Portugal and the NUTS
Organisation of the territory
Organisation of the territory
Learn in detail how our territory is structured, organised and governed.
Organisation of the territory in Portugal
Portugal's cultural and territorial wealth is truly unique. In addition to the diversity of legends and traditions scattered throughout the territory, it is possible to cross the country from the mountains to the sea in a short distance. Therefore, although small in comparison to many others, Portugal brings together an impressive variety of landscapes, ways of life and cultural expressions.
Country
The country is the basis of national identity, where laws are enforced, state power is exercised, and citizens' rights and duties are guaranteed.
President of the Republic
State representation
Parliament
Legislative body
Government
Executive body
Courts
Judicial body
Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistical Purposes (NUTS)
It is a system created by Eurostat to divide the territory of EU Member States into different territorial units in a harmonised manner, into mainland and island territory; regions and subregions.
The current revision of the NUTS classification came into force in 2024, replacing that of 2013.
The NUTS classification is hierarchical and has three main levels:
NUTS I
Major socio-economic regions.
NUTS II
Basic often used in regional policy and planning.
NUTS III
Smaller regions for more specific diagnoses.
It is divided into NUTS I,
also know by...
The Country is divided into NUTS I, also know by...
Mainland
The mainland represents the largest territorial portion of Portugal. The country's main administrative structures are organised here, including the Regional Coordination and Development Commissions.
Autonomous Regions
Created in 1976, the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira are the main divisions of the island territory. They have their own governing bodies and specific political and administrative powers.
Divided into NUTS II,
also known by...
The Country and the Autonomous Regions are divided into NUTS II, also known by...
Regions
They play a central role in regional planning and development. These regions are used for statistical purposes, European fund management and public policy coordination, enabling a balanced and strategic organisation of the national territory.
Regional Coordination and Development Commissions (CCDR)
These commissions are Central Government services with administrative and financial autonomy, responsible for implementing measures relevant to regional development, and exist only on the mainland.
Divided into NUTS III,
also known by...
The regions are divided into NUTS III, also known by...
Subregions
Subregions are statistical and planning territorial divisions created for administrative and regional development purposes. Officially, they correspond to NUTS III (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics, level III) defined by the European Union.
Municipalities
Municipalities are one of the administrative subdivisions of the country, representing local self-government and the decentralisation of the state in proximity to the population.
Town Hall
Executive body
Municipal Council
Decision-making body
Parishes
Also constituting a fundamental part of local government, parishes are the smallest administrative subdivisions in Portugal.
Parish Council
Executive body
Parish Assembly
Decision-making body
Explore the territory
A territory can be known in many ways: through its landscapes, its people or its culture. But also through numbers.
Numbers reveal trends, highlight opportunities and anticipate challenges. They help guide public policy, reduce territorial inequalities and support more informed decisions. At the same time, they bring citizens closer to the place where they live, strengthening collective awareness of the various dimensions of the territory and encouraging more active civic participation.