Portugal Country Report

Portugal is a developed, democratic country located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Peaceful demonstrations and strikes take place periodically in the country, particularly over economic issues. Street crime presents the most common threat to travelers and expatriates, but levels of violent crime are low. Portugal presents an open and welcoming environment for foreign investment and tourists. There is an elevated risk of forest fires during the hot and dry summer months. These can be deadly and cause large-scale damage to land and property. The infrastructure is generally well developed, though not as advanced as in some other western European countries.

Portugal is a member of NATO, the EU, and the Schengen area.

The biggest threat to foreign travelers is from petty and opportunistic theft, particularly in major city centers. Petty crime incidents tend to rise during high tourist seasons over the summer months and winter holidays. Unrest occurs periodically over various socioeconomic and political issues. Protests are typically low level and peaceful.

There are no major concerns over air travel to and within Portugal.

Roads are of generally good quality, although local driving standards can be erratic, and car accidents are commonplace.

The ports are considered relatively efficient.

Utilities infrastructure is generally considered dependable, and there are no major issues with electricity, gas, and water services.

Portugal has increasingly focused on the growing threat from cyberattacks. Recent incidents have targeted government and police interests.

Portugal's climate is temperate, with mild, rainy winters and warm, drier summers. Severe storms are occasionally reported on mainland Portugal as well as the outlying islands of the Azores and Madeira. Heavy rainfall can cause flooding and associated transport, business, and utility disruptions. Portugal is located in an active seismic zone and experiences regular, low-level earthquakes, which rarely cause damage or injuries. Forest fires occur frequently during the peak fire season, which runs June-October, and can result in severe property damage and fatalities. Extended heatwaves during the summer months can also pose health risks.

The most common travel-related ailment is travelers' diarrhea. Medical facilities are available in Portugal and are of excellent quality in major cities. Facilities may be limited in rural areas. Most pharmacies are well supplied, and some are open 24 hours. Tap water is safe to drink.

Portugal is a unitary multi-party semi-presidential constitutional republic. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The President, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet form the government and exercise executive power. Presidential elections take place once every five years. The unicameral parliament (the Assembly of the Republic) exercises legislative power. Legislative elections take place once every four years. Early elections have frequently been called in recent years in response to political developments. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are typically required to form the government. Government collapses are rare. State institutions are competent and effective and provide reliable services across most of the country.