Portugal was one of the world’s largest and richest empires in the 16th century, but in modern times has been one of the poorest countries in Western Europe after years of military dictatorship, underdevelopment and financial crisis. Now the country is growing.
Key figures and facts
- Capital: Lisbon
- Ethnic groups: Portuguese, descendants of Portuguese colonies in Africa correspond to less than 100,000 people, Eastern Europeans
- Language: Portuguese (official), Mirandesian (official but only used in some areas)
- Religion: Catholics 81%, other Christians 3.3%, others 0.6%, none 6.8%, unspecified 8.3% (2011)
- Population: 10 291 196 (2018)
- Control Form: Parliamentary democracy
- Area: 92 210 km²
- Currency: euro
- GNP per capita: 30 659 PPP $
- National Day: June 10th
Population of Portugal
The population in Portugal is estimated at 10.6 million (2006). In 2006, annual population growth was calculated at 0.36%. The birth rate for 2005 was 10.72 ‰ and mortality 10.5 ‰.
Portugal has long been one of the countries in Europe with the highest population growth, and the increase was far greater than the potential for increased employment in agriculture and industry. Emigration has therefore been very large for long periods, especially to Brazil – where over 1 million Portuguese settled in the years between 1820 and 1920 – and the former African colonies Mozambique and Angola. Since 1960, there has been a significant emigration to other European countries, especially France and Germany, and to the United States. Some of the relocation was offset by the arrival of approximately 800,000 Portuguese return from the former colonies (retornados or desalojados).
The population is ethnically very homogeneous, and so to speak, the entire population is considered Portuguese. In addition, there are small groups of hijackers, Angolans, Brazilians, Frenchmen and Spaniards. The original population, the Iberians, was all mixed in ancient times with Celts, Phoenicians and especially Romans. During the migrations came Germans, then Arabs, and during the 16th century, African slaves were introduced.
The highest population density is in the coastal areas, especially to the area north of Tejo. The hinterland and the southernmost part of the country are far thinner. The villages are the largest in the south (Alentejo), where they are often gathered around the individual large estates, while small farms and smaller villages are common further north, where there is also more scattered settlement. About 65.6% of the population live in cities and urban areas (2005). The largest cities are Lisbon (564,600 in 2001) and Porto (263,100 in 2001).
Population of Portugal by Year (Historical)
| Year | Population | Annual Growth Rate | Population Density | Global Rank |
| 2020 | 10,196,598 | -0.290% | 111.3299 | 89 |
| 2019 | 10,226,076 | -0.290% | 111.6518 | 88 |
| 2018 | 10,256,082 | -0.310% | 111.9794 | 88 |
| 2017 | 10,288,416 | -0.360% | 112.3324 | 88 |
| 2016 | 10,325,427 | -0.410% | 112.7365 | 88 |
| 2015 | 10,368,240 | -0.430% | 113.2040 | 86 |
| 2010 | 10,595,947 | 0.170% | 115.6901 | 79 |
| 2005 | 10,508,384 | 0.410% | 114.7341 | 76 |
| 2000 | 10,297,001 | 0.400% | 112.4262 | 74 |
| 1995 | 10,091,214 | 0.390% | 110.1793 | 72 |
| 1990 | 9,895,253 | -0.070% | 108.0398 | 71 |
| 1985 | 9,929,073 | 0.360% | 108.4090 | 65 |
| 1980 | 9,750,853 | 1.230% | 106.4632 | 60 |
| 1975 | 9,172,130 | 1.180% | 100.1446 | 61 |
| 1970 | 8,651,229 | -0.480% | 94.4573 | 62 |
| 1965 | 8,862,169 | 0.040% | 96.7604 | 54 |
| 1960 | 8,844,534 | 0.500% | 96.5678 | 49 |
| 1955 | 8,625,421 | 0.490% | 94.1755 | 47 |
| 1950 | 8,416,856 | 0.000% | 91.8983 | 42 |
Major Cities in Portugal by Population
| Rank | City | Population |
| 1 | Lisbon | 517,691 |
| 2 | Porto | 249,522 |
| 3 | Amadora | 178,747 |
| 4 | Braga | 121,283 |
| 5 | Setubal | 116,999 |
| 6 | Coimbra | 106,471 |
| 7 | Queluz | 103,288 |
| 8 | Funchal | 100,736 |
| 9 | Cacem | 93,871 |
| 10 | Vila Nova de Gaia | 70,700 |
| 11 | Algueirao | 66,139 |
| 12 | Loures | 66,120 |
| 13 | Felgueiras | 57,954 |
| 14 | Evora | 55,509 |
| 15 | Rio de Mouro | 54,584 |
| 16 | Odivelas | 54,513 |
| 17 | Aveiro | 54,051 |
| 18 | Amora | 52,466 |
| 19 | Corroios | 52,409 |
| 20 | Barreiro | 51,169 |
| 21 | Monsanto | 49,889 |
| 22 | Rio Tinto | 49,855 |
| 23 | Sao Domingos de Rana | 46,607 |
| 24 | Figueira da Foz | 46,489 |
| 25 | Leiria | 45,001 |
| 26 | Ponte de Lima | 44,556 |
| 27 | Faro | 41,244 |
| 28 | Sesimbra | 41,023 |
| 29 | Guimaraes | 40,493 |
| 30 | Ermesinde | 39,309 |
| 31 | Santo Antonio dos Olivais | 38,825 |
| 32 | Portimao | 38,376 |
| 33 | Benfica | 36,874 |
| 34 | Cascais | 36,325 |
| 35 | Maia | 36,315 |
| 36 | Viana do Castelo | 36,037 |
| 37 | Oeiras | 34,889 |
| 38 | Beja | 34,649 |
| 39 | Esposende | 34,514 |
| 40 | Braganca | 34,264 |
| 41 | Almada | 33,897 |
| 42 | Olivais | 33,677 |
| 43 | Castelo Branco | 33,368 |
| 44 | Alcabideche | 33,204 |
| 45 | Espinho | 32,675 |
| 46 | Camara de Lobos | 32,098 |
| 47 | Guarda | 32,000 |
| 48 | Alvalade | 31,702 |
| 49 | Arrentela | 30,045 |
| 50 | Montijo | 29,900 |
| 51 | Charneca de Caparica | 29,652 |
| 52 | Santarem | 29,274 |
| 53 | Olhao | 29,128 |
| 54 | Povoa de Varzim | 28,933 |
| 55 | Senhora da Hora | 28,819 |
| 56 | Marinha Grande | 28,805 |
| 57 | Povoa de Santa Iria | 28,790 |
| 58 | Sequeira | 28,391 |
| 59 | Massama | 28,001 |
| 60 | Matosinhos | 27,959 |
| 61 | Gondomar | 27,580 |
| 62 | Aguas Santas | 27,575 |
| 63 | Vila do Conde | 27,531 |
| 64 | Caldas da Rainha | 27,267 |
| 65 | Sao Martinho | 26,371 |
| 66 | Canidelo | 26,320 |
| 67 | Viseu | 26,253 |
| 68 | Sintra | 26,082 |
| 69 | Paco de Arcos | 25,863 |
| 70 | Sao Mamede de Infesta | 25,829 |
| 71 | Quinta Do Conde | 25,495 |
| 72 | Torres Vedras | 24,332 |
| 73 | Oliveira do Douro | 24,296 |
| 74 | Fanzeres | 23,805 |
| 75 | Estoril | 23,589 |
| 76 | Carnaxide | 23,587 |
| 77 | Pinhal Novo | 23,399 |
| 78 | Monte Estoril | 23,264 |
| 79 | Canico | 23,257 |
| 80 | Pontinha | 23,138 |
| 81 | Loule | 22,998 |
| 82 | Arcos de Valdevez | 22,736 |
| 83 | Moscavide e Portela | 22,377 |
| 84 | Sao Joao da Madeira | 21,968 |
| 85 | Lavradio | 21,766 |
| 86 | Bougado | 21,569 |
| 87 | Valongo | 21,217 |
| 88 | Caparica | 21,056 |
| 89 | Belas | 20,908 |
| 90 | Laranjeira | 20,877 |
| 91 | Linda-a-Velha | 20,784 |
| 92 | Trofa | 20,581 |
| 93 | Baiao | 20,411 |
| 94 | Laranjeiro | 20,362 |
| 95 | Carcavelos | 20,255 |
| 96 | Camarate | 20,066 |
| 97 | Ponta Delgada | 19,945 |
| 98 | Entroncamento | 19,776 |
| 99 | Paredes | 19,723 |
| 100 | Moncao | 19,627 |
| 101 | Piedade | 19,361 |
| 102 | Custoias | 19,295 |
| 103 | Alges | 19,216 |
| 104 | Tomar | 19,057 |
| 105 | Barcelos | 18,974 |
| 106 | Pedroso | 18,852 |
| 107 | Vilar de Andorinho | 18,833 |
| 108 | Sao Joao da Talha | 18,814 |
| 109 | Azeitao | 18,766 |
| 110 | Lagos | 18,720 |
| 111 | Quarteira | 18,672 |
| 112 | Santa Iria da Azoia | 18,462 |
| 113 | Ovar | 18,341 |
| 114 | Vila Franca de Xira | 18,244 |
| 115 | Leca da Palmeira | 17,885 |
| 116 | Moita | 17,684 |
| 117 | Sacavem | 17,607 |
| 118 | Covilha | 17,499 |
| 119 | Chaves | 17,424 |
| 120 | Ramada | 17,424 |
| 121 | Pombal | 17,244 |
| 122 | Ilhavo | 17,125 |
| 123 | Parede | 17,101 |
| 124 | Condeixa-a-Nova | 16,967 |
| 125 | Alfragide | 16,933 |
| 126 | Sao Pedro da Cova | 16,900 |
| 127 | Vila Real | 16,890 |
| 128 | Palmela | 16,823 |
| 129 | Fafe | 16,757 |
| 130 | Cabeceiras de Basto | 16,599 |
| 131 | Feira | 16,265 |
| 132 | Leca do Bailio | 15,992 |
| 133 | Vialonga | 15,977 |
| 134 | Albufeira | 15,740 |
| 135 | Baguim do Monte | 15,739 |
| 136 | Alcobaca | 15,689 |
| 137 | Peniche | 15,551 |
| 138 | Portalegre | 15,470 |
| 139 | Alfena | 15,100 |
| 140 | Tavira | 15,022 |
| 141 | Torres Novas | 14,891 |
| 142 | Povoa de Santo Adriao | 14,786 |
| 143 | Gafanha da Nazare | 14,729 |
| 144 | Vilar do Paraiso | 14,616 |
| 145 | Valbom | 14,332 |
| 146 | Lagoa | 14,331 |
| 147 | Arcozelo | 14,241 |
| 148 | Canelas | 14,136 |
| 149 | Costa de Caparica | 14,120 |
| 150 | Valenza | 14,061 |
| 151 | Samora Correia | 14,043 |
| 152 | Santo Tirso | 13,910 |
| 153 | Porto Salvo | 13,756 |
| 154 | Abrantes | 13,535 |
| 155 | Esgueira | 13,320 |
| 156 | Alhos Vedros | 13,273 |
| 157 | Moreira | 12,779 |
| 158 | Montemor-o-Novo | 12,743 |
| 159 | Sines | 12,680 |
| 160 | Beato Antonio | 12,626 |
| 161 | Ourem | 12,618 |
| 162 | Machico | 12,456 |
| 163 | Pedroucos | 12,442 |
| 164 | Perafita | 12,427 |
| 165 | Mirandela | 12,393 |
| 166 | Azenha | 12,149 |
| 167 | Mafra | 12,148 |
| 168 | Aldeia de Paio Pires | 12,068 |
| 169 | Tabua | 11,960 |
| 170 | Rio Maior | 11,953 |
| 171 | Angra do Heroismo | 11,934 |
| 172 | Barcarena | 11,857 |
| 173 | Alijo | 11,831 |
| 174 | Agueda | 11,830 |
| 175 | Fatima | 11,687 |
| 176 | Oliveira de Azemeis | 11,660 |
| 177 | Real | 11,589 |
| 178 | Semelhe | 11,589 |
| 179 | Sao Felix da Marinha | 11,574 |
| 180 | Santa Comba Dao | 11,486 |
| 181 | Avintes | 11,466 |
| 182 | Vila Real de Santo Antonio | 11,449 |
| 183 | Almeirim | 11,446 |
| 184 | Rebordosa | 11,380 |
| 185 | Lousa | 11,334 |
| 186 | Esmoriz | 11,282 |
| 187 | Calendario | 11,246 |
| 188 | Moreira | 11,225 |
| 189 | Vendas Novas | 11,137 |
| 190 | Santo Andre | 11,102 |
| 191 | Obidos | 11,076 |
| 192 | Sao Bras de Alportel | 11,042 |
| 193 | Sobreda | 11,035 |
| 194 | Santo Antonio da Charneca | 11,032 |
| 195 | Cucujaes | 10,976 |
| 196 | Ponte de Sor | 10,951 |
| 197 | Foz do Douro | 10,886 |
| 198 | Canecas | 10,867 |
| 199 | Anta | 10,840 |
| 200 | Lamego | 10,817 |
| 201 | Silves | 10,806 |
| 202 | Grijo | 10,796 |
| 203 | Vale da Amoreira | 10,717 |
| 204 | Grandola | 10,626 |
| 205 | Unhos | 10,601 |
| 206 | Gulpilhares | 10,549 |
| 207 | Margaride | 10,541 |
| 208 | Santo Andre | 10,490 |
| 209 | Charneca | 10,398 |
| 210 | Cartaxo | 10,391 |
| 211 | Aver-o-Mar | 10,390 |
| 212 | Sao Joao das Lampas | 10,373 |
| 213 | Carregado | 10,363 |
| 214 | Melres | 10,217 |
| 215 | Caldas de Vizela | 10,128 |
| 216 | Selho | 10,112 |
| 217 | Moimenta da Beira | 10,101 |
| 218 | Lordelo | 9,924 |
| 219 | Meadela | 9,870 |
| 220 | Elvas | 9,793 |
| 221 | Almancil | 9,787 |
| 222 | Maceira | 9,720 |
| 223 | Fundao | 9,614 |
| 224 | Alcochete | 9,594 |
| 225 | Santa Clara | 9,526 |
| 226 | Lavra | 9,522 |
| 227 | Alenquer | 9,515 |
| 228 | Lourosa | 9,508 |
| 229 | Madalena | 9,507 |
| 230 | Sao Joao de Ver | 9,457 |
| 231 | Rio de Loba | 9,418 |
| 232 | Vila Nova de Famalicao | 9,385 |
| 233 | Famoes | 9,324 |
| 234 | Sao Roque | 9,274 |
| 235 | Moura | 9,249 |
| 236 | Estremoz | 9,239 |
| 237 | Abraveses | 9,208 |
| 238 | Valadares | 9,144 |
| 239 | Guifoes | 9,120 |
| 240 | Alcacer do Sal | 9,087 |
| 241 | Lourinha | 9,085 |
| 242 | Gondizalves | 9,037 |
| 243 | Quinta do Anjo | 9,013 |
| 244 | Vinhais | 8,955 |
| 245 | Marco de Canavezes | 8,931 |
| 246 | Caxias | 8,896 |
| 247 | Mem Martins | 8,889 |
| 248 | Nazare | 8,882 |
| 249 | Benavente | 8,821 |
| 250 | Campo | 8,805 |
| 251 | Mangualde | 8,784 |
| 252 | Queijas | 8,717 |
| 253 | Santana | 8,693 |
| 254 | Tondela | 8,689 |
| 255 | Coruche | 8,665 |
| 256 | Argoncilhe | 8,632 |
| 257 | Ribeirao | 8,624 |
| 258 | Fiaes | 8,597 |
| 259 | Sao Romao do Coronado | 8,586 |
| 260 | Estombar | 8,479 |
| 261 | Tavarede | 8,475 |
| 262 | Torre de Moncorvo | 8,461 |
| 263 | Benedita | 8,445 |
| 264 | Moncarapacho | 8,434 |
| 265 | Aves | 8,396 |
| 266 | Alpendurada | 8,374 |
| 267 | Soure | 8,305 |
| 268 | Bobadela | 8,288 |
| 269 | Sao Bartolomeu de Messines | 8,270 |
| 270 | Casteloes de Cepeda | 8,211 |
| 271 | Vila Vicosa | 8,208 |
| 272 | Atouguia da Baleia | 8,202 |
| 273 | Murtosa | 8,171 |
| 274 | Almargem | 8,160 |
| 275 | Campo Maior | 8,124 |
| 276 | Beduido | 8,090 |
| 277 | Darque | 7,981 |
| 278 | Penafiel | 7,954 |
| 279 | Serzedo | 7,889 |
| 280 | Camacha | 7,880 |
| 281 | Freamunde | 7,872 |
| 282 | Albergaria-a-Velha | 7,863 |
| 283 | Alpiarca | 7,835 |
| 284 | Batalha | 7,799 |
| 285 | Colares | 7,794 |
| 286 | Serzedo | 7,780 |
| 287 | Rosto de Cao | 7,769 |
| 288 | Sao Joao da Pesqueira | 7,763 |
| 289 | Ferreiros | 7,759 |
| 290 | Joane | 7,758 |
| 291 | Buarcos | 7,754 |
| 292 | Miranda do Corvo | 7,746 |
| 293 | Santiago do Cacem | 7,686 |
| 294 | Sande | 7,678 |
| 295 | Pragal | 7,590 |
| 296 | Mira | 7,571 |
| 297 | Rabo de Peixe | 7,570 |
| 298 | Castanheira do Ribatejo | 7,540 |
| 299 | Vale de Cambra | 7,538 |
| 300 | Ericeira | 7,427 |
| 301 | Mondim de Basto | 7,382 |
| 302 | Miranda do Douro | 7,371 |
| 303 | Nisa | 7,339 |
| 304 | Almodovar | 7,338 |
| 305 | Nossa Senhora do Monte | 7,333 |
| 306 | Cantanhede | 7,236 |
| 307 | Vila Nova da Barquinha | 7,211 |
| 308 | Vila Nova de Foz Coa | 7,201 |
| 309 | Apulia e Fao | 7,190 |
| 310 | Aradas | 7,184 |
| 311 | Mertola | 7,163 |
| 312 | Mozelos | 7,119 |
| 313 | Alhandra | 7,115 |
| 314 | Reguengos de Monsaraz | 7,106 |
| 315 | Silvalde | 7,077 |
| 316 | Apelacao | 7,071 |
| 317 | Azambuja | 7,068 |
| 318 | Oia | 7,007 |
| 319 | Seia | 6,971 |
| 320 | Jovim | 6,956 |
| 321 | Ponte | 6,930 |
| 322 | Valega | 6,894 |
| 323 | Arrifes | 6,870 |
| 324 | Silveira | 6,831 |
| 325 | Arrifana | 6,816 |
| 326 | Arcos | 6,694 |
| 327 | Amarante | 6,671 |
| 328 | Pacos de Ferreira | 6,671 |
| 329 | Sao Joao | 6,651 |
| 330 | Arcos | 6,614 |
| 331 | Sobrado | 6,592 |
| 332 | Aveleda | 6,560 |
| 333 | Negrelos | 6,553 |
| 334 | Fazendas de Almeirim | 6,524 |
| 335 | A dos Cunhados | 6,483 |
| 336 | Serpa | 6,475 |
| 337 | Horta | 6,461 |
| 338 | Macedo de Cavaleiros | 6,455 |
| 339 | Avanca | 6,429 |
| 340 | Prior Velho | 6,389 |
| 341 | Sao Romao | 6,389 |
| 342 | Cacilhas | 6,383 |
| 343 | Sandim | 6,338 |
| 344 | Carrazeda de Anciaes | 6,262 |
| 345 | Sabrosa | 6,250 |
| 346 | Tabuaco | 6,239 |
| 347 | Foz do Sousa | 6,204 |
| 348 | Lagoa | 6,190 |
| 349 | Perozinho | 6,148 |
| 350 | Oliveira do Bairro | 6,128 |
| 351 | Santa Cruz do Bispo | 6,119 |
| 352 | Oliveira | 6,111 |
| 353 | Arruda dos Vinhos | 6,059 |
| 354 | Aljubarrota | 6,035 |
| 355 | Madalena | 6,025 |
| 356 | Sao Vicente | 5,952 |
| 357 | Praia da Vitoria | 5,950 |
| 358 | Marinhas | 5,941 |
| 359 | Lobao | 5,938 |
| 360 | Gandra | 5,923 |
| 361 | Porto de Mos | 5,921 |
| 362 | Santa Cruz | 5,899 |
| 363 | Fontanelas | 5,890 |
| 364 | Eixo | 5,867 |
| 365 | Olival do Basto | 5,848 |
| 366 | Milharado | 5,824 |
| 367 | Ribeira Brava | 5,821 |
| 368 | Vidigueira | 5,821 |
| 369 | Arazede | 5,795 |
| 370 | Aljezur | 5,773 |
| 371 | Bombarral | 5,741 |
| 372 | Vila Nova da Telha | 5,737 |
| 373 | Redondo | 5,734 |
| 374 | Odemira | 5,719 |
| 375 | Vieira de Leiria | 5,696 |
| 376 | Marinhais | 5,677 |
| 377 | Monte Real | 5,645 |
| 378 | Boticas | 5,639 |
| 379 | Caldelas | 5,613 |
| 380 | Caldas das Taipas | 5,612 |
| 381 | Oleiros | 5,610 |
| 382 | Olival | 5,604 |
| 383 | Sernancelhe | 5,560 |
| 384 | Serta | 5,525 |
| 385 | Branca | 5,521 |
| 386 | Lamas | 5,517 |
| 387 | Moreira de Conegos | 5,496 |
| 388 | Trafaria | 5,492 |
| 389 | Carregal do Sal | 5,489 |
| 390 | Sao Roque | 5,464 |
| 391 | Barrosas | 5,462 |
| 392 | Vilela | 5,429 |
| 393 | Poiares | 5,403 |
| 394 | Pataias | 5,399 |
| 395 | Aguiar da Beira | 5,362 |
| 396 | Riachos | 5,352 |
| 397 | Urgeses | 5,346 |
| 398 | Monchique | 5,310 |
| 399 | Sao Miguel do Couto | 5,305 |
| 400 | Galegos | 5,293 |
Religion
After the Republic was introduced in 1910, the state and church were separated (1911). 92% of the population is still considered Catholics, 1.5% are Protestants. Portugal has one of Europe’s most important places of pilgrimage, Fátima.
Language
The official language is Portuguese. In addition to Portuguese uses approximately 10,000 in the Trás-os-Montes Mirandesian region, which is an Asturian-Leononian dialect of Spanish. Of the country’s approximately 10,500 gypsies use an iberoromanian gypsy language, which in Portugal is called calão, of approximately 5000.