Portugal

Portugal is a small fiercely independent country dominated by Western Europe, especially Spain. However, it has its own unique culture, architecture, traditions and history. Portuguese cuisine, literature and music are well known around the world, thanks in part to her famous explorers and sea farers.

Portuguese agriculture is comprised of small and medium size family farms producing a wide variety of products. Included are tomatoes, citrus, green vegetables, rice, corn, barley, olives, oilseeds, nuts, cherries, bilberry, table grapes, edible mushrooms, dairy products, poultry and beef. Perhaps the most famous crop is cork a key material for the worldwide wine industry as well as for Portugal’s many Port wine producers.

Traditionally a sea-power, Portugal has had a strong tradition in the European fishing sector. It has one of the highest fish consumption per capita and is important to the economic viability of small coastal villages. Forestry has also played an important economic role among rural communities. Important forest products are paper and furniture. Portugal is also a notable producer of copper tin, tungsten and uranium.