Guide - Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão

36 Other Useful Information and Contacts
Language
Portuguese is Latin in origin and the third most widely
spoken European language in the world. It is the mother
tongue of about 200 million people. Portuguese is the
official language in a number of countries: Angola, Cape
Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé e Príncipe
in Africa, and Brazil in South America.
In Portugal many people can understand and communicate
in foreign languages.
Gastronomy
Portuguese cuisine is well known for its flavour and
variety. It has been said that the Portuguese know how
to appreciate the pleasures of life, which explains why
one can eat so well here.
Currency
The Euro was adopted in Portugal on 1st January 2002.
The currency used before this was the Escudo.
All payments are made in Euro bank notes and coins.
There are 8 coins: 1 cent, 2 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent,
20 cent, 50 cent, €1 and €2.
There are 7 bank notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100,
€200 and €500.
The Portuguese side of the Euro coins features the royal
stamp of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.
Seven architectonic periods of European history are
represented on the Euro bank notes.
The bridges and the doors symbolize the dynamics of
cooperation and the open spirit of the peoples of Europe.
Since Portugal is a country of fishermen and because of its
location by the sea, fresh fish is always available, usually
prepared in a simple style, normally grilled or fried, and
served with boiled potatoes, vegetables or a simple salad.
Lisbon and its surrounding areas are the ideal place to
try delicious dishes of fish and seafood. However, meat
is also an excellent choice, as are the many cakes and
typical desserts. The pastéis de Belém, for instance, are a
must. They are made according to a special recipe originally
conceived by a nun from the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and
have been a delight for over 160 years.
The Lisbon area offers a wide range of dishes and excellent
wines, which go very well with our excellent gastronomy.
Visitors can choose from the best Portuguese wines:
either red or white, or vinho verde (green wine). They all
have different characteristics according to their specific
region of origin.
Religion
Portuguese culture is greatly influenced by religion.
Although Catholicism predominates, other religions may
be freely practiced.