The history and Culture of Portugal, with a sailor tradition, is now a varied one. The heritage of the penninsular towns just adds on to the conquered affluence. The result was a positive spirit that throughout history started movements for literary figures such as the Poet Manuelino and Fernando Pessoa.

The history of Portugal has many points in common with that of other countries in Europe. It´s origins begin in the Middle Ages and centuries later became an important world reference point thanks to the sailors, during the era of Discovery.

Nonetheless, due to numerous political factors, the Phillipine Dynasty from 1580-1640, the 1755 earthquake, the taking over during napoleanic wars or the independence of 1822 from Brazil, Portugal began to lose a lot of power as well as the world notoriety that it had gained throughout the years.

In the 20th century, mainly in 1910, a revolution finished off a monarchy. After 16 years with an unstable parlement republic, the dicator Antonio Oliveira Salazar took control during 48 years.

In 1974 great changes occured with the Carnation Revolution. It was lead from the socialists, and this revolution made possible a series of democratic reforms. The following year, the independence of the old african colonies was won. Today, Portugal is one of the founding members of NATO, and belongs to the European Union.