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Why Is 70% of Portugal Empty? Understanding Portugal's Population Distribution


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Portugal, a country of stunning landscapes and rich history, presents a fascinating demographic puzzle: despite having approximately 10.3 million people and a seemingly healthy population density of 111 people per square kilometer, roughly 70% of its land remains virtually uninhabited. Let's explore the complex factors that have shaped this unique population distribution.

The Current State of Portugal's Population Distribution

While Portugal's total land area spans 92,212 square kilometers, the majority of its population is concentrated in just 30% of the territory, primarily along the western and southern coastal regions. This creates a striking contrast between densely populated coastal areas and vast, sparsely inhabited interior regions.

Geographical Factors

Mountainous Terrain

The country's interior is characterized by challenging mountainous landscapes that have historically deterred settlement:

  • Serra da Estrela, mainland Portugal's highest mountain range, reaches 1,993 meters above sea level

  • The harsh climate in these regions, including cold winters and snowfall, makes year-round living challenging

  • Other significant mountain ranges like Serra de São Mamede in the northeast and Serra de Caldeirão in the south create natural barriers to development

A map of Portugal with thier highways highlighted in red


















Transportation Challenges

The rugged terrain has made infrastructure development difficult:

  • Most major highways are concentrated along the coast

  • Interior regions are often only accessible via narrow, winding roads

  • Limited transportation infrastructure has discouraged business development and residential growth

Faye travel insurance add

Climate Variations

Portugal's climate plays a significant role in population distribution:


Northern Region

  • Experiences a humid subtropical climate

  • Higher rainfall (around 1,500mm annually)

  • Mild winters and warm, wet summers

Southern Region

  • Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers

  • Mild, wet winters

  • Average summer temperatures around 25°C

  • Lower rainfall (approximately 500mm annually)

  • Water scarcity issues affecting agriculture and development


lisbon coast

Historical and Economic Factors

The Salazar Era (1932-1968)

  • Government policies favored coastal regions

  • Limited investment in interior infrastructure

  • Significant emigration due to economic challenges

  • Declining birth rates impacting population growth

Post-Revolution Changes (After 1974)

  • Shift from agricultural to industrial economy

  • Rapid urbanization along the coast

  • Continued decline of interior regions

  • Birth rates dropped from 20 births per 1,000 people (1960s) to 8 per 1,000 (1980s)

Social and Cultural Impact

The population distribution has created distinct regional characteristics:

  • Strong regional identities and dialects

  • Traditional customs preserved in interior regions

  • Immigrant populations concentrated in coastal cities

  • Aging population in interior regions


Government Initiatives

To address this imbalance, Portugal has implemented various measures:

  • Regional development agencies

  • Tax incentives for interior settlement

  • Infrastructure improvement projects

  • Support for business development in rural areas

Looking to the Future

While challenges persist, there are opportunities for positive change:

  • Remote work possibilities opening up interior regions

  • Growing interest in rural tourism

  • Sustainable development initiatives

  • Investment in regional connectivity

Key Takeaways

Portugal's unique population distribution is the result of multiple factors:

  • Challenging geography and terrain

  • Climate variations

  • Historical economic policies

  • Modern development patterns

  • Cultural and social preferences


Understanding these patterns is crucial for both visitors and residents, as they continue to shape Portugal's development and future opportunities.

Are you planning to visit or move to Portugal? Explore our other guides about Portuguese regions, travel tips, and local culture to make the most of your experience.

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Praça do Comércio, Lisbon, Portugal

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