Portugalis a country located mostly on the Iberian Peninsula in south western Europe. It is the westernmost sovereign state of mainland Europe. Its territory also includes the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira. Portugal has around 11.000.000 inhabitants. It is one of the oldest countries in Europe, being recognised independent in 1143. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal established the first global empire,  becoming one of the world’s major economic, political and military powers. During this period, today referred to as the Age of Discovery, Portuguese explorers pioneered maritime exploration, notably under royal patronage of Prince Hnery the Navigator and King John II , with such notable voyages as Bartolomeu Dias’ sailing beyond the Cape of Good Hope (Cabo da Boa Esperança) (1488), Vasco de Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India (1497–98) and the European discovery of Brazil (1500).Portugal has left a profound cultural and architectural influence across the globe, a legacy of 300 million Portuguese speakers,  and many Portuguese-based creoles. Portugal is a developed country with an advanced economy and highliving standards. Portugal has developed a specific culture while being influenced by various civilizations that have crossed the Mediterranean and the European continent and has a worldwide remarkable and distinctive performance within architecture, music, literature, visual arts, sport and cuisine.