What language does Portugal speak?

Answered by Louise Wiles an Expatriate Coach in Portugal
Expats Guide: In which city are you living?
Louise Wiles: I live in Funchal, which is the main city on the small island of Madeira, Portugal.
Expats Guide: What is the spoken language, and how much local language do you need to know for daily living?
Louise Wiles: The local language is Portuguese although because tourism is the main island industry and also because of strong links to the UK/Jersey/South Africa where many island people went to live several generations ago English is also spoken pretty fluently by many people.
I know enough Portuguese to cope with most situations. However because people can speak such good English I have been pretty lazy in improving my Portuguese to my chagrin!
Expats Guide: How is the weather?
Louise Wiles: Madeira is situated in the Atlantic, 1000 miles off the coast of mainland Portugal and 600 kms from Africa. It has a temperate climate which means that down at sea level i.e. Funchal the weather is normally reasonably warm.
Temperatures will vary from mid 30’s(C)during the summer daytime to 13C to 14C in the winter at night. Rainfall varies and we have had extremely dry years and extremely wet ones. Atlantic storms happen a number of times each year bringing torrential rain and high winds. Otherwise the weather is very pleasant, the days often start clear but because this is a mountainous island, cloud builds during the afternoon and then clears again at night.
It is said that it is possible to experience the four seasons in one day at different points around the island, sun in Funchal, rain on the North coast, snow (very occasionally in the mountains) and warm but cooler weather in the middle of the island.
Expats Guide: Is this a good city for families/singles/couples?
Louise Wiles: Good for families due to the pleasant climate and very friendly locals who love children.