General

Portugal is a European Union member since 1986.

Language and Religion

Portuguese is the official language. Although many well-educated businesspeople speak English, all written materials should be presented in either Portuguese or Portuguese and English.

Value System

Portugal scores very high on the uncertainty avoidance index, and higher on the power distance index. The country scores lower on the individualism and masculinity indices. Rules and regulations will contribute to a more structured society.

Tips when Doing Business

Hierarchy remains important in the business world, and it is vital to develop contacts and relationships with business contacts. Machismo is a cultural norm in the country but this is slowly changing. Always present a professional image.

The Pew Global Attitudes Project is an interactive database that allows users to explore public opinion trends in 55 countries on topics ranging from attitudes towards the U.S. to peoples assessments of their own lives to views about globalization, democratization and extremism and other important issues.

Portugal ranks as no. 32 (of 180 countries) on Transparency International’s 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index.