Portugal is the westernmost country of the European continent. Its rectangular-shaped territory is bordered on two sides by the Atlantic Ocean and on the others by Spain. It has an area of 92,326 square kilometres. It also includes Madeira and the islands of the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean.

Portugal had a population of 9,918,040 in 1999 with a growth rate of -0.13%. Its capital city is Lisbon. The national language is Portuguese. The main religion is Roman Catholic.

The country has several distinctive regions. Minho is the mountainous northern province. The Douro province, just south of Minho, is world-renowned for its wines, particularly port. The Algarve is the country's southernmost province, with a thriving tourist industry, because of its scenic beauty.

The climate is Mediterranean in the South and temperate in the North. The warmest month is August when average daily temperatures range from 17°C to 28°C. The coldest month is January when temperatures can fall to a low of 8°C. In the southwest the terrain is rolling plains, however the north is mountainous around the Tagus River. 36% of land is forest and woodland.

Portugal was, in the Middle Ages and after, a major world power with a large empire. It was proclaimed an independent republic in 1910. It is governed as a parliamentary democracy.

Portugal's economy relies on agriculture and tourism. Its agricultural production includes wine, textiles, fish, leather goods and olive oil. The labour force of 4.75 million is compiled of 56% in service industries, 22% in manufacturing and 12% in agriculture and fishing. The currency unit is the Euro.

Franchising is growing in Portugal.

The Portuguese Franchise Association is a member of the European Franchise Federation.

There is no specific franchise law in Portugal.