Portugal is about the size of Ireland, and it and Ireland are the westernmost countries of Europe.

The Portuguese are a warm and family oriented people, and children have a special place in their hearts (Carl and Ruth and their young family have felt very welcomed by neighbours and friends since they arrived).

Of the 10.5 million people who live in Portugal, less than 0.6% are Evangelical Christians, in a country which is nominally 96% Roman Catholic.

Most of the 2 million people who live in Lisbon live in high-rise apartments.

Carl and Ruth work in four small 'shop fronted' churches planted by missionaries in the capital - Lisbon (click to see an enlarged version of the map on the left). These churches are in the areas of Barriero, Campo de Ourique, Carnaxide and Telheiras.