Once upon a time a great colonial empire, Portugal fell into a cone of shadow at a certain time along modern history and only recently re-emerged as a tourist point of interest. But I think it would be interesting to find out a thing or two about the economy of Portugal. Let’s see what Portugal is really up to and the sectors it’s best known and appreciated for.

Rather than talking about the industry of a country – and I mean here the heavy industry mainly – we need to define the important areas of the economy of a country. In the case of Portugal, we see a country that makes solid money off tourism. So it isn’t surprising to see the services sector thriving.

Apart from hotels and infrastructure and companies catering to such services, an important role is played by the transport sector, with airport transfers and car rental Portugal services topping the list.

When referring to industry, however, we should nevertheless remember to mention that more than one third of the work force in Portugal is integrated in manufacturing, where constructions and mining are the leaders. Also, food is a major industry, Portugal, with its rich shore by the Atlantic Ocean, exporting fish (mainly sardines and tuna), octopus and other sea fruit all around Europe and the world. Sugar is also refined and exported.

Textiles are a traditional endeavor as well, so is refined petroleum and building materials – as we see a country with an ascending trend in infrastructure and constructions.

Do you know azulejos? They are traditional colored ceramic tiles that decorate the facades of some buildings. Although they are mostly present on historical buildings (decorating both the outside and the inside walls), they are also produced in Portugal and shipped to distant places on the Globe.

Portugal is an amazing country that deserves all our attention!