Portugal amongst world’s most peaceful countries

Portugal amongst world’s most peaceful countries
24/5/2008

Of the ten most peaceful countries in the world, amongst which Portugal ranks seventh, only one is not European, Japan, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI).

Compiled by the Australian Institute for Economy and Peace, based on data from British magazine ‘The Economist’s’ intelligence unit, the GPI has revealed that this year Portugal climbed three places on the top-ten list, to seventh place, in comparison to 2007.

Despite not even featuring on last year’s listing, the poll shows that Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world, going straight to first place. Japan, the only non-European country amongst the top ten, ranks fifth.

At the opposite end of the scale, the most violent country is Iraq, followed by Somalia, Sudan, Afghanistan and Israel respectively.

On a global note, from 2007 to 2008, the report determines the world has become “slightly more peaceful”.

“It is encouraging but we need smaller, individually taken steps for each country, so the world can progress on the road to peace”, said Steve Killelea, Australian philanthropist and creator of Global Peace Index.

The GPI places Portugal as the most passive country in Southern Europe, ahead of countries like Italy, and Spain.

On a scale of one to five, Portugal has been classed as a two with regards to being a potential target for terrorism.

Edition: 960
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Staying In Lisbon

Have you stayed in Lisbon in one of our apartments? Would you like to share your experience? Suggestions or critics? Tips for the travel or about Lisbon. Please leave your comments here and share them with other people.
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Helena & Ana Rita

Lisbon Safest City in Europe

Lisbon: Europe's Safest City (again)

While greater coverage of crime in the mainstream Portuguese media appears to have generated a growing sense of insecurity among the locals, a study conducted by a consortium -- including Gallup, EU and the UN's UNICRI agencies -- has found that Lisbon is the safest [large] city in the European Union.

As opposed to accessing police crime registries, researchers interviewed thousands of inhabitants (between 1,200 and 5,000) in 18 countries to assess their own personal experiences with crime.

The "European Crime and Safety Survey" said the Portuguese capital was the safest, with only one in ten saying they had ever been affected by crime.

At the opposite end of the scale, the report, published earlier this week, unveils London as the most dangerous capital in which to live. London topped the crime league table, with 30 percent of the British capital’s residents saying they had been the victim of theft or burglaries.

Besides London, other crime hotspots identified by researchers were the Irish Republic, Estonia, Netherlands and Denmark, where “insecurity” rates were all at least 30 percent above the European average.

Source: www.the-news.net

Flamenco 2008 - Lisbon Festival

From March 25th till May 19th, Lisbon receives the Flamenco 2008 - Festival in Lisbon, an event that seeks to give the public a broader perspective of this dance and musical genre, which has its roots in Spain. In addition to these concerts there are exhibitions, films, lectures and workshops. For the first time the city is the scene of an event where the Flamenco, which has won many fans, is the main star.

Walk around on Sundays in Praça do Comércio

Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço since it was the residence of the Portuguese Kings for almost two centuries, is one of the most emblematic squares in Lisbon. Facing River Tagus on the south and Arco da Rua Augusta on the north side, it was the stage for several events of the 20th century Portuguese history, like the assassination of King D. Carlos and his son in 1908, ending the Monarchy two years later, or the Carnation Revolution of April 25th, 1974, that led Portugal to a democracy after forty years of an authoritarian dictatorship.
On Sundays, Praça do Comércio is closed for car traffic, from 10 am till 5 pm. In this space are installed terraces, kiosks and a variety of entertainment, exhibitions, books, music, film and sport promoted by the City of Lisbon, turning this place into an area of culture and leisure.

Scubadiving

Although not really a known diving destination, there are some decent dive sites available close to Lisbon. Just 40 km away from the city, the town of Sesimbra has a number of Padi Dive Centres, two of them with a five star rating.

With its' south facing bay, diving is available during the greater part of the year. Visibilities range from 8 to 15 meters during winter months, with a water temperature of about 15º C.
The above photo was taken about a month ago, at a depth of 12 meters. The dive site was Pedra do Leão, Sesimbra.

Rock in Rio Lisboa 2008

The dates for Rock in Rio Lisboa 2008 are May 30, 31; June 1, 5, 6. Amy Winehouse, James Morrison, Metallica and Machine Head are a few of the several bands that will participate on the rock festival. For more information visit the official site.