Republic. This event was a consequence of the political instability and economic woes that plagued the young republic, paving the way for authoritarian rule.
1933: Establishment of the Estado Novo Regime
In 1933, the Estado Novo (New State), a right-wing dictatorship led by António de Oliveira Salazar, was established in Portugal. This marked the beginning of a period of authoritarian rule that would last for several decades. The Estado Novo regime had a profound impact on Portuguese society, shaping its political, economic, and social landscape.
1935: Fernando Pessoa's Death
Fernando Pessoa, a prominent figure in modern Portuguese literature, passed away in 1935.
1940: Concordat between Portugal and the Holy See
Portugal and the Holy See signed a Concordata in 1940, outlining their relationship, and it was later amended in 1971.
1949: NATO
Portugal became a founding member of NATO in 1949.
1949: Organization of Ibero-American States
Portugal was a full member of the Organization of Ibero-American States in 1949.
1954: Dadra and Nagar Haveli Separate from Portuguese Rule
In 1954, the territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli broke away from Portuguese control. This event, driven by pro-Indian residents, marked an early sign of the growing challenges to Portuguese colonial rule in India.
1955: United Nations
Portugal became a member state of the United Nations in 1955.
1955: Portugal Joins the United Nations
Portugal joined the United Nations in 1955, signifying its reintegration into the international community and its commitment to international cooperation. This move came at a time when Portugal was seeking to redefine its global image and assert its presence on the world stage during a period of decolonization.
1956: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, dedicated to the promotion of arts, charity, science, and education, was established in Lisbon in 1956.
1957: Volcanic Eruption
The last terrestrial volcanic eruption in Portugal occurred in 1957-58 at Capelinhos.
1960: EFTA
Portugal became a founding member of EFTA in 1960.
1961: Start of the Portuguese Colonial War
The Portuguese Colonial War, which began in 1961, was a pivotal event in Portuguese history. The war, fought across Portugal's African colonies, marked a period of intense conflict and upheaval for the country, eventually leading to the fall of the Estado Novo regime and the independence of its colonies.
1961: Annexation of Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá and Beginning of the End for the Portuguese Empire
The annexation of the Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá by the Republic of Dahomey in 1961 marked a significant turning point in the history of the Portuguese Empire. This event, along with the conflict in Goa, signaled the beginning of the empire's decline and eventual dissolution.
1961: OECD
Portugal became a founding member of the OECD in 1961.
1961: End of Portuguese Rule in India
Portugal's rule in India ended in 1961, marking a significant historical moment for both countries.
1961: Civil Procedure Code
The Civil Procedure Code of 1961 is one of the relevant laws in the Portuguese legal system.
1966: FIFA World Cup Third Place
Portugal achieved a third-place finish in the 1966 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant achievement in the team's history.
1966: Portuguese Civil Code
The Portuguese Civil Code of 1966 is one of the main laws in the Portuguese legal system.
1968: Marcelo Caetano Succeeds Salazar
In 1968, Marcelo Caetano assumed leadership of the Estado Novo regime following the incapacitation of António de Oliveira Salazar. Despite attempts to reform and maintain Portugal's colonial possessions, the regime faced mounting pressure from independence movements and international condemnation, eventually leading to its downfall in 1974.
1971: Savage Islands Natural Reserve
In 1971 the Portuguese government purchased the Savage Islands and established a natural reserve area.
1971: Amendment to the Concordat between Portugal and the Holy See
The Concordata between Portugal and the Holy See, originally signed in 1940, underwent amendments in 1971.
April 1974: Carnation Revolution and the Start of the PREC
The Carnation Revolution, a military coup in April 1974, marked a watershed moment in Portuguese history. It led to the fall of the Estado Novo regime and the beginning of the PREC (Processo Revolucionário Em Curso), a transitional period characterized by political instability and power struggles between different factions.
1974: End of the Portuguese Colonial War and the Estado Novo Regime
The Portuguese Colonial War, which had raged for over a decade, came to an end in 1974 with the Carnation Revolution. The revolution led to the overthrow of the Estado Novo regime, paving the way for the independence of Portugal's African colonies and the transition to democracy in Portugal.
1974: Carnation Revolution and the Collapse of the Portuguese Empire
The Carnation Revolution in 1974 had a profound impact on Portugal's colonial holdings. The revolution led to the independence of Portugal's remaining colonies, marking the end of the Portuguese Empire. This event resulted in a mass exodus of Portuguese citizens from former colonies and a significant shift in Portugal's global standing.
1974: Carnation Revolution and the End of Colonialism
The Carnation Revolution, a military coup in 1974, brought about significant changes in Portugal. It led to the fall of the authoritarian Estado Novo regime, the restoration of democracy, and the end of the Portuguese Colonial War. This marked the beginning of Portugal's transition to a democratic state and its withdrawal from its colonies.
1974: Carnation Revolution and Economic Shift
The Carnation Revolution of 1974 marked the end of a significant period of economic expansion in Portugal. Following this revolution, the country began adapting to the changing global economy, a process that continues today.
1975: Political Instability and the Threat of Civil War
Following the Carnation Revolution, Portugal experienced a period of intense political instability in 1975. The country was on the brink of civil war due to power struggles between left- and right-wing forces. The tensions culminated in another coup attempt on 25 November, highlighting the fragility of the newly established democracy.
1975: End of Portuguese Rule in Africa
Portugal's colonial presence in Africa concluded in 1975, resulting in the independence of several African nations.
1975: Stabilization of Portugal and First Democratic Elections in 50 Years
The year 1975 witnessed the stabilization of Portugal's political landscape following a period of intense turmoil. The successful counter-coup by the Group of Nine thwarted the establishment of a communist state and paved the way for the country's first democratic elections in 50 years.
1976: Formal Separation of Church and State in Portugal
The 1976 Portuguese Constitution reaffirmed the separation of church and state, originally established during the First Portuguese Republic.
1976: Constitution
The Constitution of 1976 is one of the main laws in the Portuguese legal system.
1976: Constitution of 1976
Portugal became a semi-presidential representative democratic republic with the ratification of the Constitution of 1976.
1976: First Democratic Elections and the Rise of Mário Soares
Portugal held its first democratic elections in 1976, marking a significant step in its transition to democracy. The Portuguese Socialist Party emerged victorious, with its leader, Mário Soares, becoming Prime Minister.
1976: Administrative reorganization
In 1976, Portugal established its largest administrative units, consisting of mainland Portugal and the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira. Mainland Portugal was further divided into 18 districts.
1977: Start of First IMF-Monitored Stabilization Programme
Portugal, facing economic challenges after the revolution, entered into its first IMF-monitored stabilization programme in 1977. This program aimed to address the country's economic difficulties, control inflation, and stabilize its finances.
1978: End of Soares' First Term as Prime Minister
In 1978, Mário Soares' first term as Prime Minister of Portugal came to an end. During his time in office, Soares focused on economic recovery, social reforms, and initiating the process of Portugal's accession to the European Economic Community.
1982: First Revision of the Portuguese Constitution
In 1982, the Portuguese Constitution underwent its first significant revision since its adoption in 1976. This revision reflected the evolving political landscape and aimed to further solidify democratic principles and institutions.
1982: Penal Code
The Penal Code of Portugal (1982) is one of the main laws in the Portuguese legal system.
1983: Latin Union
Portugal was a full member of the Latin Union in 1983.
1983: Second IMF-Monitored Stabilization Programme
Portugal entered into a second IMF-monitored stabilization programme in 1983 to address ongoing economic issues and meet the conditions for joining the European Economic Community. This program aimed to promote economic growth, reduce government spending, and improve financial stability.
1983: Soares Returns as Prime Minister
Mário Soares returned as Prime Minister of Portugal in 1983 for a second term. During his tenure, he continued his efforts to modernize the country, address economic challenges, and consolidate Portugal's democratic institutions.
1985: End of Soares' Second Term
In 1985, Mário Soares' second term as Prime Minister concluded. His time in office was marked by efforts to steer Portugal towards economic stability and integration into the European Economic Community, setting the stage for the country's future development.
1986: Portugal joins the European Economic Community
Portugal joined the European Economic Community (EEC), the precursor to the European Union, in 1986 and has been a net beneficiary of the EU budget since then.
1986: Leaving EFTA
Portugal left EFTA in 1986 to join the European Economic Community.
1986: Portugal Joins the European Economic Community
Portugal's accession to the European Economic Community (EEC), alongside Spain, in 1986 marked a pivotal moment in its history. This event opened up new opportunities for economic growth, investment, and integration into the European project.
1989: Second Revision of the Portuguese Constitution
The Portuguese Constitution underwent a second major revision in 1989, further refining democratic principles, individual rights, and the balance of power within the government. This revision reflected Portugal's commitment to democratic values and its alignment with the European Union.
1993: European Union
The European Economic Community, which Portugal joined in 1986, became the European Union in 1993.
1995: Schengen Area
Portugal started to implement Schengen Area rules, eliminating border controls with other Schengen members in 1995.
1996: Community of Portuguese Language Countries
Portugal co-founded the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), also known as the Lusophone Commonwealth, in 1996.
1998: Nobel Prize in Literature
Portuguese author José Saramago was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1998, bringing further recognition to Portuguese literature on the global stage.
1999: Portugal and the Euro
Portugal became one of the founding countries of the euro and eurozone in 1999.
1999: End of Portuguese Administration in Macau
Macau, a former Portuguese territory, was returned to Chinese administration in 1999, concluding centuries of Portuguese influence.
2000: Healthcare System Ranking
In 2000, the World Health Organization ranked Portugal's public health system as the 12th best in the world.
2000: Introduction of the Euro
Portugal began transitioning from the Portuguese Escudo to the euro (€) in 2000.
2001: Drug Decriminalization
Drug decriminalisation was declared in 2001, making Portugal the first country to allow usage and personal possession of all common drugs.
2001: Agriculture's contribution to the economy
In 2001, the gross agricultural product constituted 4% of Portugal's economy.
2001: Religious Freedom Act in Portugal
Portugal enacted the Religious Freedom Act in 2001, further solidifying the principles of religious liberty.
2002: Consolidation of the Euro
The euro (€) became the sole legal tender in Portugal in 2002, replacing the Portuguese Escudo.
2002: East Timor Independence
Portugal formally recognized the independence of East Timor (Asia) in 2002.
2003: Establishment of Smaller Metropolitan Areas in Portugal
From 2003 onwards, several smaller metropolitan areas, including Algarve, Aveiro, Coimbra, Minho, and Viseu, gained administrative legal status in Portugal.
2003: Anti-Discrimination Law
Portugal added an anti-discrimination employment law on the basis of sexual orientation in 2003.
2004: UEFA European Championship Runner-up
The Portuguese national football team reached the final of the UEFA European Championship in 2004 but finished as runners-up.
2004: New President of the European Commission
José Manuel Barroso, the then Prime Minister of Portugal, was nominated President of the European Commission in 2004.
2004: Sexual Orientation in the Constitution
Sexual orientation was added to the Constitution as part of the protected from discrimination characteristics in 2004.
2005: Higher Education Enrollment in Portugal
In 2005, about 47.6% of college-age individuals (20 years old) in Portugal were enrolled in higher education institutions, compared to 50% in the United States and an OECD average of 35%.
2005: MTV Europe Music Awards
Lisbon hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2005 at the Pavilhão Atlântico.
2006: FIFA World Cup Fourth Place
The Portuguese national football team secured a fourth-place finish in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
2006: Bologna Process Adoption
In 2006, Portuguese universities and poly-technical institutes adopted the Bologna Process, aiming to standardize higher education across Europe.
2006: Lisbon's Popularity with Tourists
Lisbon attracted a significant number of tourists, ranking sixteenth among European cities, with seven million tourists staying in the city's hotels in 2006.
2006: Energy Production Sources
In 2006, Portugal relied heavily on coal and fuel power plants for 66% of its electricity production. Hydroelectric dams contributed 29%, while wind energy accounted for 6%. Notably, the Moura Photovoltaic Power Station, the world's largest solar power plant at the time, commenced operations that year.
2006: Railway Usage Statistics
In 2006, CP, the national railway system of Portugal, transported 133,000,000 passengers and 9,750,000 tonnes of goods.
2007: Financial Crisis
Economic disruption and an unsustainable growth in government debt during the financial crisis of 2007–2008 led Portugal to negotiate a loan with the IMF and the European Union.
2007: Rugby World Cup Qualification
The Portuguese national rugby union team qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 2007.
2007: Start of the Financial Crisis Impacting Portugal
The financial crisis, spanning from 2007 to 2008, led to emigration from Portugal.
2008: Acquisition of Portuguese Citizenship by Foreign Residents
Between 2008 and 2022, over 340,000 resident foreigners obtained Portuguese citizenship, representing roughly 3.27% of the country's 2022 population.
2008: Renewable Energy and Wave Power
By 2008, renewable energy sources were generating 43% of Portugal's electricity, despite a decline in hydroelectric production due to severe droughts. The world's first commercial wave power farm, the Aguçadoura Wave Farm, opened in the Norte region this year.
2008: Financial Crisis
Economic disruption and an unsustainable growth in government debt during the financial crisis of 2007–2008 led Portugal to negotiate a loan with the IMF and the European Union.
2008: Conversion of Metropolitan Areas into Intermunicipal Communities
In 2008, the smaller metropolitan areas established in 2003 were transformed into intermunicipal communities, with territories largely based on NUTS III statistical regions.
2008: End of the Financial Crisis Impacting Portugal
The financial crisis, spanning from 2007 to 2008, led to emigration from Portugal.
December 2009: Treaty of Lisbon
The Treaty of Lisbon, enhancing the efficiency and democratic legitimacy of the European Union, entered into force in December 2009.
2009: Drug Use Declines
Despite criticism, after Portugal decriminalized drugs in 2001, overall drug use declined, along with HIV infection cases, which dropped 50 percent by 2009.
2009: PISA Scores and Educational Performance in Portugal
In the 2009 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Portugal's scores in reading, mathematics, and science were close to the OECD average, although a declining trend was observed.
2010: Diabetes Mortality Rate
Portugal's diabetes mortality rate was 4.5% in 2010.
2010: Incarceration Rate on the Rise
The incarceration rate in Portugal has been on the rise since 2010, with a 15% increase over the past eight years.
2010: Electricity Exports and Renewable Energy Dominance
In 2010, Portugal became a net exporter of electricity, and a remarkable 70% of its energy came from renewable sources.
2010: Compulsory Secondary Education in Portugal
Portugal made secondary education compulsory starting in 2010, extending the mandatory schooling period.
2010: Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage
Portugal became the sixth country in Europe and eighth in the world to legalize same-sex marriage at the national level in 2010.
May 2011: EU and IMF Bailout
In May 2011, Portugal received a 78-billion-euro bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund due to the severe recession that hit the country in the 2010s, the worst since the 1970s.
2011: Negotiating a Loan
Due to the economic disruption of the financial crisis of 2007-2008, Portugal negotiated a loan with the IMF and European Union in 2011 to help stabilize its finances.
2011: Innovation Ranking
The European Innovation Scoreboard placed Portugal 15th in innovation in 2011, highlighting an increase in both innovation expenditure and output.
2012: PISA Scores and Educational Performance in Portugal
In the 2012 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Portugal's scores in reading, mathematics, and science were close to the OECD average, although a declining trend was observed.
2013: Administrative Reform
After a reform in 2013, Portugal's municipalities were subdivided into 3,092 civil parishes.
2013: Local Government Reform and Metropolitan Areas in Portugal
Following the 2013 local government reform, Portugal recognized only Lisbon and Porto as metropolitan areas with administrative legal status, both exceeding one million inhabitants.
2013: Europe's Leading Golf Destination
Portugal was named Europe's Leading Golf Destination by the World Travel Awards in 2013.
2014: Discovery of the Aroeira 3 H. Heidelbergensis Skull
In 2014, a significant archaeological finding took place in Portugal with the discovery of the Aroeira 3 H. Heidelbergensis skull at the Cave of Aroeira. This fossil, dating back 400,000 years, represents the oldest human fossil discovered in Portugal, providing valuable insights into early human presence in the region.
2014: Best European Country Award
USA Today recognized Portugal as "The Best European Country" in 2014.
2015: PISA Scores and Educational Performance in Portugal
In the 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Portugal's scores in reading, mathematics, and science were close to the OECD average, although a declining trend was observed.
2016: LGBT Adoption Allowed
LGBT adoption has been allowed in Portugal since 2016, as has female same-sex couple access to medically assisted reproduction.
2016: UEFA European Championship Victory
The Portuguese national football team celebrated a historic win in 2016 by securing the UEFA European Championship title, defeating hosts France 1-0 in the final.
2016: Births to Unmarried Women in Portugal
In 2016, more than half (53%) of births in Portugal were to unmarried women, reflecting societal changes.
2017: Eurovision Song Contest Victory
Portugal emerged victorious in the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest held in Kyiv with Salvador Sobral's performance of "Amar pelos dois".
2017: Europe's Leading Destination
Portugal was honored as "Europe's Leading Destination" at the World Travel Awards in 2017.
2017: Law of Gender Identity
The Law of Gender Identity, simplifying the legal process of gender and name change for transgender people, making it easier for minors to change their sex marker in legal documents, was passed in 2017.
2017: UNESCO World Heritage List
The Selvagens Islands have been tentatively added to UNESCO's world heritage list in 2017.
2018: World's Leading Destination
Portugal achieved global recognition as the "World's Leading Destination" at the World Travel Awards in 2018.
2018: Tax Breaks for Returning Emigrants
Portugal's parliament approved a budget plan for 2019, which included tax incentives to encourage the return of emigrants who had left during the 2007–2008 financial crisis.
2018: UEFA Nations League Victory
Portugal's national football team continued its successful run, finishing first in the 2018-2019 UEFA Nations League.
2018: Economic Recovery
OECD economic reports since 2018 indicated a recovery in the Portuguese economy.
2018: PISA Scores and Educational Performance in Portugal
In the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Portugal's scores in reading, mathematics, and science were close to the OECD average, although a declining trend was observed.
2018: Gender Identity and Expression Protected
In 2018, the right to gender identity and gender expression self-determination became protected, intersex minors became protected by law from unnecessary medical procedures, and the right of protection from discrimination on the basis of sex characteristics became protected by the same law.
2018: Eurovision Song Contest Hosting
Following their victory in 2017, Portugal hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2018.
2019: Social Inequality in Portugal
In 2019, Portugal's ranking on the Social Justice Index placed it 24th within the EU, indicating existing social inequality within the country.
2019: Consecutive Win as World's Leading Destination
Portugal maintained its position as the "World's Leading Destination" for the second consecutive year at the World Travel Awards in 2019.
2019: Global Competitiveness Ranking
The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report ranked Portugal 34th in 2019.
2021: National Census in Portugal
Portugal conducted a national census in 2021 to gather demographic and social data.
2021: Religious Demographics of Portugal
The 2021 Census indicated that 80.2% of the Portuguese population identified as Roman Catholic Christian, while 14.1% declared themselves non-religious. Smaller communities of other faiths were also present.
2021: Low GDP per capita
Portugal had the 4th lowest GDP per capita (PPP) in the eurozone (out of 19 members) and the 8th lowest in the EU (out of 27 member states) in 2021.
2021: Diabetes Mortality Rate
Portugal experienced a decrease in its diabetes mortality rate, dropping to 2.8% in 2021.
2021: Public Opinion on Health
An opinion poll conducted in 2021 revealed that only 50% of Portuguese adults rated their health as good or very good, making it the third lowest rate within the European Union.
2021: Religion Census in Portugal
Portugal conducted a census in 2021 to collect information about the religious affiliations of its population.
2021: Adult Literacy Rate in Portugal
Portugal achieved a high adult literacy rate of 99.8% in 2021, reflecting a well-educated population.
2021: High Human Development Index
Portugal achieved a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.874 in 2021, ranking 42nd highest globally.
2021: Official Recognition of Barranquenho Dialect in Portugal
In 2021, Portugal granted official recognition and protection to Barranquenho, a distinct dialect spoken in Barrancos.
December 2022: Population Statistics of Portugal
By December 2022, Portugal's population was estimated at 10,467,366, with 52.2% females and 47.8% males, as reported by Statistics Portugal.
2022: Racial and Ethnic Composition of Portugal
A study following the 2021 census revealed that among those aged 18 to 74, 84% identified as White, 2% as Black, less than 1% each as Asian and Romani, and 3% as Mixed-race in 2022.
2022: Population and Foreign Residents in Portugal
As of 2022, Portugal had a population of 10,467,366, with approximately 781,915 legal foreign residents, accounting for about 7.47% of the total population.
2022: Emigration and Immigration Rates in Portugal
Despite an increase in emigration following the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 6.9‰ in 2022, Portugal's immigration rate remained higher at around 11.3‰.
2022: Low labor productivity
In 2022, Portugal's labor productivity was the fourth lowest among the 27 EU member states, 35% below the EU average. The country's GDP (PPP) per capita reached $44,963, according to the OECD.
2022: Economic indicators
In 2022, Portugal's total exports accounted for 49% of its GDP. Its GDP per capita was 79% of the EU27 average.
2022: Rent increases and Inflation
Portugal experienced a significant increase in rents and house prices, particularly in Lisbon, where rents soared by 37% in 2022. The situation was further aggravated by an 8% inflation rate. Despite these challenges, the IMF assessed that Portugal's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022 outperformed the EU average.
2022: Decline in agriculture's share of the economy
The agricultural sector in Portugal, characterized by small to medium-sized family-owned units alongside larger-scale intensive farming and export-oriented agribusinesses, saw its contribution to the economy decrease to 2% in 2022.
January 2023: Prison Population
As of January 2023, Portugal's prison population is about 12,257 inmates, which comes to about 0.12% of their entire population.
2023: Racial and Ethnic Composition of Portugal
A study following the 2021 census revealed that among those aged 18 to 74, 84% identified as White, 2% as Black, less than 1% each as Asian and Romani, and 3% as Mixed-race in 2023.
2023: Portuguese Military
As of 2023, the three branches of the Portuguese military numbered 24,000 military personnel. Portuguese military expenditure in 2023 was more than 4 billion US$, representing 1.48 per cent of GDP.
2023: Debt reduction
By the end of 2023, Portugal successfully reduced its debt-to-GDP ratio to below 100%, reaching 99.1%.
2023: Global Innovation Index Ranking
In 2023, Portugal was ranked 30th in the Global Innovation Index.
2023: Healthcare System Ranking
In 2023, Portugal's healthcare system was ranked 40th best in the world, a significant drop from its 12th place ranking in 2000 by the World Health Organization.
2023: High Quality of Life Ranking
Portugal secured the 20th position in Numbeo's quality of life index in 2023.
2023: GDP per capita increase
Portugal's GDP per capita increased to 83% of the EU27 average in 2023.
2023: Continued growth and decreased inflation
Portugal's economic growth, although modest, continued in 2023, accompanied by a decline in inflation to 5%.
2023: Ageing Population and Median Age in Portugal
Portugal's population continued to age, ranking as the 11th oldest globally in 2023, with a median age of 46 years.
2024: Infant Mortality Rate
As of 2024, Portugal's infant mortality rate was 2.25 deaths per 1,000 live births.
2024: Minimum Wage Increase
As of 2024, the minimum wage in Portugal is set at €820 per month (paid 14 times per year). The average monthly salary, excluding self-employed individuals and the minimum wage, is €1,046.
2024: Projected Inflation and Economic Growth
Forecasts for 2024 predict an annual inflation rate of 2.3% in Portugal, coupled with modest economic growth.
2024: Life Expectancy in Portugal
In 2024, the median life expectancy in Portugal reached 82.8 years, with United Nations projections indicating a potential increase to 90 or above by 2100.
2024: Low Fertility Rate in Portugal
Portugal's total fertility rate (TFR) in 2024 was approximately 1.36 children born per woman, signifying one of the world's lowest rates.
2080: Projected Population Decline in Portugal
Projections from Portugal's national statistics office indicate a population decline to 7.7 million by 2080, down from 10.3 million, with a continuing aging trend.