Algarve Facts

  • Geography

  • Area:

    4,996 sq. km (5.4% of Portuguese territory)
  • Cities:

    Regional capital - Faro
  • 16 municipalities - Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Castro Marim, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé, Monchique, Olhão, Portimão, São Brás de Alportel, Silves, Tavira, Vila do Bispo, Vila Real de Santo António
  • Terrain:

    Costa Vicentina - (western coastline) - jagged with tall escarpments; long beaches; small coves
  • Barlavento (windward) - cliffs; long beaches; small coves; marshlands
  • Sotavento (leeward) - lower cliffs; long beaches; marshlands
  • Barrocal - undulating slopes mostly used for farming
  • Serra - mountainous
  • Climate:

    Warm and dry; annual rainfall low. West is windier than south
  • Time zone:

    Mainland Portugal and Madeira - Standard time: GMT Summer: GMT+1
    • People

    • Nationality:

      Portuguese
    • Population:

      428,000 (approx. density 80/sq. km)
    • Portuguese; immigrants from Brazil, former African colonies and eastern European countries; foreign residents
    • Languages:

      Portuguese (official)
    • Education:

      Basic education for 9 years (compulsory)
    • Literacy - 90.6%
    • Total work force:

      212.2 thousand (2008)
    • Work force:

      Agriculture and fisheries: 7.1%, Industry: 21.3%, Services: 71.6%
    • Government

    • Civil Governor’s Office of the District of Faro
    • Economy (2008 figures)

      GDP: € 6.951 million
    • Per capita GDP: €16,231
    • Per capita GDP(PT=100): 104
    • GDP annual growth rate: -0.5%
    • (as % of national GDP): 4.2%
    • Economic sectors (GVA): Primary: 4.6%; Secondary 11.9%; Tertiary 83.5%
    • Currency:

      € Euro
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