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Over eight hundred years of background have created a country rich in architectural monuments, proud cultures and significant historical events, which include the great navigational explorers of 1415 who discovered the water routes to India, Brazil, China.

The Portuguese language is the mother tongue, however many citizens speak some English and French.

Traffic moves on the right side of the road in Portugal and violations are paid cash on-the- spot. Violations can include speeding, not wearing a seat belt and the very serious offence of under the influence of alcohol.

Tourism adds to the steadily growing but struggling economy, particularly with the construction of modern resorts and hotels, and the facilities that water sports and golfing spawn.

The Portugal monetary unit is the escudo divided into 100 centavos, however as a member of the European Community, it will be completely replaced with the new European Monetary Union, the Euro, that is now accepted. Presently, it costs about 190 centavos to buy a US dollar. Most credit cards are accepted and most bank machines accept Cirrus and Plus bank cards.