PORTUGAL (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – IR/Places in News)

Context: Recently, thousands spilled onto the streets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Portugal's 'Carnation Revolution,' marking the overthrow of Europe's longest-standing fascist dictatorship and the dawn of democracy in the country.

Carnation Revolution

• About: It is also known as the 25 April, occurred in 1974 in Lisbon, Portugal, overthrowing the authoritarian Estado Novo government.
• Social Impact: The Carnation Revolution brought about significant social changes in Portugal, fostering a transition towards democracy.
• Economic Changes: The revolution led to major economic reforms in Portugal, altering the economic landscape of the country.
• Political Transformation: The Carnation Revolution marked a turning point in Portuguese politics, ushering in a new era of democracy and ending authoritarian rule.
• Overseas Colonies: The revolution had profound effects on Portugal's overseas colonies, leading to decolonization processes and the end of the Portuguese Colonial War.

Portugal

• About: Situated along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, holds a significant place in southwestern Europe.
• Capital: Lisbon
• Borders: The Portugal-Spain border in the north and east constitutes the longest uninterrupted border-line in the European Union.
• Mountain: The highest Portuguese mountain is Mount Pico.

o The highest peak in Mainland Portugal is Torre in the Serra da Estrela range

• River: Tagus River
• Strait of Gibraltar: Between Morocco and Portugal
• Member of: European Union, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organization, and NATO.