Portugal, located in southwestern Europe, borders Spain to the north and east and stretches along nearly 1,800 kilometers of Atlantic coastline to the west. The capital of Lisbon was once a symbol of prosperity and influence among European nations, but being poor in Portugal was not uncommon for children and other disadvantaged groups. Today, Portugal is home to roughly 1.7 million children, many of whom still live below the poverty line.
A Society of Inequality
Many nations viewed Portugal as the world’s most powerful empire, despite its small size. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portuguese explorers established routes to major regions, including India, Brazil and China. Yet, the prosperity concentrated in urban centers stood in sharp contrast to the poverty in rural areas.
By the mid-18th century, several major events weakened Portugal’s position on the world stage. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake devastated the capital and Napoleon’s invasion in 1807 further destabilized the country. With limited financial resources, Portugal struggled to keep pace with industrialization. Political instability, inadequate infrastructure and a fragile economy deepened poverty across the nation. Children were among the most vulnerable, facing restricted access to both health care and education.
In the early 2000s, major cities such as Lisbon experienced modest economic growth, driven by tourism and foreign investment. Yet being poor in Portugal remained a reality for many children, as poverty continued to affect a significant portion of the population.
Addressing the Challenge
Nations around the world often praise Europe for its education and health care systems, yet childhood poverty remains a pressing issue in Portugal. In 2021, UNICEF reported that nearly one in five Portuguese children were living in poverty, highlighting the work still needed to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Efforts to combat childhood poverty in Portugal are gaining momentum through advocacy and government programs. In 2023, the country launched the Child Guarantee National Action Plan, a major EU initiative aimed at improving children’s lives. The plan focuses on expanding access to health care, increasing educational opportunities, providing nutritious meals and ensuring adequate housing for those in need. Philanthropists and organizations like AMI are also driving meaningful change.
From the Pitch to the People: Soccer Star Gives Back
Cristiano Ronaldo, a native of Portugal, is one of the world’s most famous footballers. Fans will never forget his soccer achievements, and his advocacy continues to make a difference off the field.
In 2015, DoSomething.org recognized him as the world’s most charitable athlete. His generosity includes funding life-saving brain surgery for a 10-month-old baby suffering from seizures and donating $165,000 to the cancer center that treated his mother. More recently, during the coronavirus pandemic, he reportedly gave $1 million to hospitals in Lisbon and Porto.
One of Ronaldo’s greatest contributions to Portugal goes beyond financial donations. By using his platform to advocate for the world’s most vulnerable, he leaves a lasting impact not only on those he directly helps, but also by setting an example of generosity and compassion.
Solutions and Hope
Identifying the causes of child poverty in Portugal is the first step toward creating sustainable solutions and the Portuguese government has taken key measures to build a country where children have the opportunity to thrive.
Biennial reports on the Child Guarantee National Action Plan will track the program’s impact and help lawmakers make necessary adjustments to combat childhood poverty in Portugal. The 2024 report highlights new initiatives, including reduced health care costs for children and youth, expanded access to education for vulnerable communities and key housing reforms.
Being poor in Portugal is still a reality for many children, but growing advocacy, stronger government initiatives and rising public awareness are paving the way toward meaningful change. Improved data collection, especially for migrant children, will further strengthen efforts to build lasting solutions.
– Fernanda Nilson
Fernanda is based in North Charleston, SC, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Unsplash
