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Stunning Photos Show What Portugal Looked Like in the 1970s

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Portugal is the oldest nation-state that lies along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Its territory had been settled, invaded, and fought over since prehistoric times. Lisbon is the capital and economic center of Portugal. Portuguese cities still retain their historic character and many of the old buildings remain intact.

These stunning vintage photos show what Portugal looked like in the 1970s. The 1970s was the era when a military coup took place and the democracy was restored after the Carnation Revolution. The Colonial war also ended and Portugal broke up its immense overseas empire and gave independence to Angola, Mozambique, and other colonies.

#1 Island of Mocambique-Ilha de Mocambique , a former colony of Portugal.

Island of Mocambique-Ilha de Mocambique , a former colony of Portugal.

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#3 General Kaulza de Arriaga (L), Commander in Chief of the Armed Portuguese during the Mozambican War of Independence, talking with Lieutenant Jose Ramalho (R), in Mozambique.

General Kaulza de Arriaga (L), Commander in Chief of the Armed Portuguese during the Mozambican War of Independence, talking with Lieutenant Jose Ramalho (R), in Mozambique.

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#4 Two men and a boy pose next to a white marlin caught in waters in Portugal circa 1970.

Two men and a boy pose next to a white marlin caught in waters in Portugal circa 1970.

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#7 Flower vendor selling flowers in an indoor market, 1971.

Flower vendor selling flowers in an indoor market, 1971.

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#8 Two men in a bumboat selling souvenirs to tourists in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, 1970.

Two men in a bumboat selling souvenirs to tourists in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, 1970.

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#9 Algarve, coal merchant with donkey cart in Olhao, Portugal, 1970.

Algarve, coal merchant with donkey cart in Olhao, Portugal, 1970.

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#10 An elderly woman in front of a wall covered in Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) billboard posters, Portugal, circa 1970.

An elderly woman in front of a wall covered in Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) billboard posters, Portugal, circa 1970.

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#11 Group of men on the street in Lisbon, Portugal, 1970.

Group of men on the street in Lisbon, Portugal, 1970.

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#12 Costumed young women during the procession of a religious festival in the province of Minho, circa 1970, Portugal.

Costumed young women during the procession of a religious festival in the province of Minho, circa 1970, Portugal.

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#13 Tourists in Madeira, two Portuguese men pushing a sledge, 1971.

Tourists in Madeira, two Portuguese men pushing a sledge, 1971.

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#14 Wedding of Princess Margarita of Bourbon and Carlos Zurita, 1973, Estoril, Portugal.

Wedding of Princess Margarita of Bourbon and Carlos Zurita, 1973, Estoril, Portugal.

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#15 Soldiers on guard in front of the Ministry of Defense at the headquarters of the Junta in 1974 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Soldiers on guard in front of the Ministry of Defense at the headquarters of the Junta in 1974 in Lisbon, Portugal.

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#21 Flower girls in the central square of Funchal. Funchal, 1971

Flower girls in the central square of Funchal. Funchal, 1971

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#22 Portuguese meter gauge suburban network which radiates out of Oporto Trindade station with a Kessler built 2-6-0T of 1886 with a train from Fafe on Friday 4th September 1970.

Portuguese meter gauge suburban network which radiates out of Oporto Trindade station with a Kessler built 2-6-0T of 1886 with a train from Fafe on Friday 4th September 1970.

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#24 Bathing ritual during a religious festival in Portugal, circa 1970.

Bathing ritual during a religious festival in Portugal, circa 1970.

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#25 Children in Madeira, boys and girls gathered on a small square, 1971.

Children in Madeira, boys and girls gathered on a small square, 1971.

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#27 Fishermen stitching up their nets circa 1975 in Portugal.

Fishermen stitching up their nets circa 1975 in Portugal.

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#36 Door of the Lady of Piety in the old city walls. Chapel-oratorio

Door of the Lady of Piety in the old city walls. Chapel-oratorio

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#46 Traders in the main Lisbon market after the failed right-wing coup attempt on August 27, 1974, Portugal.

Traders in the main Lisbon market after the failed right-wing coup attempt on August 27, 1974, Portugal.

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#47 Graffiti of pacifist slogans in May 1975 in Portugal.

Graffiti of pacifist slogans in May 1975 in Portugal.

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#48 Sign for national independence in May 1975 in Portugal.

Sign for national independence in May 1975 in Portugal.

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#49 The neighbourhood of the poor, Alfama, Lisbon, 1971

The neighbourhood of the poor, Alfama, Lisbon, 1971

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#52 Murals of the Revolução dos Cravos, Lisbon 1972

Murals of the Revolução dos Cravos, Lisbon 1972

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#56 Shoe rack in Lisbon after the failed right-wing coup attempt on August 27, 1974, Portugal.

Shoe rack in Lisbon after the failed right-wing coup attempt on August 27, 1974, Portugal.

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#57 Murals of the Revolução dos Cravos, Lisbon, 1972

Murals of the Revolução dos Cravos, Lisbon, 1972

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#58 Hammock-bearers smoking during a break. Madeira, 1971

Hammock-bearers smoking during a break. Madeira, 1971

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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