PORTUGAL - Portugal - page 5

tower and monastery. But no country can corner the market on trade for long, and as with
Spain, Portugal underwent a long decline.
Portugal endured the repressive regime of António de Oliveira Salazar and his suc-
cessor Marcello Caetano, from 1932-1974—the longest dictatorship in Western European
history. Salazar pumped money into fighting wars to hang on to the last of the country's
African colonies. When Portuguese military officers staged a coup in 1974, the locals
were on their side (see sidebar on the Carnation Revolution, here ) . Portugal lost its colon-
ies, but those former holdings—as well as the Portuguese people—won their freedom.
Once the poorest European Union country in Western Europe, Portugal has worked
hard to meet EU standards...and has enjoyed heavy EU investment. The major issues fa-
cing the country are how to tame its rising national debt, continue providing generous
social services, keep taxes reasonable, and reduce unemployment. Poverty still exists in
Portugal, particularly in rural areas, but overall, the country has become more prosperous
since joining the EU. New products are on the market, the infrastructure has improved,
and Portugal is participating more in international politics.
With a rich culture, friendly people, affordable prices, and a salty setting on the edge
of Europe, Portugal understandably remains a rewarding destination for travelers.