Back to Results
Upward Mover
Downward Mover
No Mover
New Entry
Re Entry
22

Portugal

score

54.43

In 2017
22

Portugal

score

57.98

In 2018
22

Portugal

score

59.28

In 2019
Digital Logo Digital
28 27 27
Enterprise Logo Enterprise
22 23 22
Education Logo Education
27 26 26
Culture Logo Culture
25 25 22
Engagement Logo Engagement
22 23 23
Government Logo Government
20 22 20
Polling Logo Polling
20 19 20

2019 Overview

Portugal – retaining the 22nd spot for the third year running – offers a rare, but welcomed, sense of hope in Europe at a time when pessimism reigns supreme on the continent. Now half a decade out from its financial crisis, a combination of prudent economic policy and a stimulated job market has seen Portugal, for a second year, earn top marks from credit rating agencies which have also been reflected in stable foreign investment interest. Should Prime Minister António Costa’s alliance continue to invest in the sciences and other sectors like public transportation, the Portuguese miracle may continue to direct the country’s fortunes towards even stronger success.

Strengths

With the beauty of its landscapes, wonderful weather and broad range of leisure activities, it comes as no surprise that Portugal continues to be one of Europe’s strongest markets for foreign tourism, receiving 12.8 million visitors in 2018. A strategic effort by the government to invest in multiple Portuguese cities has helped to avoid overburdening a single location with tourists, and has dispersed the economic benefits that come with increased tourism.

Weaknesses

Although Portugal’s post-eurozone crisis comeback is worthy of celebration, the country’s journey to recovery still faces mounting obstacles. August’s fuel tanker strikes over workers’ rights led to fuel rationing during peak tourism season and restricted operations at major airports, while continued demonstrations from state workers about recovering earnings lost during the eurozone crisis are likely to mar Portugal’s domestic progress.

Portland Recommends

A plateau in Portugal’s Engagement sub-index reflects the country’s lethargic involvement in the wider international community. Should Portugal want to increase its role in the international community, its proximity to European and African hubs – as well as an established Lusophone community in South America – places the country in strong standing.

Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Japan Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Russian Federation Singapore South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey United Kingdom United States
Back