Envision Portugal extending before you. Continental Portugal represents the major portion of the Portuguese Republic. It sits on the Iberian Peninsula within Continental Europe.
Continental Portugal holds approximately 95% of Portugal’s total population. It also encompasses 96.6% of the country’s land. This area is often simply called “the continent” by those living in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos.
These islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean. Residents of Madeira and the Azores sometimes perceive governance as flowing from Lisbon. Lisbon is the nation’s capital. Before 1975, the term “metropolis” also described Continental Portugal. This was when Portuguese territory included several African states. They are now independent.
The term mainland Portugal distinguishes it from insular territories. These territories are Madeira and the Azores. People often call these islands the autonomous regions. They are also known as insular Portugal. Some refer to them simply as “the islands.”
Continental Portugal divides into 18 districts. Madeira and the Azores form autonomous regions. The European Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics defines mainland Portugal and its islands. This definition creates a primary NUTS I territorial division.
Historically, the distinction between continental and total territory was significant. This mattered greatly during the Portuguese Empire. Consider the colonization of Brazil.
Today, Continental Portugal spans 89,015 square kilometers. This is 96.6% of Portugal’s 92,145 square kilometers. It is home to 10,142,079 inhabitants. This makes up 95.3% of Portugal’s total population of 10,639,726.
Explore the districts of Continental Portugal. Discover the statistical regions. Each region contributes uniquely to Portugal. Continental Portugal stands as the heart of a nation. It balances mainland and island.