Portugal civics quiz: questions and answers
All 15 general civics quiz questions about Portugal with answers and explanations, grouped by topic. This is a learning quiz, not an official exam. Select a question to see the answer.
Government and law 5 questions
Portugal's semi-presidential republic, the Assembly of the Republic, the 1976 Constitution and the autonomous regions.
Practise only: Government and law →
What is the name of Portugal’s parliament?
The Assembly of the Republic
Portugal's single-chamber parliament is the Assembleia da República, which meets in the São Bento Palace in Lisbon.
What form of government does Portugal have?
A semi-presidential republic
Portugal is a republic with a directly elected President and a Prime Minister whose government answers to parliament.
How long is the term of the President of Portugal?
Five years
The President of the Republic is elected directly by the people for a five-year term.
In which year was Portugal’s current Constitution approved?
1976
The current Constitution was approved on 2 April 1976, after the 1974 revolution, and has since been revised several times.
Which are Portugal’s two autonomous regions?
The Azores and Madeira
The Azores and Madeira are island groups with their own regional governments and legislative assemblies.
History 5 questions
The restoration of independence in 1640, the voyages of discovery, the 1910 republic and the Carnation Revolution.
What is the revolution of 25 April 1974 commonly called?
The Carnation Revolution
The largely peaceful military coup of 25 April 1974 ended the Estado Novo dictatorship. Soldiers placed carnations in their rifles.
In which year was the Portuguese Republic proclaimed?
1910
The monarchy was overthrown and the republic proclaimed on 5 October 1910, now a national holiday.
Which navigator led the first voyage from Europe to India by sea around Africa?
Vasco da Gama
Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498. Bartolomeu Dias had earlier rounded the Cape of Good Hope, in 1488.
What does Portugal commemorate on 1 December?
The restoration of independence in 1640
On 1 December 1640 Portugal ended 60 years of rule by the Spanish Habsburg kings and restored its independence.
In which year did Portugal join the European Economic Community?
1986
Portugal joined the EEC, now the European Union, on 1 January 1986, at the same time as Spain.
Geography, culture and symbols 5 questions
Lisbon, the Azores and Madeira, the green and red flag, Luís de Camões and fado.
Practise only: Geography, culture and symbols →
What is the capital of Portugal?
Lisbon
Lisbon, on the estuary of the Tagus river, is Portugal's capital and largest city.
What are the main colours of the Portuguese flag?
Green and red, with the national coat of arms
The flag is divided vertically into green and red, with the national coat of arms on the dividing line.
What is the highest mountain in Portugal?
Mount Pico, in the Azores
Mount Pico on Pico island, at about 2,351 metres, is Portugal's highest mountain. Torre in the Serra da Estrela is the highest point on the mainland.
Which poet is honoured on 10 June, the Day of Portugal?
Luís de Camões
10 June, the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities, marks the death of Luís de Camões, author of The Lusiads.
Which traditional Portuguese song style is on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list?
Fado
Fado, the urban popular song of Portugal, was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011.
Think you know them?
Take a timed mock exam in the real Portugal Civics format.