Countries

Portugal

Europe's westernmost mainland country, and one of the oldest nation-states in the world with borders essentially unchanged since the 13th century. Belem Tower, built in the early 1500s to guard Lisbon's harbor, watched the ships of the Age of Discovery sail out toward Africa, India and Brazil.

Belem Tower on the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal

Belem Tower, Lisbon

Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0

Green for hope, red for the blood of those who died defending the nation. The armillary sphere and shield of arms mark the Age of Discovery and Portugal's founding dynasties. Adopted in 1911, after the monarchy fell.

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