E |
Economy |
The main economy in Portugal is agriculture and about 75% of the products are destined for export. The cultivation of grain, especially wheat and maize, make up the biggest part, but olive oil production and vegetable cultivation are also important. Winegrowing (annual production of about 1.5 billion litres) dominates the agricultural economy north of the rio Douro. Portugal is Europe's largest-scale producer of cork, but also the production of can food and the whole fishing industry make up large parts. Building industry and metallurgy gained some extra importance, just like tourism, which is currently the main income source in Portugal. Tourism still experiences an constant increase due to the natural conditions. Portugal, member of the European Union since 1986, has been subject to a healthy economic growth since then. |
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Emergency Calls |
By calling anywhere in Portugal on 112 you will be connected to Fire, Police and Ambulance services. Every Fire Brigade also maintains one or more ambulances for emergencies. Chemists can give advice on simple health problems and suggest appropriate treatment. They are also permitted to sell many medicines without a doctor's subscription. A green cross on white background denotes a chemist. A red cross on a white background denotes a Red Cross station.Security in cities and towns is handled by the Policia de Seguranca Publica (PSP), rural areas by the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR), and the traffic by Brigada de Trвnsito. On motorways and several major roads there are SOS phone boxes for help in accidents or breakdowns.At the motorways there are orange emergency phones. If you push the button there is a voice asking for all the information needed. If there are any break-downs the ACP will help:Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP)
Rua Rosa Araújo, 241200 LisboaTel. 21/356 39 31
Emergency service 24h a day: Tel. 21/942 50 95.In cities and towns you usually go to the emergency room (urgência) in the next hospital when
injured; in the countryside the health centres (centro de saúde). The health centres are usually open
from 8 am until 6 pm. As there are no emergency units the only possibility dealing with an emergency case is to go to
the closest city with a hospital, either by ambulance, the local fire fighters (bombeiros) or a private car. |
F |
Fado |
Folk and dances, as well as "Fado" are the base of the traditional Portuguese music. "Fado" is the Portuguese word for "fate", but as you hear the sad tenor in this music, you will know why it is rather translated to "complain" or "mourn". (more info) |
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Food |
A visit to Portugal also brings with it the chance to enjoy the rich diversity of flavours offered by Portuguese cuisine. (more info) |
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Founding of the Portuguese State |
1143 |
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Founding of the Republic |
1910 |
Information:
This page shows basic information. There is no guarantee for the correctness and completeness of the given facts. The page is regularly updated.
