Society in Portugal
An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.
Explore Social Domains
Demographics
Public Health
Education & Human Capital
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Current Social Overview of Portugal
A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.
- Portugal has an estimated population of 10.6M2023A steady annual growth rate of 1.4%2023supports sustained population expansion, providing a stable base for economic development. The critically low fertility rate of 1.4 births per woman2023presents severe demographic challenges, including accelerated population aging and contraction, impacting economic and social systems. Positive net migration of approximately 21K individuals annually (or 2.0 per 1,000 inhabitants)2024contributes to population stability and growth.
- Regarding public health, a life expectancy of 82.3 years2023demonstrates exceptional health outcomes in the nation, positioning it among the world's healthiest populations. Concurrently, healthcare system effectiveness is further validated by favorable maternal and child health outcomes, reflected in a child mortality rate (under 5 years) of 3.2 per 1,000 live births2023and a maternal mortality rate of 15 per 100,000 live births2023. These outcomes are supported by a substantial health investment, with 10.0% of GDP allocated to healthcare expenditure2023.
- Strong educational foundations are evident in the high adult literacy rate of 97%2021, which significantly contributes to human capital development. Complementing this, the educational pipeline demonstrates high efficiency with 98% primary enrollment2017and 122% secondary participation2022, ensuring comprehensive skill development and a prepared workforce. This educational framework is supported by moderate public support, with 4.8% of GDP allocated to public educational expenditure2021, reflecting a balanced approach to funding.
- In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 68% urban population2023, supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, infrastructure development shows strong progress with 100% electricity access2023and 86% internet penetration2023, supporting ongoing modernization efforts and enhancing quality of life.
Key Development Insights
Population Dynamics
Immigration is a key factor in stabilizing the population and offsetting low native birth rates, supporting economic continuity.
Public Health System
Sustained, high investment in healthcare underpins the country's excellent life expectancy and human development outcomes.
Human Capital Formation
A highly educated populace positions the nation for success in the global knowledge economy. Keeping talent is a vital strength.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.
Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.