2. By: Cristy G Tiffanie V

3.  Portugal is an extension of the mountainous formations of the Iberian peninsula.  Portugal borders Spain and includes many islands in the Atlantic ocean.  Many of the rivers located here spew out into the Atlantic ocean.  The coast is approximately 586 miles long.

4. Micas, Tiffanie’s epal is sledding in the snow with her family over the winter break.

6.  Its based on the democracy of the parliament.  The government comprises the Prime minister, other ministers and the state secretary. Each minister heads a ministry.  The government has the power to negotiate with other countries, to submit bills to the Assembly of the Republic, to issue decrees and to take administrative de- cisions.

7.  President: Aníbal Cavaco Silva (2006)  Prime Minister: José Sócrates (resigned March 2011)  The president, who is the head of state, is elected by popular vote to a five-year term and is eligible for a second term.  The prime minister, who is appointed by the president and must have support of the legislature, is the head of government.

8.  Public schooling lasts 9 years from ages 6 to 15.  The high unemployment and low educational skill is causing the government to consider sending many young kids back to school.  The school year runs from the middle of September to the middle of June. Each year must consist of 180 days.

9. Claudia: “In school I have subjects like Drawing, Descriptive Geometry, History of Arts, Portuguese, Phylosophy, Physical Education and English. Three times a week I have Geometry, History of Arts and Drawing. Twice a week I have Portuguese, Phylosophy, Physical Education and English. “

10.  The basic education is divided into three consecutive cycles. 1. The first cycle of education is provided by primary schools. This lasts for four years, for pupils aged 6-10. 2. The second Lasts 2 years, from pupils 10- 12.These pupils attend a secondary school. 3. Lasts 3 years, for pupils from 12-15. These pupils also attend a secondary school.

11.  Micas (Tiffanie’s Epal) has two sisters and one younger brother who is one. Both of her sisters are older than her.  Many Portuguese families consist of many children.  Micas had 3 turtles but as they got too big for their tank she set them free into the nearby lake.  Although she had turtles her parents wouldn’t let her get a dog.

12.  The majority of the Portuguese people are Roman Catholics.  The climate goes from harsh extremes in the mountains to mild climate on the coast making Portugal ideal for a wide selction of agricultural. Examples: Vineyards, Olive groves, Almond groves, and off-season vegetables

14.  Many traditions or Portugal consist of the regular Easter Sunday, Good Friday, Saint’s Day and New Year’s.  The most important holiday of all is Christmas. During this special day the women sit in the center of the church while the men on the outer edge.

16.  In Portugal they celebrate a holiday called Carnival with masks and different costumes.  In the US it would be like a mixture of Mardi Gras and Halloween.  The holiday is called Carnival because it is almost like a huge carnival and parade throughout their streets.

18.  Prime Minister Jose Socrates resigned from his position in March 2011 saying “I am convince the country is lost.”  The country is in a large amount of debt and with the resignation of the Prime Minister the pressure to seek help from the EU has greatly increased. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/portugal-government-faces-key- austerity-vote-2011-03-23

19. Prime Minister Jose Socrates The Country of Portugal lies in debt because of the absence of the Prime Minister Jose Socrates.