Is Spain or Portugal More Developed? A Comprehensive Comparison
Economic Development: A Clear Picture
Well, this is a question I’ve often heard from friends when they’re debating between traveling or living in Spain or Portugal. So, which country is more developed? To be honest, it’s not that straightforward, but let’s break it down and take a deeper look. When you think of development, you probably think of GDP, infrastructure, and standard of living. So, let’s explore these factors and see where Spain and Portugal stand.
Spain’s Strong Economy
Honestly, Spain has a larger and more diversified economy compared to Portugal. According to recent reports, Spain’s GDP is significantly higher than Portugal’s. In fact, Spain is the fourth largest economy in the EU, behind Germany, France, and Italy. It's a major player in industries like automotive, tourism, and renewable energy. I remember visiting Barcelona last year, and I was truly amazed by the innovation and the number of international companies based there. Spain’s economy seems to have a lot of strength in various sectors.
Portugal’s Steady Growth
Portugal, on the other hand, has made impressive strides in recent years, especially considering its smaller size and population. While its economy is not as large as Spain’s, it has been growing steadily, particularly in tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. In fact, Lisbon has recently become a hub for startups and digital nomads, with a thriving tech scene. I had a chat with a friend who moved to Lisbon a few months ago, and she told me that the entrepreneurial spirit in Portugal was something that really surprised her.
Infrastructure: Spain’s Bigger Reach
Transportation and Cities
When it comes to infrastructure, Spain clearly leads. Spain’s public transport system, especially in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona, is known to be efficient and modern. The high-speed train network (AVE) is one of the best in Europe, making travel across the country fast and accessible. I personally enjoyed taking the AVE from Madrid to Seville – it was super comfortable and quick.
Portugal’s infrastructure, though improving, still lags behind Spain in terms of transportation. The cities like Lisbon and Porto are very well-connected within their metro and bus systems, but Portugal doesn’t have the same extensive high-speed rail network as Spain. Also, while the roads in Portugal are generally good, they don’t compare to the vastness of Spain’s.
Urban Development
Speaking of cities, Spain has a lot of sprawling metropolitan areas that show its advanced urban planning. Barcelona’s modernist architecture, Madrid’s expansive roads, and even Valencia’s futuristic City of Arts and Sciences stand as a testament to its level of development. Portugal’s cities are charming, of course, but their urban development is less vast, and Lisbon, while beautiful, has areas that still show signs of older infrastructure.
Social Indicators: Quality of Life
Healthcare and Education
Well, let’s talk about quality of life. Both Spain and Portugal have great healthcare systems, but Spain generally ranks higher in terms of accessibility and overall healthcare outcomes. The Spanish healthcare system, publicly funded, is considered one of the best in Europe. I’ve heard from expats living in Spain that getting medical care is easy and efficient, especially with the public system being universally available.
Portugal’s healthcare system, although also very good, has been historically underfunded. However, improvements have been made, and the healthcare system has shown significant advancements over the past decade. Still, the overall quality of healthcare might not be on the same level as Spain's.
As for education, Spain tends to have a broader range of educational institutions, including top-ranking universities like the University of Barcelona and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. In Portugal, universities like the University of Lisbon are excellent too, but there are fewer options overall. I spoke with a friend in Lisbon who mentioned that although the quality of education is good, there are fewer international options compared to Spain.
Cost of Living: Portugal’s Advantage
Honestly, one of the biggest factors when choosing between Spain and Portugal is the cost of living. Portugal is cheaper in almost every way. Rent, food, and general expenses are considerably lower in Portugal, especially outside Lisbon. I remember my friend moving from Madrid to Lisbon, and she was amazed at how much more affordable everything was, from restaurants to rent prices. You can live quite comfortably in Portugal with a lower salary compared to Spain.
Lifestyle and Culture: Different but Similar
Spain: Vibrant and Diverse
Spain is known for its vibrant culture. Flamenco, bullfighting, tapas, and lively festivals like La Tomatina and the Running of the Bulls are famous worldwide. I’ve visited Spain multiple times, and there’s always something happening – from a local fiesta to a grand national celebration. Spain’s culture is incredibly diverse, influenced by various regions and their own unique traditions.
Portugal: Laid-back and Warm
Portugal, while also culturally rich, has a more laid-back lifestyle. The Portuguese are known for their hospitality, and cities like Lisbon and Porto have a cozy yet cosmopolitan vibe. From the famous Fado music to the delicious food like bacalhau, Portugal offers a more relaxed way of life. I’ve had several trips to Lisbon, and I’ve found it to be a little more tranquil than the bustling streets of Madrid or Barcelona.
Conclusion: Which is More Developed?
So, after looking at the data and reflecting on my own experiences, I can honestly say that Spain is more developed than Portugal in terms of economic size, infrastructure, and social indicators. However, Portugal has its own charm and is catching up rapidly, especially in terms of affordability and lifestyle. It all depends on what you're looking for – Spain offers more opportunities, but Portugal offers a more relaxed lifestyle at a lower cost.
It’s a tough call, and both countries have a lot to offer depending on your priorities. If you’re looking for a bustling, diverse economy and cities with advanced infrastructure, Spain is likely the better choice. But if you prefer a quieter life with beautiful landscapes and a lower cost of living, Portugal might just be the perfect fit.
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Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.