Country explorer: Portugal
EXPERIMENTAL
2024
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Overview
Portugal is a coastal, high-income country in Europe with a medium-sized population. Its economy has been volatile in recent decades, and is based on tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and technology.
Portugal is known for its famous explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan.
Economy
Portugal has demonstrated economic resilience with gradual improvements in GDP per capita, fluctuating yet generally declining unemployment rates, and managed inflation levels, reflecting its strength and stability in handling economic challenges compared to some of its Southern European counterparts.
Demographics
Portugal has experienced a declining fertility rate towards the lower end of its peers, a slightly fluctuating population with a recent trend towards stabilization, significant peaks in net migration reflecting economic changes, and a consistent improvement in life expectancy in line with high-income countries, underscoring its challenges around aging and demographic sustainability.
Basic needs
Portugal has consistently ensured that virtually all of its population enjoys access to clean cooking fuels, electricity, and safely managed drinking water and sanitation, aligning with the high standards often seen among its high-income peers in terms of basic needs fulfillment.
Human development
Portugal has seen marked improvements in human development indicators, such as a steady increase in the Human Development Index, a significant reduction in child mortality rates, notable growth in adult literacy rates, and advancements in learning-adjusted years of schooling, aligning its progress with that of high-income countries and showcasing its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
Environment & energy
Portugal has emerged as a leader in renewable energy, notably in electricity production from wind and solar sources, while also demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability through the expansion of its forest area and the management of CO₂ emissions and freshwater resources, reflecting a broader shift towards sustainable practices seen in high-income countries.
Technology & innovation
Portugal has experienced significant technological growth and active participation in the global knowledge economy, evident from increased internet usage, soaring mobile phone subscriptions, rising investment in research and development, and a notable surge in scientific publications, aligning it closely with the trends observed in high-income countries.
Culture & society
Portugal has experienced notable cultural and social transformations marked by increased immigration, improved life satisfaction, reduced gender inequality, and a rising age dependency ratio, showcasing both unique trends and common challenges faced by high-income countries.
Governance
Portugal has demonstrated a consistent enhancement in governance, underpinned by notable improvements in rule of law, a decrease in corruption perception, and advancements in civil liberties and press freedom, highlighting a trajectory of governance reform that aligns with high-income countries, yet distinguishes it by its notably steady progress compared to regional peers such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus.