Jacob & Sydney Mulford
Missionaries to Portugal
ABOUT PORTUGAL
Demographics
Portugal is a country on the Iberian Peninsula in Western Europe with a population of over 10 million people. Within the Lisbon metropolitan area, there are over 2.9 million people. It is the largest city in Portugal, and makes up over a quarter of the country's population. Within this city of millions, there are many unreached neighborhoods and suburbs in need of the Gospel.
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History
Portugal has a unique history because of its geographical position, including a history of maritime dominance. Today it is known for its cork industry, shoreline with staggering cliffs, ocean cuisine, and ceramic tiles. However, Portugal is also a nation that never had a great awakening as a result of the Inquisition in the Iberian Peninsula. The nation as a whole has largely never heard the gospel for the first time.
Spiritual Standing
While a majority of the country would say they are "Christian" (with over 80% identifying as so), few know what it means to actually have a relationship with Jesus and follow Him. Only about 3% of the population would claim to be evangelical Christians. There has been a movement from Christianity to secularism, and while many would still identify as Christian, their title does not line up with their values, beliefs, or actions.