============================== PORTUGAL ============================== (including Azores and Madeira) Portugal, in the southwest corner of Europe, makes up about 15% of the Iberian peninsula. The most mountainous areas lie to the north of the Tagus river, while south of it lies the Alentajo, an area of wheat fields and cork plantations, which continues to the hinterland of the Algarve, with beautiful groves of almond, fig and olive trees. Agriculture employs one- quarter of the labour force. Manufacturing industry includes textiles and clothing for export, and footwear, food processing and cork products. Tourism, particularly in the south, is the main foreign currency earner. Area (Sq. Km): 92,082 Population: 9,903,000 Capital: Lisbon Language: Portuguese Religion: Roman Catholic 97% Government Type: Parliamentary democracy Currency: Escudo Embassy: 11 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8PP 0171-235-5331 Well within the top ten on the British holiday popularity stakes is Portugal. For the holidaymaker in Portugal there is choice of two main regions: Around Lisbon, the capital with the resorts of Cascais and Estoril on the Atlantic seaboard, and the Algarve on Portugals southern coast. The Lisbon coastal area is warn is summer but because it is open to the Atlantic can be very cool in winter. The Algarve has long dry summers and relatively mild winters. The Algarve has become a self-catering paradise for the UK traveller and there are dozens of major and minor resorts to choose from. The biggest but not necessarily the best include: Lagos (pronounced Lagoosh) Albufiera (one of the biggest and an attractive resort for the family) Alvor Quateria Praia da Rocha All these resorts are serviced by Portugals southern airport, Faro. The Portuguese seem to recall the long alliance between the British and themselves and are a friendly people. Many understand English quite well. Of particular note is the huge number of golf courses available on the Algarve and specialist golfing holidays are a major attraction. Whilst Portugal is not as expensive as Spain, it has become more so of late, yet a budget holiday is still possible, especially in winter. National Airline: TAP (Air Portugal) UK Operators: Thomsons Sunworld Airtours Enterprise Aspro «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Foreign Office Advice: Normal care and precautions should be taken. For more information ring: Foreign Office Travel Unit 0171-270-4129