Background: Following its heyday as a world power during the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the Napoleonic Wars, and the independence in 1822 of Brazil as a colony. A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy; for most of the next six decades, repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a left-wing military coup installed broad democratic reforms. The following year, Portugal granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986.
March 25th 2008Europe » Portugal » Central I had so much fun in Proenca-a Nova!
Jose Santos (Ze) was the perfect host every traveller dreams of coming across. He and Catarina were fantastic finding me free accommodation, taking me to places ... 32 photos[full story]
March 18th 2008Europe » Portugal » Central Our trip north over the last several days has seen the topography change, populations grown denser, the weather colder, and the coffee stronger. Portuguese histroy seems to be older as you go north, ... 7 photos[full story]
February 27th 2008Europe » Portugal » Central Hi Everyone,
Its been a really long time since I've written an entry, sorry! We have had no luck finding convienient, cheap wifi connections here in Portugal. We are all fine, Ian and I are recover ... 14 photos[full story]
Map of Portugal
Portugal's Flag
