Lisbon

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Capital of Portugal, and of the Lisboa district, in the southwest of the country, situated on a tidal lake and estuary formed by the River Tagus; population (2003 est) 559,400, urban agglomeration 2,618,100. It is a major commercial and industrial centre, and industries include steel, textiles, chemicals, pottery, shipbuilding, oil refining, food processing, and fishing. The city has one of the best harbours in Europe, handling a large volume of trade. Lisbon has been Portugal's capital since 1260 and reached its peak of prosperity in the period of Portugal's empire during the 16th century. In 1755 an earthquake accompanied by a tidal wave killed 30,000–60,000 people (the estimates vary) and destroyed much of the city.

History
Lisbon has been an important centre since Roman times. It was occupied by the Romans in 205 BC, and was conquered by the Moors in 714 AD. The fortress of Sã Jorge, which dominates the city and may have been built by the Romans on the site of an earlier citadel, was taken from the Moors by Alfonso I in 1147. Alfonso III transfered his court here from Coimbra around 1260, and the city rose to great prosperity during the 16th century with the establishment of Portugal's empire in India and Africa.

Green stands for agriculture, the lush vegetation, and the enduring vitality of the population. Gold symbolizes warmth, the bright spirit of the people, and the golden sands. Blue represents the sky and sea. Effective date: 24 October 1985. >>