Top 10 Facts About Portugal

Hey. And welcome to 10 facts, about Portugal!

Portuguese is the official language of 9 countries. Over 236 million people worldwide are native Portuguese speakers.

Portugal is the largest cork producer in the world. Portugal produces 70% of the world's cork exports. The main importers of Portuguese cork are Germany, the U.K., and the U.S.

Portugal is one of the world's top surf spots. It has a coastline that spans 497 miles and it's known to have 364 days of surf!

One of the oldest universities in Europe is in Portugal. The University of Coimbra was established in 1290, making it one of the oldest universities on the European continent.

Portugal has the second longest bridge in Europe. The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon is 17 kilometers long, making it the longest in Europe.

Portugal is the oldest country in Europe. It has had the same defined borders since 1139, making it the oldest nation-state in Europe.

Lisbon is older than Rome. It is in fact the second oldest European capital after Athens. Many historians believe that it was settled by the Phoenicians around 1200 BC.

In 1755, Lisbon was struck by one of the most powerful earthquakes in European history, which was followed by a tsunami, and fires that brought the city to rubble!

The earliest recorded hot air balloon ascent was in Portugal.

The Highest Mountain In Portugal Is Mount Pico. But it’s not on the Portuguese mainland. It’s actually situated on the island of Pico, in the far-flung Atlantic archipelago of the Azores.