With a population of 10.4 million within an area of 92 thousand km2 (approximately 35.5 thousand mi2), Portugal has a GDP of 16,200 euros per capita. About 15% of the national population has a higher education and the country's labour force is well regarded for its high quality.

A distinctive factor noted in the Portuguese workforce is its entrepreneurial ability, as observed in the emergence of countless start-ups that have transcended borders from all parts of the country.

The Portuguese economy is diversified and almost all industries are strongly driven to export. Exports represented 41% of the GDP in 2013 and keep growing, with special emphasis on industrial supplies, consumer goods, transport material and accessories, machinery, food and drinking products, as well as fuels and lubricants.

Some products take the Portugal brand and its special quality label worldwide, as in the case of wine, processed tomato, footwear, cork and olive oil. These last two products have a greater relevance: Portugal is the largest cork exporter and it occupies the 3rd position in the ranking of olive oil exports throughout the world.

The main trade partners are based in Europe, namely Spain, France, Italy, United Kingdom and Germany. However, there was an increase in business relationships with the CPLP countries (Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries) – which form a market of 250 million consumers. In this regard, Angola and Brazil still hold the highest volume of commercial trade with Portugal. 

The Portuguese language represents an important factor for the economy. It is the fifth most spoken language in the world and the sixth most used language in business. 

ISCTE – Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e da Empresa – conducted a study which revealed that business activities related to Portuguese language countries represent 17% of Portugal's GDP.