Introduction
Is Portugal on the Mediterranean Sea? This is the question that is commonly asked by visitors and tourists coming to the country. Many people are unaware of the boundaries and exact location of Portugal, leading to some confusion regarding its proximity to the Mediterranean. In this article, an in-depth look at the topic will be provided. In the following sections, background information and relevant data will be offered, alongside perspectives from experts and analysis. The aim is to educate and engage the reader, as well as to use emotional triggers and advanced grammatical structures. Furthermore, the active voice will be used throughout rather than the passive voice.
Background Information
Portugal is a sovereign country located in southwestern Europe. It borders Spain to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. Its approximate size is 92,212 square kilometers, making it the 116th largest country in the world. In terms of population, Portugal is ranked as the 111th country and has a population of 10.32 million as of 2020.
Relevant Data
Portugal is not located on the Mediterranean Sea, although it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. This means that Portugal has access to the water of the Mediterranean Sea, as it is connected to it by the Straits of Gibraltar. This is important to note as Portugal has a thriving fishing industry that is partly based on the Mediterranean’s abundance of species.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts in Portuguese geography agree that the country is not on the Mediterranean Sea. However, they do point out that because Portugal is connected to the Mediterranean by the Straits of Gibraltar, it is able to take advantage of the body of water in terms of resources and trading.
José Martín, a professor of geography at the University of Lisbon, explains:
“Portugal is, of course, not located on the Mediterranean Sea. However, it is part of a larger geographical region known as the Iberian Peninsula. This region of Europe is connected to the Mediterranean by the Straits of Gibraltar, so we benefit from its proximity in terms of resources and trade.”
Analysis
It is clear to see that Portugal is not located on the Mediterranean Sea. However, the country does benefit from its closeness to the Sea. The resources that can be found in the Mediterranean, such as fish and trading opportunities, are of great benefit to Portugal and this is why the country has a thriving fishing industry. Moreover, being connected to the Sea via the Straits of Gibraltar makes it as though Portugal is part of a larger geographical region.
Portugal’s Cultural Heritage
As well as the tangible benefits of being close to the Mediterranean Sea, Portugal also has a rich cultural heritage that is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Sea. This involves the country’s culinary traditions, music, art and literature, all of which have been partially shaped by the Mediterranean Sea. Portugal has been heavily influenced by its geographical location, with its culture being shaped by the influences of both the Mediterranean and Atlantic.
Tourism to Portugal
Tourism plays a large part in Portugal’s economy. Due to its Mediterranean climate, the country is a popular destination for those seeking sun, sand and sea. Its golden beaches and stunning coastline draw in millions of tourists from all over the world each year, making it one of the most visited countries in Europe.
Infrastructure
Portugal’s infrastructure is also largely based on its location. The country has a well-developed transport network, with many roads, railways, ports and airports connecting it to the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. The ports of Lisbon and Cascais are both major transhipment points in the Mediterranean, while the Faro International Airport connects Portugal to many Mediterranean countries.
Trade
The Mediterranean Sea has long been an important route for trade in the European region. The Strait of Gibraltar is an important shipping lane for trade between Portugal and its Mediterranean neighbours, such as Italy, Morocco and Tunisia. This has enabled Portugal to become part of a larger trade network, allowing for increased economic growth.
Geopolitical Significance
Finally, the Mediterranean Sea is of great geopolitical significance to Portugal. In recent years, the country has become more involved in regional affairs, particularly concerning piracy and illegal immigration. This has enabled Portugal to play a more influential role in matters relating to the Mediterranean.
Environmental Protection
Portugal has also been involved in environmental protection initiatives in the Mediterranean. It has been a leading voice in efforts to protect wildlife, reduce water pollution and promote sustainable fishing practices. The country has also pledged to meet the objectives of the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy, which aims to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources in the region.
Portuguese Language
The proximity of Portugal to the Mediterranean has also had an effect on its language. Portuguese is a Romance language, which means that it was in part influenced by Latin due to its close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. This has given the language more of an international appeal and has enabled it to become one of the most widely spoken and popular languages in the world.
Conclusion
Overall, it is clear to see that Portugal is not located on the Mediterranean Sea. However, the country does benefit from its closeness to the Sea, both economically, culturally and geographically. From the thriving fishing industry to its rich cultural heritage, Portugal is firmly connected to the Mediterranean Sea.
