This is exactly the point.
Portugal is a singular country and a has followed a unique historical path. This is owing to Portugal being geographically seperate from the continent.
Peripheral and sharing a land border with only one other country, Portugal naturally looked to the sea. Portugal has build itself a trading empire in America, Africa, India and a single city in China. Portuguese history is that of seafaring, of a unique political history. It is only half European, and half looking overseas. Because of this unique historical path owing to its unique location, Portugal is very different from mainland Europe.
Sounds familiar?
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