Portugal Hotels and Resorts

GOVERNMENT

Since 1982, when the Military Council of the Revolution was abolished, Portugal has been formally governed by a directly elected President, who is head of state and appoints a Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. Legislation is handled by the unicameral 230-member Assembly which, like the President, is elected for a five-year term. Following constitutional amendments promulgated in 1997, the number of deputies will probably be reduced further to between 180 and 200. The Azores and Madeira are integral parts of the Portuguese republic, but since 1976 have had autonomous governments. Macau, now a Special Administrative Region of China, is governed by special statute (see Macau section).