Introduction

Portugal is a Western European country whose official name is the Portuguese republic and it came into existence in the 11^th century when all its current borders were actually demarcated arising from the former earldom  with almost all of the entire day borders having been established by 1249 AD. Portugal was a major economic and political power in the 15^th and 16^th centuries through its affiliation with its overseas territories in the form of its colonies in Africa Asia and South America. These served as the out provinces of Portugal that served to strengthen the country and give it other sources of materials and supplies that they needed for development. Portugal at one time united with Spain in the Iberian union which later broke and Portugal regained autonomy in the 1640s.

Portugal later ceded its foreign territories and consolidated its activities in the one territory. Eventually, Portugal moved from a monarchy to a democracy with elected leaders replacing the previous institutions of upon the establishment of a republic in 1910.  Portugal has therefore over time evolved into a well organized state with a stable economy as well as strong political institutions. The country also has a rich history as well as very well organized social structures that have seen it ranked in the top 14 most peaceful countries in the world. Portugal is a finely structured state with beautiful geographical features, a good healthcare system, rich history, a good government structure and a weakening economy.

History

The existence of Portugal as a legislative unit came into being in the 868 there was ‘Reconquista’ a conquest where the Iberian Peninsula was recaptured by Christians from the previous domination of the Moorish and Muslim domination.  Following this a county of Portugal was created which is currently known as First County of Portugal. Another battle ensued later on that was known as the battle of Ourique which many view as the occasion on which Portugal changed its status from a county to a country following another victory of the Christians over the Muslims. It’s at this point that the county ceased to be associated with the kingdom of Leon as a fief.

Portugal entered into what is regarded as longest standing alliance with the English. The decade starting 1390 saw Portugal undertake pioneer activity in world exploration and undertook this under the patronage of a son of King Joao named Henry. Portuguese explorers ventured into Africa and established trade liaisons with African traders with barter trade as the common mode of trade as they traded exchangeable goods. The eventual landing of Vasco Da Gama in India in 1498 heralded a period of economic prosperity in Portugal. Several revolutions and overthrows of government led to the last monarch being deposed in 1910. A subsequent coup led to the establishment of a dictatorship in 1926. The dictatorial establishment led till 1974 when a bloodless coup culminated in the formation of a democratic republic. Portugal joined European Union and is a founding member of Eurozone and it also an active member of NATO. There membership in the European community has also helped them open business frontiers that have helped them strengthen their economy.