Por ‧ tu ‧ gal /ˈpɔːtʃəɡ ə l, ˈpɔːtʃʊɡ ə l $ ˈpɔːr-/ BrE AmE
a country in southwest Europe, west of Spain, which is a member of the EU (European Union). Population: 10,676,910 (2008). Capital: Lisbon. Portugal's traditional industries include fishing and wine, and its more modern industries include clothing and car parts. Portugal's southern coast, the Algarve, is known as a popular place for holidays. Portugal is known in the UK as Britain's oldest ↑ ally (=a country that agrees to support another country in war) , because the two countries have been allies since the 14th century.