The country of Portugal is located towards the south-western part of Europe and it is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on two sides and Spain on the other two. The two major climatic types that dominate this nation are the Mediterranean type climate and the Oceanic climate. The autumn and winter seasons are windy and rainy while the summers and springtime are sunny and pleasant. Average annual temperature of the country ranges between thirteen degree Celsius to eighteen degree Celsius. However towards the extreme north eastern part and south eastern parts of the country, absolute temperatures can be recorded during winters and summer respectively, with the winter temperature dipping as low as minus sixteen degree Celsius and the summer temperature rising to over forty degrees. Such extreme temperature conditions have been recorded in the Alentejo region and in Serra da Estrela regions of Portugal. It can be mentioned here that though the phenomenon of snow fall is not uncommon in the northern parts of the country from October to May, the southern part of the country hardly receives snowfall. The coastal areas record no extremes in temperature.

Several rivers flow in the region, the major river being Tagus which has formed extensive indented river valleys in the northern mountainous parts while in the south they have formed rolling plains. The Atlantic archipelago comprising of the islands of Madeira and Azores are also fall within the territorial demarcations of Portugal. Volcanic eruptions are not uncommon to some islands and Mount Pico on Pico Island is an ancient volcano. Portugal also boasts of possessing of several natural reserves, protected landscapes, natural monuments, a national park and several natural parks and therefore is engaged in the conservation of natural resourced. Portugal is also an exponent of exploring and researching on the marine resources and this has given rise to the formation of the Exclusive Economic Zone.