ECONOMY

The geographical location of Portugal permits not only easy access to the European market, but also to the North and South American Coast, as well as to the African continent. Historical and cultural ties of Portugal are therefore internationally recognized: over 200 million people speak Portuguese worldwide.

The economy improved considerably over the last 20 years after Portugal's joined the European common market, with a fast growing of the service sector with 63 % of the GDP, whilst the industry, construction and energy and water represents 34% of the GDP and the agriculture, forestry and fishery sector only 3%.
Top Export partners: EU 80% (Germany 20%, Spain 16%, France 14%, United Kingdom 12%), North America 5% and Portuguese-speaking countries 3,6%
Top Import partners: EU 77% (Spain 25%, Germany 15%, France 11%, Italy 8%, United Kingdom 7%) North America 3%, Japan 3%

Basic Economic figures 2000:

Labor Force: GDP: GNP/inhabitant: Growth: Inflation: Balance of payments: Trade balance: Exports: Imports:

5 millions 96 billion euros 10.000 dollars 3,5% 2% -4,07 billion euros -11,44 billion euros 21,72 billion euros 33,16 billion euros

Tourism: Portugal welcomes 12 million tourists yearly.