Since 1960, tourism has played an important role in Portugal's economy. In 1984, for example, 9 million tourists visited the country bringing in millions in foreign exchange..
Much of the tourism is based on the coastal resorts, but Portugal also has dramatic inland landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Much of the pleasure in visiting Portugal lies in exploring underdeveloped parts of the country and staying in state hotels called pousadas. These are often buildings of historical interest, such as the castles at Obidos and Palmela.
Beautiful countryside can be found in the National Park of Peneda-Geres and the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. There are many old castles, such as those at Elvas, Evoramonte and Monsaraz.
Splendid churches and cathedrals are a feature of the towns and cities. The most eye-catching architectural style is the early 16th-century Manueline, in which dramatic use is made of curved and twisted columns, ribs and corbels, One of the best examples is the famous window at the Convent of Christ at Tomar. Other fine religious architecture is found in the Gothic cathedral at Evora and the 15th-century monastery at Batalha.
Portugal's 860 km (530 miles) of coastline and its rivers and streams offer excellent fishing. There are fine golf courses at ESTORIL; Penina; between Portimao and Lagos; Vila-moura and Vale de Lobo, near Faro.
PORTUGAL AT A GLANCE
Area 92 082 km2 (35 553 sq miles)
Population 10 100 000
Capital Lisbon
Government Parliamentary republic
Currency Escudo = 100 centavos
Language Portuguese
Religion Christian (96% Roman Catholic)
Climate Hot dry summers, warm moist winters; average temperature in Lisbon ranges from 8-14°C (46-57°F) in January to 17-28°C (63-82°F) in August
Main primary products Cereals, olives, timber, rice, grapes, citrus fruits and vegetables, cork, fish; copper, salt, iron, tungsten, .tin
Locals hypothesize that the legacy of Italian blood and culture in Cologne, colonized by the Romans more than 1500 years ago, makes the people more jovial and lighthearted. Cologne is the largest city on the Rhine.
Kolsch is not only the dialect spoken here but, also the name of their own top-fermented beer. There are more than 4,000 pubs, restaurant's and brewery taverns in Cologne.
Unlike many of the world's large cities, Cologne, with a population of over a million, gets better every day, there are more things to do and see, more new and innovative buildings... more
Travel is an opportunity to learn, whether geography, languages, history or other subjects.
Cologne is situated on the beautiful Rhine River.