Economy

Portugal is a country essentially agriculturist, exporting 75 percent of its agricultural and cattle production.

Crops are fundamentally grain - mainly wheat and corn - but the production of olive oil, vegetables and herbs is also important.

The viniculture dominates the agricultural activities to the North of the Douro (where you can find the generous Porto wine) and, annually, about 15 million litres are produced.

Portugal is the biggest producer, in Europe, of cork oak and has, equally, a big importance in the olive oil production and exportation of canned food. The fishing industry is also important to the national economy.

The construction and steel industries have gradually increased along with the tourist industry, a precious source of foreign currency.

Member of the European Union since 1986, Portugal enjoys a healthy economic growth.