Portugal is a republic in southwestern Europe. To the east lies Spain on the Iberian Peninsula, and to the west and south Portugal lies the Atlantic coast.
Portugal is one of the European countries with the longest colonial history. From the conquest of North Africa in 1415 to the handover of the sovereignty of Macao in 1999, Portugal has been engaged in colonial activities for nearly 600 years. The once vast United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and Algarve once included 53 countries and regions around the world.
Portugal is a developed capitalist country with fairly complete tourism industry. It is also a member of the European Union and a founding member of the Euro and NATO. It is also a member of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations.
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