WHERE WE STAND
On identity and values
Portugal stands on the edge of the Atlantic, at the most southwestern point of Europe, in a place where cultures connect and diplomacy thrives, connecting people and nations through dialogue and cooperation.
Portugal stands where a revolution was born from the power of peace, with the Carnation Revolution of April 1974 bringing about freedom and democracy without violence.
Portugal stands as a champion of global solidarity, advocating for a fairer, more just international order.
Portugal stands for common heritage, through a shared but diverse language, reinforcing ties with other continents through the lusophone community.
Portugal stands for cultural diversity, presenting a unique mosaic of influences and heritages, from architecture to cuisine and music, fostering openness, inclusion, and global partnerships.
Portugal stands for freedom of belief and inter-faith dialogue, actively supporting the UN Alliance of Civilizations, promoting initiatives that unite people of all religions and proudly hosting the Ismaili Imamat, the International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID, and the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe.
WHERE WE STAND
On science, technology and innovation
Portugal stands where history and creativity fuel technology and innovation, embracing inclusive digital transformation while preserving cultural heritage.
Portugal stands where energy transitions take shape, committed to renewable resources and a greener future for all.
Portugal stands where artificial intelligence meets ethics, ensuring innovation serves people and societies, promoting greater social and economic justice.
WHERE WE STAND
On Human Rights and solidarity
Portugal stands for the respect, protection and realisation of all Human Rights.
Portugal stands as a supporter and defendant of the rights of young and older persons, and as a champion of gender equality, promoting the empowerment of women and girls and their full, equal and meaningful participation in all spheres.
Portugal stands up against all forms of discrimination, reinforcing international commitments to the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and advocating for inclusive societies.
Portugal stands for all Human Rights, including economic, social, and cultural rights, an area in which we have been active for almost 40 years at the United Nations.
Portugal stands in defence of health and education as fundamental human rights, promoting universal healthcare and global well-being.
WHERE WE STAND
On Peace, Security and Humanitarian Action
Portugal stands for the primacy of diplomacy for peace, supporting UN efforts in conflict prevention and mediation, based on the belief that peace and security require collective effort, grounded in international law, trust, respect and solidarity.
Portugal stands at the forefront of peacekeeping, contributing to UN missions that protect civilians and rebuild stability in conflict zones.
Portugal stands against all forms of extremism and radicalization, reinforcing global efforts to prevent terrorism and violent conflicts.
Portugal stands as a defender of international law and of strong and independent international courts, supporting accountability for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.
Portugal stands in support of humanitarian action, sustaining UN relief efforts and peacebuilding missions, and with displaced populations, providing shelter, protection, and integration support for refugees and asylum seekers.
Portugal stands where resilience is needed most, supporting climate-vulnerable nations through humanitarian assistance, capacity-building and adaptation efforts.
WHERE WE STAND
On International Development Cooperation
Portugal stands where development meets sustainability, aligning national policies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to create a fairer world.
Portugal stands in solidarity with developing nations, reinforcing North-South and triangular cooperation to promote sustainable growth.
Portugal stands as a key player in international development, promoting cooperation with Lusophone nations, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and beyond.
Portugal stands where financial innovation meets climate action, supporting debt-for-nature swaps to support vulnerable nations invest in sustainability.
WHERE WE STAND
On climate action, environmental protection and ocean leadership
Portugal stands at the forefront of climate ambition, driving bold policies for a carbon-neutral future.
Portugal stands as a voice for climate justice, ensuring vulnerable nations are heard in global environmental negotiations.
Portugal stands as a guardian of biodiversity, protecting natural ecosystems on land and at sea.
Portugal stands as a global advocate for the ocean, leading efforts to protect marine biodiversity and combat pollution.
Portugal stands with coastal and island communities, ensuring that ocean conservation and economic prosperity go hand in hand.
Portugal stands for maritime security and the safety of our seas, the freedom of navigation, and the implementation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Rooted in history, connected to the world, committed to the future.
90%: Over 90% of Portugal’s national territory lies in the sea, making it one of the largest maritime nations in Europe and a key advocate for ocean sustainability.
11 islands: Portugal’s two autonomous regions—the Azores (9 islands) and Madeira (2 main islands)—are home to 11 inhabited islands, which enhance Portugal’s territorial diversity and oceanic vocation.
85%: Approximately 85% of Portugal’s population lives in coastal regions, underscoring the country’s close connection to the sea.
1249: Portugal’s borders have mostly remained unchanged since this year, making it one of the oldest, most stable nation-states in Europe.
1519–1522: Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe, a monumental achievement in global exploration.
1974: The Carnation Revolution peacefully restored democracy in Portugal and ended colonial rule, becoming a global symbol of nonviolent political change, freedom and democracy.
17: Portugal has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing its diverse cultural heritage.
265 million: The Portuguese language is the official language of 9 countries across 4 continents, and connects over 265 million people worldwide, making it one of the 10 most spoken languages globally.
1290: The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest universities in Europe and a symbol of Portugal’s commitment to education and knowledge.
70%: Portugal generates almost 70% of its electricity from renewable sources, demonstrating its leadership in sustainability and green energy.
2021: Portugal decommissioned its last coal-fired power plant, the Pego power station, on November 20, 2021, marking the end of coal-based electricity generation in the country.
25 million: Every year, over 25 million international tourists visit Portugal, attracted by its culture, gastronomy and landscapes.
7th: Portugal ranks 7th on the 2024 Global Peace Index, highlighting its long-standing tradition of fostering peaceful and sustainable communities.
5 million: Approximately 5 million Portuguese citizens and their descendants live abroad, forming a strong and dynamic global diaspora that also connects Portugal with the world.
10%: Foreign residents account for about 10% of Portugal’s population, reflecting the openness and welcoming nature of its society.
Key axes of Portugal’s Foreign Policy:
Multilateralism: Portugal, a reliable and consistent partner at the UN
Portugal is a staunch advocate of multilateralism, the UN Charter and international law, actively participating in diverse universal and regional organizations to address global challenges. These include the United Nations, the European Union, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, the Ibero-American Conference, the Union for the Mediterranean, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Through these organizations and others, Portugal cultivates deep and long-lasting ties with all regions.
Global Cooperation: Portugal, a natural bridge-builder
Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Americas, Portugal plays a pivotal role in fostering relations across continents. As a member of various transcontinental organizations, Portugal has an unmatched outreach and engagement capacity that it has long placed at the service of dialogue, cooperation, peace and security.
European Integration: Portugal, a global voice in Brussels
Since joining the European Union in 1986, Portugal has actively contributed to the Union’s cohesion and advancement. It champions policies that drive sustainable growth, social inclusion, and technological innovation, while playing a key role in shaping the EU’s green and digital transitions, as well as its foreign policy and external action.
International Development Cooperation: Portugal, a multidimensional approach
In Portugal, development cooperation is a State policy which is based on a broad national consensus, with the aim of eradicating poverty and promoting the sustainable development of partner countries, in respect for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. It offers a response to global development challenges, complementing and reinforcing other dimensions of our external action, at European and multilateral levels, while generating mutual benefits for Portugal and its partner countries.
CPLP: a bloc based on a shared heritage and common values
Portugal is an active participant of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries – CPLP, a bloc comprising 9 Member States across 4 continents. This unique platform fosters political, social, and cultural cooperation, seeking to fulfil the potential of a language spoken by 265 million people.
Diaspora Engagement: bringing the world closer to home
With an estimated 5 million nationals and descendants living abroad, the diaspora is another cornerstone of Portugal’s foreign policy. While supporting the full integration of these communities in the societies they live in, Portugal highly values their role in bringing the world closer to home.