Portugal Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Portugal's physicians was 6.29 in 2025, ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 7.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Portugal's physicians stood at 6.29 in 2025, a rise of +0.44 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6.29 by 2025. Portugal ranked 3rd globally.
Portugal's physician-to-population ratio has shown a steady upward trend over the past five decades, rising from an all-time low of 0.80 physicians per 1,000 people in 1964 to a current rate of 6.29 physicians per 1,000 people in 2025. While this growth is impressive, Portugal still lags behind its peer countries, such as Greece, which boasts a higher ratio of 6.85 physicians per 1,000 people. The country's physician-to-population ratio has been steadily increasing, with a notable peak in 2025, outpacing its global ranking, which currently stands at number three. This growth is reflective of Portugal's investment in healthcare infrastructure and education, which has led to an increase in the number of medical professionals entering the workforce. A continued emphasis on healthcare reform and investment in medical education could sustain this upward trend, potentially propelling Portugal's physician-to-population ratio to even higher levels and solidifying its position among the top-ranked countries globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 6.29 | - | - |
| 2025 | 6.29 | +0.44 | #3 |
| 2022 | 5.85 | +0.14 | #3 |
| 2021 | 5.71 | +0.14 | #3 |
| 2020 | 5.58 | +0.15 | #4 |
| 2019 | 5.42 | +0.15 | #6 |
| 2018 | 5.28 | +0.17 | #6 |
| 2017 | 5.10 | +0.17 | #6 |
| 2016 | 4.93 | +0.18 | #7 |
| 2015 | 4.75 | +0.19 | #6 |
| 2014 | 4.56 | +0.16 | #8 |
| 2013 | 4.40 | +0.16 | #8 |
| 2012 | 4.24 | +0.12 | #8 |
| 2011 | 4.12 | +0.14 | #9 |
| 2010 | 3.98 | +0.12 | #9 |
| 2009 | 3.86 | +0.11 | #8 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Portugal matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Portugal's physicians was 6.29 in 2025. Ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 7.4% increase from the previous year.
Portugal's physicians peaked at 6.29 in 2025.
The lowest physicians in Portugal was 0.80 in 1960.
Portugal ranks 3rd globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Portugal's physicians is projected to reach 6.29 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Portugal in 2025 was 6.29. This ranks 3rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_portugal_physicians,
title = {Portugal Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/portugal/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}