Portugal is a developed and economically advanced Southwestern European country located on the Iberian Peninsula. Its official and national language is Portuguese and Lisbon is its capital city. It is also a semi-presidential republic and is ranked high in terms of peacefulness, democracy, press freedom, stability, social progress, and prosperity.
Portugal was initially a member of the European Community and later acceded to the European Union in 1986. It is one of the founding members of NATO, not to mention its roles in the United Nations, the OECD, the Council of Europe (CoE), the Schengen Area, the Eurozone and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. It adopted the single currency on January 1, 2002.
It was during the Portuguese presidency of the EU that the Lisbon Strategy was launched and signed. This plan was meant to boost economic growth in Europe over a ten-year period. The tenure also witnessed the completion of many milestones which aided in the strengthening of Europe in economic, social and political spheres.
By joining the EU, Portugal has had access to many grants that have contributed significantly to the development and modernization of the country. This has improved its economic expansion.
There are 21 members of the European Parliament from Portugal. It is a Schengen Area member since 1995.
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