According to petwithsupplies, Portugal is a small but vibrant country with a population of approximately 10 million people. As of 2020, Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal with a population of approximately 552,700 people. Lisbon is the capital and economic center of Portugal and is home to many important government institutions. Other large cities in Portugal include Porto, which has a population of around 247,000 people; Amadora, which has a population of around 175,000 people; and Braga, which has a population of around 155,000 people. These cities are all important economic centers for the country and are home to many industries and businesses. Located on the Atlantic coast in northern Portugal is Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal. This city was once an important trading post and is known for its port wine industry as well as its centuries-old architecture. The city also boasts several museums and art galleries as well as lively nightlife spots. Further south in central Portugal lies Amadora, another major economic hub that features several shopping malls and entertainment venues. Lastly, Braga is located near the Spanish border in northern Portugal and serves as an important cultural hub for the region. It features numerous churches dating back to medieval times as well as vibrant markets that attract tourists from all over Europe. In 2008, Portugal was a member of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Portugal had been a member of the EU since 1986 and was one of the founding members of NATO in 1949. In 2008, Portugal was led by Prime Minister José Sócrates who had been in office since 2005. During this time, Portugal’s foreign policy focused on strengthening ties with its neighbors such as Spain, France, and other EU countries. The country also sought to strengthen its ties with Latin American countries such as Brazil and Argentina. Domestically, Portuguese politics were marked by a strong commitment to democracy and human rights. In 2008, the government enacted several reforms aimed at improving living standards for all citizens as well as reducing poverty levels. Furthermore, Portugal maintained strong diplomatic relations with its former colonies such as Angola and Mozambique. Additionally, Portugal joined other European nations in providing military support to African countries in order to help stabilize their governments and prevent conflicts from erupting between ethnic groups. Overall, Portuguese geopolitics in 2008 were marked by an attempt to maintain close ties with both Europe and Africa while also striving for economic growth domestically. The country sought to promote collaboration between EU members while also participating actively in international organizations such as NATO and the United Nations (UN). As a result of its commitment to democracy, human rights, and global peacekeeping efforts, in 2009 Portugal was elected to serve on the UN Security Council for two years. Check payhelpcenter for Portugal in 2008.