Portugal

June 10 is the national day of Portugal. Once a mighty colonial power, Portugal's influence over the world is now largely constrained to its position as a co-founder of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries - although it is struggling to maintain relevance on this particular committee.

The economic sustainability of Portuguese chicken takeaways remains one of the world's great mysteries, whilst shattering the myth that food that tastes bad is always good for you.

Interestingly, like the British, the Portuguese have a reputation for being self-deprecating, although unlike the British, the Portuguese are pretty much on the money. The decline of importance of Portugal corresponds strongly with its ascendency on the Global Peace Index.

Please stand for the Portuguese National Anthem.