With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities, Portugal captivates both residents and visitors alike. The diverse population of Portugal adds to the country's unique charm, creating a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere.
Population of Portugal: 2022-2023
In 2023, Portugal recorded a population of 10,247,605, marking a 0.23% decrease compared to the previous year. The population in 2022 stood at 10,270,865, reflecting a 0.19% decline from the figures reported in 2021.
Population of Portugal: density, growth rate, decline
With a population density of 112 per square kilometer (290 people per square mile), Portugal has experienced a gradual decline in population since its peak in 2008 when it reached 10.6 million people. As of 2020, Portugal's population stands at 10.2 million, and projections indicate a further decrease to 9.08 million by 2050 and 7.01 million by 2099.
The current annual growth rate is -0,1%-0.3%, equating to a decline of approximately 30,000 people each year. Factors contributing to this decline include negative net migration and a lower birth rate, with the fertility rate at 1.29 births per woman. Consequently, Portugal is witnessing an aging population, with the median age reaching 46.2 years.
The current annual growth rate is -0,1%-0.3%, equating to a decline of approximately 30,000 people each year. Factors contributing to this decline include negative net migration and a lower birth rate, with the fertility rate at 1.29 births per woman. Consequently, Portugal is witnessing an aging population, with the median age reaching 46.2 years.
Portugal population by age
The population distribution across different age groups is characterized by a diversity of age ranges. Approximately 12.91% of the population falls within the age group of 0–14 years, indicating the presence of a significant proportion of children and adolescents. The majority of the population, accounting for 63.13%, falls within the age range of 15–64 years, signifying a substantial working-age demographic. Furthermore, individuals aged 65 and over constitute approximately 23.96% of the population, highlighting the presence of a considerable elderly population.
Portugal cities by population
- Lisbon is the most populous city in Portugal, with a population of 517,802.
- Porto follows as the second-largest city, with 249,633 residents.
- Amadora holds the third position with a population of 178,858.
- Braga is the fourth most populous city, counting 121,394 inhabitants.
- Setubal takes the fifth spot with a population of 117,110.
- Coimbra ranks sixth, hosting 106,582 residents.
- Queluz is the seventh-largest city, with a population of 103,399.
- Funchal comes in eighth place, having a population of 100,847.
- Cacem follows closely with a population of 93,982.
- Vila Nova de Gaia completes the list with 70,811 residents.
Portugal population by religion
Catholicism holds the predominant religious influence in Portugal, with roughly 80.20% of the populace following this faith. Other Christian denominations, including Protestantism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Orthodoxy, collectively account for approximately 4.08% of the religious composition. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism have smaller adherents, making up about 1.36% of the population. Moreover, 0.28% of the people associate with various other religions, while 14.09% declare no religious affiliation.
Muslim population in Portugal
Portugal is predominantly a Christian-majority country, and although Islam constitutes a minority, it has historical roots in the region dating back to the Muslim conquest of Spain. The secular nature of Portugal's Constitution allows Muslims the freedom to convert, practice their faith, and establish mosques.
According to the 1991 census conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (National Statistical Institute of Portugal), there were 9,134 Muslims in Portugal, making up approximately 0.09% of the total population. However, by 2019, the Muslim population had increased to around 65,000 individuals. The majority of Muslims in Portugal adhere to Sunni Islam, with an estimated 20,000 to 22,000 Shia Muslims, the majority of whom are Ismaili, constituting a significant portion.
During the 1990s, a considerable number of Muslims in Portugal originated from the former Portuguese overseas provinces, particularly Portuguese Guinea and Portuguese Mozambique. Additionally, those from Portuguese Goa and Damao (India) contributed to the Muslim population. Presently, most Muslims in Portugal come from diverse regions, including the Middle East (including Syria), the Maghreb, Mozambique, and Bangladesh.
According to the 1991 census conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (National Statistical Institute of Portugal), there were 9,134 Muslims in Portugal, making up approximately 0.09% of the total population. However, by 2019, the Muslim population had increased to around 65,000 individuals. The majority of Muslims in Portugal adhere to Sunni Islam, with an estimated 20,000 to 22,000 Shia Muslims, the majority of whom are Ismaili, constituting a significant portion.
During the 1990s, a considerable number of Muslims in Portugal originated from the former Portuguese overseas provinces, particularly Portuguese Guinea and Portuguese Mozambique. Additionally, those from Portuguese Goa and Damao (India) contributed to the Muslim population. Presently, most Muslims in Portugal come from diverse regions, including the Middle East (including Syria), the Maghreb, Mozambique, and Bangladesh.
Freemason population in Portugal
Portugal has a relatively small Freemason presence, with an estimated 6,000 members, constituting approximately 0.06% of the population. The history of Freemasonry in Portugal dates back to the 1740s when Swiss Freemason John Coustos and two Portuguese lodge members were arrested and interrogated under torture by the Portuguese Inquisition. Coustos, in his book detailing his ordeal, identified 1728 as the year of the first Lodge, although details about its early years remain obscure, and it was not initially recognized by the Grand Lodge of England.
In the present day, Portugal hosts several Masonic Obediences, reflecting the diversity and existence of Freemasonry within the country.
In the present day, Portugal hosts several Masonic Obediences, reflecting the diversity and existence of Freemasonry within the country.
Hindu population in Portugal
The practice of Hinduism in Portugal has a limited historical presence. Currently, there is a Hindu community of around 9,000 individuals, primarily descended from Indian immigrants who arrived from the former Portuguese colonies in Lusophone Africa, notably Mozambique, and from the former colony of Diu, Daman, Goa, and other areas in Portuguese India.
Starting from the mid-1990s, Portugal experienced an influx of Hindus with Nepalese origins due to labor migration from Nepal. Additionally, since the 1990s, a small Hare Krishna community has been established in Lisbon, comprising mostly Caucasians of Portuguese descent, along with members from Brazil and other European countries.
According to the Indian Embassy in Lisbon, the Hindu community in Portugal is mainly composed of Gujaratis (with Gujarati being taught at the Hindu Community Cultural Centre in Lisbon), Punjabis, and Goans. While the majority of Hindus reside in the capital city, Lisbon, there are also Hindu-Gujarati families living in Oporto.
Starting from the mid-1990s, Portugal experienced an influx of Hindus with Nepalese origins due to labor migration from Nepal. Additionally, since the 1990s, a small Hare Krishna community has been established in Lisbon, comprising mostly Caucasians of Portuguese descent, along with members from Brazil and other European countries.
According to the Indian Embassy in Lisbon, the Hindu community in Portugal is mainly composed of Gujaratis (with Gujarati being taught at the Hindu Community Cultural Centre in Lisbon), Punjabis, and Goans. While the majority of Hindus reside in the capital city, Lisbon, there are also Hindu-Gujarati families living in Oporto.
Portugal population by race
A race refers to a broad categorization of individuals sharing similar physical traits. The primary global races include white, black, South Asian, East Asian, Native American, and Polynesian. In Portugal, approximately 94% of the population has Portuguese ancestry, while around 1.2% identify as African or of mixed race.
Black population in Portugal
Around 2.44% of Portugal's populace is estimated to have African ancestry, primarily attributed to recent immigrant backgrounds. However, there is a belief that the actual percentage might be higher. The government of Cape Verde, for example, indicates that the population of Cape Verdeans residing in Portugal alone could potentially reach 200,000.
Indian population in Portugal
The Indian community in Portugal, inclusive of recent arrivals and individuals with ancestral ties to India, is estimated to be between 80,000 and 120,000. Between 2018 and 2022, approximately 32,000 Indians migrated to the country, with a significant concentration in Lisbon and Porto. This demographic represents a range of 0.76% to 1.15% of Portugal's total population.
Indians are also present in regions such as Algarve, Coimbra, Guarda, Leiria, Odemira, and Rio Maior. The majority of the Indian population in Portugal hails from diverse backgrounds, including Goans, Gujaratis, Tamilians, Malayali people from Daman and Diu, and Tamil Nadu.
The latter half of the 2010s witnessed a new wave of Indian immigration to Portugal, driven in part by the demand for unskilled agricultural workers. This period also saw an influx of citizens from other South Asian nations, including Nepalis, Bengalis, and Pakistanis.
Indians are also present in regions such as Algarve, Coimbra, Guarda, Leiria, Odemira, and Rio Maior. The majority of the Indian population in Portugal hails from diverse backgrounds, including Goans, Gujaratis, Tamilians, Malayali people from Daman and Diu, and Tamil Nadu.
The latter half of the 2010s witnessed a new wave of Indian immigration to Portugal, driven in part by the demand for unskilled agricultural workers. This period also saw an influx of citizens from other South Asian nations, including Nepalis, Bengalis, and Pakistanis.
Brazilian population in Portugal
Brazilians make up around 25% of the foreign population in Portugal. The legal status of Brazilians in the country is influenced by various complex factors, including the date of their arrival and the specific legalization processes available at different times (1992, 1996, 2001, 2003). Factors such as marital status, having Portuguese or other European ancestors, level of education, and work experience also play a role in determining their legal status.
Consequently, a significant portion of the Brazilian community in Portugal consists of legal residents, while others hold authorization to stay (autorizações de permanência). Some have been able to legalize their status through the exceptional process introduced in 2003, obtaining working permits. However, there are still many Brazilians in Portugal who remain undocumented.
Consequently, a significant portion of the Brazilian community in Portugal consists of legal residents, while others hold authorization to stay (autorizações de permanência). Some have been able to legalize their status through the exceptional process introduced in 2003, obtaining working permits. However, there are still many Brazilians in Portugal who remain undocumented.
