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The country

Portugal has a big historic past that goes back to the time of the naval adventure of the discoveries and colonization. Some of the past is still present and can be seen in the numerous monuments and traditions of the country. Some of the attractions are surely natural like the climate.

Over its more than 800 years of history, Portugal has lived through wars and invasions, but this small country has succeeded in keeping its identity thanks to its rich cultural inheritance.

Most Portuguese towns and cities has a long and interesting history. Portugal is well known for the cultural richness, but it is also perfect for a holiday of excursions, sun, sea, and sports.

Once upon a time, Portugal was the most powerful and the wealthiest country in the world. Two thirds of the world was discovered by the explorers and sailors of Portugal, and the Portuguese founded the first modern empire. For later generations, it was the poor cousin of Europe.

Despite its turbulent past Portugal is a stable country. The monarchy ended in 1910 and the republic was founded. In 1926 Salazar established his almost 40 years of dictatorship. Portugal became a modern democracy after a peaceful military coup April 25, 1974 that began the rebirth of the country. With the oldest national boundaries in Europe, this country is both ancient and newborn.

The population of Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira islands, is approximative 11 million.More than 94% of the population is Roman Catholic although freedom of religion is permitted

Geography

Mainland Portugal is roughly the shape of a rectangle about 560 km long and 220 km wide on the west of the Iberian Peninsula. A 830-km Atlantic coastline borders the country on the west and south. In the north and east Portugal borders to Spain.

The river Tejo rise in Spain and meets the Atlantic in Lisbon. The river draws a line between the country's two parts which are very different.

The archipelago of Azores is almost 1500 km west of Lisbon, nearly halfway between Portugal and New York. The area is 2.247 sq. km and consists of nine islands: Flores and Corvo on the northwest; Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciósa and Terceira in the middle; São Miguel and Santa Maria on the southwest. The "fairy islands" from volcanic origin are quite a different destination for vacationers. No hectic nightlife or crowded cities, but crystal clear water and marvelous nature. The nature is simply luxurious.

So is the nature in the archipelago of Madeira, 964 Kms southwest of Lisbon. With an area of 794 sq. km, it is much smaller than the Azores and consists of eight larger islands and a few small islets. Only Madeira and Porto Santo are inhabited.

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Manchester fans losing patience with Ronaldo

April 11, 2009

Goals are forgotten over discipline issue

Gone are the times in which Ronaldo was an idol consensus among supporters of Manchester United. He who was considered the best player on the planet in 2008 continues with vein ballers with shirt number 7 - but not enough for fans of the 'red devils'. The growing field and in displicência endless soap opera of the transfer to Real Madrid fans leave angry.