Welcome to Portugal
Geography and Demography
Educational System
Pre-higher education
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Basic education in Portugal is universal, compulsory, and free. It comprises of three cycles, the first cycle takes four years, the second two years, and the third three years. English is introduced as subject in the first cycle.
Secondary education involves a three year cycle. It is ,also, free and compulsory.
A number of International primary and secondary schools can be found in Portugal, which adopts English as a languages of instruction, rather than a mere subject.
Higher education
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Higher Education in Portugal is divided into university and polytechnic education. Higher education is not free. Universities decide the tuition fees students have to pay. These fees differ from one university to another, or depending on the field of studies.
Portugal is aware of the importance of English in modern academic research, so students at advanced levels are required to take their courses in English. Thus, enabling students and researchers to access recent books and articles with respect to their specialization.
History
This video is a fun summary of the history of Portugal
For a detailed historical timeline: |
Political System
The Republic of Portugal |
The political system of Portugal is composed of four branches:
1) The president: elected every five years, has the executive power, and the ability to dismiss the government . 2) The assembly of the republic: it consists of 230 seats made up of 226 members elected from different constituencies, and four members representing Portuguese living abroad. The members always serve for four years. 3) The government: elected every four years, its ministers are chosen by the prime minister, who himself is chosen by the president, based on elections. 4) The constitutional court: the only entity that is not elected. It is more powerful than the president, and its judges are appointed by the assembly. The judges run for a term of six years, not to be renewed. |
Religion
According to Central Intelligence Agency (2011), Portugal has a Roman Catholic majority of 81%. Other faiths represent small minorities in Portugal. Portuguese are keen to their religious practices despite the government's secularism. One example is the legalization of gay marriage in the country, which caused division in the public opinion. |