The Portuguese Republic, located in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, has an area of 35,553 sq, mi. (91,905 sq. km.) and a population of 9.79 million. Capital: Lisbon. Portugal?s economy is based on agriculture and a small but expanding industrial sector. Textiles, machinery, chemicals, wine and cork are exported. ,After centuries of domination by Romans, Visigoths and Moors, Portugal emerged in the 12th century as an independent kingdom financially and philosophically prepared for the great period of exploration that would follow. Attuned to the inspiration of Prince Henry the Navigator (1394-1460), Portugal?s daring explorers of the 14th and 15th centuries roamed the world?s oceans from Brazil to Japan in an unprecedented burst of energy and endeavor that culminated in 1494 with Portugal laying claim to half the transoceanic world. Unfortunately for the fortunes of the tiny kingdom, the Portuguese proved to be inept colonizers. Less than a century after Portugal laid claim to half the world, English, French and Dutch trading companies had seized the lion?s share of the world?s colonies and commerce, and Portugal?s place as an imperial power was lost forever. (The Princpe).,, Rulers:,,, ,Spanish, 1580-1640,, ,Luis I, 1861-1889,, ,Carlos I, 1889-1908,, ,Manuel II, 1908-1910,, ,Republic, 1910-,, Monetary System:,,, ,1 Mil Reis = 1000 Reis to 1910,, ,1 Escudo = 100 Centavos, 1910-2001,, ,1 Euro = 100 Cents, 2002-,,