Essay About Republic Of Portugal And Low Temperatures

Portugal
Essay title: Portugal
The republic of Portugal is located in the southwestern part of
Europe, situated in the western portion of the Iberian Peninsula,
bordered by Spain on the north and east and by the Atlantic Ocean
on the south and west. The Azores and Madeira Islands in the
Atlantic are independent regions of Portugal, considered integral
parts of the republic. Portugal administers one overseas
territory, Macau (Macao) in eastern Asia near Hong Kong. Macau is
scheduled to return to Chinese administration in 1999. The total
area of metropolitan Portugal, including the Azores (2247 sq.
km./868 sq. mi.) and the Madeira Islands (794 sq. km./307 sq.
mi.), is 92,345 sq. km. (35,655 sq.mi.). The capital and the
largest city is Lisbon.
Climate varies in Portugal according to the altitude in
which you are located. Low temperatures occur only in the
comparatively low regions of the south. The mean annual
temperature north of the Douro River is about 10 C (about 50 F).
Between Tajo and Douro the temperature is about 16 C (about 60
F). The temperatures in the valley of the Guadiana are at about
18 C (about 65 F). Rainfall is very heavy, especially in the
north.
Minerals are the most valuable natural resources in
Portugal. Much of these resources were developed until after
World War 2 (1939-1945). Some of the mineral resources are coal,
copper,