Including the Azores and the Madeira Islands. Lisbon, the capital, has 830,000 in its metropolitan area. In addition, there are 2 million Portuguese residing abroad, as emigrants or as temporary workers. Portugal strives to retain ties with Portuguese communities abroad and to protect its workers.
Freedom of religion is guaranteed in the constitution.
Throughout history, Portugal's coastline was populated by various cultures. 27 B.C. Subsequently, the Visigoths and the Moors governed until the twelfth century. In 1140, Portugal became an independent nation under King Alfonso Henriques. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Portuguese explorers immensely expanded its empire. Both Spain and France ruled Portugal temporarily before the republic of Portugal was established in 1910.