COLONIES.
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Colonies. The formerly numerous colonies of the Portuguese in Asia are now reduced to Goa, Salcete, Damao and Diu, Macao, and scattered settlements in the Indian archipelago. In Africa, Portugal retains the Governments of Angola and Congo in South Guinea ; Mozam- bique on the eastern coast, and some establishments in Senegambia, with various islands. The population of these colonial possessions, in the year 1864, amounted to —
Possessions in Asia :
Settlements at Goa, Salcete, &c. .... ,, at Damao and Diu ....
Indian Archipelago (estimate) ....
Macao (estimate) .......
Possessions in Africa :
Cape Verde Islands (14, of which 7 are inhabited)
Settlements in Senegambia .....
Islands of St. Thomas and Principe
Angola, Benguela, and Mossamedes
Territory of Mozambique (estimate) .
Total .
Inhabitants
474,18.5
52,882
850,300
100,000
84,191
1,095
18,369
9,000,000
300.000
10,881,022
The colonial budget for the year 1868-69, estimated, for the whole of the possessions, a revenue of 1,378,920 milreis, and an expenditure of 1,599, 9-10 milreis, leaving a deficit of 221,020 milreis, or 41,112/. The average deficit for the preceding years amounted to above 36,000/.
Money, Weights, and Measures.
The money, weights, and measures of Portugal, with the British equivalents, are as follows : —
Money.
The Milreis, or 1,000 Bets f A ^*8?, rate ° f f chan S e > 52 \ d -> «» roughly, |_ 4~ milreis equal to one pound sterling.
Weights and Measubes. The French metric system of weights and measures was introduced in Portugal between the years 1860 and 1863, measures of length being first adopted, and weights afterwards, and it became com- pulsory from the 1st of October, 1868. The chief old measures still in use are : —
The Libra . „ Almude <
„ Alquiere .
,, Mow
= 1.012 lbs. avoirdupois,
of Lisbon = 3.7 imperial gallons.
Oporto = 5.6 „ ,,
= 0.36 imperial bushel.
= 2.78 imperial quarters.
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