Subregions
Promote cooperation between municipalities and regional public policies, contributing to the management and development of the territory.
Subregions
Explore Portugal's subregions in detail, covering all their dimensions, key indicators and distinguishing factors.
What are subregions and their role in the territory
Subregions, or Intermunicipal Communities (CIMs), are groups of municipalities that collaborate in the management of common interests. They act as a bridge between local authorities and central government, promoting public policies and regional development strategies.
They play an essential role in territorial coordination, strengthening cooperation between local authorities and the effectiveness of policies in areas such as planning, mobility, the environment, education and innovation.
24
Subregions on the mainland
1
Subregion in the Autonomous Region of the Azores
1
Subregion in the Autonomous Region of Madeira
Public Policy Management
Adapt policies to the economic, social and demographic specificities of each territory. They promote cooperation between municipalities and greater efficiency in the implementation of national policies.
Regional Strategic Planning
Each subregion draws up an Intermunicipal Plan aligned with Portugal 2030, defining local priorities for investment.
Fundraising and Management of European Funds
The subregions are responsible for implementing European funds, supporting projects such as cycle paths and urban regeneration.
Promotion of Territorial Identity
Subregions such as the Douro or Alto Minho have created regional brands that boost tourism and promote local products.
Subregions and statistics
The division into subregions allows for the comparison of data between territories and guides public policies and community funds.
Territorial Coordination and Institutional Representation
The subregions represent the interests of municipalities before the central government and European bodies, ensuring a joint voice in strategic decisions.
Getting to know a subregion in numbers
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Did you know...?
The subregions of Portugal, in addition to playing a strategic role in territorial management, conceal several curiosities that reveal the diversity and specificity of each region.
Porto Metropolitan Area
The Porto Metropolitan Area is a subregion with metropolitan area status. Lisbon, despite being a metropolitan area, covers the subregions of Greater Lisbon and the Setúbal Peninsula.
Lisbon Metropolitan Area
Lisbon is Europe's westernmost capital and one of its sunniest, with over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year.
Highest population density
Greater Lisbon has around 2.87 million inhabitants — the largest population concentration in Portugal.
Lowest population density
Baixo Alentejo has only 13 inhabitants per km², making it the least densely populated subregion.
Highest number of municipalities
The subregions with the highest number of municipalities are the Coimbra and Douro regions, with 19 each.
Lowest number of municipalities
The subregions with the fewest number of municipalities are Ave and Beira Baixa, with 8 each.