1 / 188
1.
Introduction
1. Introduction
Chapter summary
•
Portugal is located in south-western Europe, with a population of
10.3 million people.
•
The country has had a democratic regimen since 1974, being part of
the European Community (1986) and the Euro Zone (1999).
•
The international economic crisis had a major impact in Portugal from
2009, 2011 and 2012, leading the country to sign a Memorandum of
Understanding with three international institutions.
•
The Portuguese population is ageing rapidly, and this scenario was
worsened by the economic crisis and the subsequent migration of fertile
and active citizens.
•
Maternal and child health have improved, while noncommunicable
diseases are the main causes of death and morbidity.
•
Health inequalities are particularly important in Portugal, related mainly
to gender and geographic location.
1.1 Geography and sociodemography
Portugal is located on the western side of the Iberian Peninsula, in south-western
Europe. It comprises the mainland and two archipelagos lying in the Atlantic
Ocean: the Azores (nine islands) and Madeira (two main islands – Madeira
and Porto Santo – plus two groups of small islands – Desertas and Selvagens).
Mainland Portugal has one land border with Spain to the north and east and
has a long coastline with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south (Fig. 1.1). The
River Tagus divides the country into two distinct geographical areas. Rivers,
mountains and forests are part of the northern and central landscape in Portugal,