Situated in the south western part of Europe, the country of Portugal, formally referred to as the Republic of Portugal is surrounded in the north and east by Spain, and by the opulent Atlantic Ocean in the south and west. As early as 138 BC the landmass which is known today as Portugal was induced within the territories of the Roman Empire which had established its supremacy at that time. Therefore, it is not surprising to discover that the name ‘Portugal’ owes its origin from the Roman name ‘Porto Cale’. The First Country of Portugal was formed in 868 at the time of the ‘Reconquista’ by means of which the Christians once more attacked the Iberian Peninsula which had been since then subjugated by the Moors and Muslims. However, it was the battle of Ourique in 1139 which can be formally regarded as the time when Portugal came to be recognized as an independent territory and consolidated its position in the world map as a nation under the able leadership of its ruler Afonso Henriques.

It is significant to mention here that the 13th and 14th century which are often referred to as the Age of Discovery received tremendous impetus and support from the Portuguese monarchs. These explorations proved vital in conceiving their later designs of colonizing various locations in the world like certain parts of the Asian and African continents. Thus the seeds of colonialism which was sown by Portugal flourished with the progress of time and reached its peak during the 15th and 17th centuries. Towards the 20th century however, their condition declined enormously and soon they lost most of their subjugated territories. This was followed by the protests within the country against the right wing dictatorship which was lead by Antonio de Oliveira Salazar. It was the Carnation Revolution of 1974 which heralded the beginning of democracy in Portugal and in 1986 it became a member of the European Union.