Approximately 3,350 years ago, around 1324 BC, an olive stone is thought to have sprouted its roots, becoming what we know and celebrate today as the 'Olive Tree of Mouchão' (Oliveira do Mouchão), located in Mouriscas (Abrantes). When this tree was a sapling, Pharaoh Tutankhamun (King Tut) was likely nearing the end of his short reign in Thebes, Egypt and the Roman Empire wouldn't be founded for another 500+ years. At the time, Portugal was in the heart of the Middle-to-Late Bronze Age, when 'Southwest Bronze Age' peoples lived in fortified hilltop settlements (Castros) and were master metalworkers, creating intricate bronze tools and jewellery. The Oliveira do Mouchão has survived for over three millennia, but what is its current 'physical' status, today?

As of 2026, Portuguese has continued its growth as one of the world's most influential languages. It currently ranks as the 6th most spoken native language and the most spoken language in the Southern Hemisphere. There are approximately 265 to 275 million speakers in total. This includes: - Native Speakers (L1): ~235 million people - Second-Language Speakers (L2): ~30–40 million people (which might include YOU!) Brazil remains the heavyweight of the Portuguese-speaking world, but the "centre of gravity" for the language is shifting. Where in the world is the most notable growth? Boost your Portuguese in 30 days!

I recently bought a Portuguese-English Dictionary. It has 647 pages of English words (with Portuguese meanings) and 450 pages of Portuguese words (with English meanings). Take a guess at which letter the words start with on the middle page of the Portuguese -> English section, i.e. 225 pages from the start of that section. If the words were evenly split the answer would be M or N. If the words before M outnumbered the words after M, the middle page words might start with K. Have a guess at what it was. I'll post the answer in a day or two.

Bom fim de semana! #luzbon

Today is Dia do Trabalhador (Labour Day) in Portugal. While many enjoy the public holiday with a little R&R, or a family meal, the date carries deep historical weight in Portugal. The first 'free' May Day in Portugal occurred in 1974, just one week after the Carnation Revolution. It was a massive, emotional milestone where over a million people took to the streets of Lisbon to celebrate the end of the dictatorship and the beginning of new workers' rights. The day remains a symbol of social progress and the collective strength of the Portuguese people. As we look at the country today, the 'working pulse' of the nation is measured by its active workforce - the number of people either currently employed or seeking employment. Out of Portugal's total population of approximately 10.6 million, roughly how many people currently make up the 'população ativa' (active workforce)?