Geography |
The Portuguese Republic, located in far south-western Europe on the western side of the Iberian Peninsula, is bounded on the north and east by Spain and on the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores and the Madeira Islands in the Atlantic are autonomous regions of Portugal, and are considered integral parts of the republic. The total area of Portugal, including the Azores (2 247 km2) and the Madeira Islands (794 km2), is 92 040 km2.
Eastern Portugal is mountainous and cut through by three great rivers, which rise in Spain and empty into the Atlantic Ocean. The Tajo (Tejo) is the largest, followed by the Douro (Duero) and the Guadiana, which forms part of the eastern frontier. A fourth river, the Minho, forms part of the northern frontier. The highest mountain range is the Serra da Estrela in central Portugal, rising to 1991 m. West and south of the mountains lies a large coastal plain that is intensively cultivated.
Portugal has a mild climate. In spring and summer, the weather is generally warm and dry, with little or no rain. In fall and winter, the weather is cool and heavy rains fall on much of the country. Southern Portugal receives no snow, but parts of the north receive a little. Snow generally covers the highest peaks of the Serra da Estrela range for several months each year.
Average temperatures in Portugal range from about 21° C in July to about 10° C in January. Average annual precipitation totals about 1 400 mm in parts of the inland north, but only about 500 mm in the coastal south.
The Azores is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean located about 1 300 km west of Portugal. It is an autonomous region of that country. The Azores cover a total of 2 247 km2. They include nine major islands in three scattered groups: the eastern group, which includes the major islands São Miguel and Santa Maria and the Formigas islets; the central group (Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Terceira, and Graciosa); and the north-western group (Flores and Corvo).
With the exception of Santa Maria, the Azores are volcanic in origin. Most of the islands have steep topography, with the high point occurring on Pico at 2 351 m. Earthquakes are common.
The Azores enjoy a relatively temperate climate, but they also are subject to severe Atlantic winds, storms, and currents. The average winter temperature is 14° C, while the average summer temperature is 23° C.
The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.