The correct spelling of the country in southwestern Europe is Portugal, not Portugual as often misspelled. Portugal is pronounced /pɔː.tʃə.ɡəl/ (pawr-choo-guhl) in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, /pɔː/, is pronounced with an open O, followed by the affricate consonant /tʃ/ pronounced like "ch" in "chicken". The following syllable, /ə/, is pronounced with a schwa sound. Lastly, the final syllable, /ɡəl/, is pronounced with a hard G and pronounced like "gull".
Portugal is a country located in southwestern Europe, situated on the Iberian Peninsula. It is bordered by Spain to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. The country covers an area of approximately 92,090 square kilometers and has a population of around 10 million people. Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal.
Portugal has a rich history, being one of the world's oldest nation-states, with a history dating back to the 12th century. It played a significant role during the Age of Discovery, as Portuguese explorers ventured across the seas and established a vast colonial empire, including territories in Africa, Asia, and South America.
The country has a diverse geography, with a coastline that stretches over 1,793 kilometers, comprising stunning beaches and picturesque cliffs. Inland, Portugal is characterized by rolling plains, mountains, and river valleys.
Portugal is known for its vibrant culture, which includes traditional Fado music, distinctive cuisine, and colorful festivals. The Portuguese people are renowned for their warmth and hospitality.
In recent decades, Portugal has experienced significant economic growth, transitioning from an agrarian economy to a diversified one, focused on industries such as tourism, manufacturing, and services. Additionally, Portugal is a member of the European Union, further contributing to its economic and political integration within the continent.
The word "Portugal" has a Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin phrase "Portus Cale", meaning "Port of Cale". Cale refers to the ancient Celtic settlement that existed in what is now the northern region of Portugal. Over time, the name evolved to become "Portus Cale" and eventually transformed into "Portugal" in English.