Portugal

The Portuguese Republic (Portuguese: República Portuguesa) is a democratic republic located on the west and southwest parts of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, and is the westernmost country in continental Europe. Portugal is bordered by Spain to the north and east and by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. In addition, Portugal includes two archipelagos in the Atlantic, Azores (Açores) and Madeira Islands.

Flora and fauna

Human activity, diversity of climate, and geographical diversity have shaped the Portuguese Flora. There are almost 2,800 autochthonous species. {{Inote | Grande Enciclopédia Universal, page 10536, "Portugal", paragraph 3 }} For economic reasons, pine trees (especially the Pinus pinaster and Pinus pinea species), the chestnut tree and the eucalyptus are very widespread.

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The Peneda-Gerês National Park (mostly known as Gerês) is located in the extreme north-west of Portugal. The park has a wide variety of oaken and mixed forests, groves, peat bogs, and diverse bushes, including autochthonous and rare species. It is one of the last Iberian harbours of wolves, garranos, golden eagles and honey buzzards amongst many others. The Natural parks of Serra da Estrela, with its broad valleys and turf soils and the Arrábida with its Mediterranean character and the sand varieties of its beaches unveil the ecological variety of Portugal.

Related Topics:
Peneda-Gerês National Park - Oak - Grove - Peat bog - Bush - Wolves - Garrano - Golden eagle - Honey buzzard - Turf - Arrábida

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The Tapada Nacional de Mafra is conspicuous, due to its rich flora and fauna. The Tapada was created in the reign of King John V for royal delight, in an area of 8 square kilometres with stags, boars, foxes, rapine birds and several other species. Today, the Tapada is classified as an area of national hunting (Zona de Caça Nacional).

Related Topics:
Tapada Nacional de Mafra - King John V - Stag - Boar - Fox

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As of 2005, Portugal is facing a major drought in the continental area; rain has been very rare in 2004 and 2005, even during the winter. The very hot summers also contribute to another major problem, forest fires. In 2004, about 40% of these fires were caused by arson.

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