Portugal lies along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula in south western Europe. It shares a border with Spain in the east and north, while the Atlantic dominates the coastline in the west and south. Occupying about 16 percent of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores) has a population of over 10 million people.

Despite its relatively small size, the country boasts a great diversity of geographical features, from golden plains to mountainous zones.

As a member of the European Union and NATO, Portugal plays a greater role in both European and world affairs than its size would suggest.

Total area: 92,090 sq. km (including Madeira and Azores archipelagos)
Land: 91,470 sq. km
Water: 620 sq. km
Land use: 17 percent arable land; 8 percent permanent crops; 75 percent other.
Weather: Maritime temperate; cold and rainy on the north coast, warm and dry on the south coast.
Terrain: Mountainous north of the Tagus river, rolling plains in the south.