Perceptions: Is Portugal Poor?

The other day a Dutchman told me he had been to Albufeira for a holiday and that, although Albufeira looked fine, the surrounding area looked very poor. It was shocking for me to hear that. I know Albufeira, one of my best friends lives there. As a Portuguese national, that's not my perception at all. 

Is this the nice bit? (The Albufeira beach, in the Algarve, south of Portugal)

And this the not so nice bit? (Odeleite, village in the interior of the Algarve)

That got me thinking about the general perception foreigners have of Portugal, given the widespread information conveyed by the likes of The Financial Times, that classifies it as a part PIIGS, the derogatory term used in finances for the economies of Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain. 

What is the idea that, e.g., North Americans have of Portugal? Just a notch above Albania? Or a notch below Greece, Italy or Spain, everyone's holiday destinies of choice? Even though they are also part of PIIGS...
(I would like to hear what your perception is! Please, comment!)

Then I got thinking about this concept of poorness, and about the image (or lack thereof) Portugal projects. How can you determine a level of destitution or affluence, and convert it to perception? 

Comparison is a good tool as any.

Portugal is (steadily) recovering from a very debilitating financial crisis, has low salaries, high unemployment and immigration rates. Those are all factors that indicate poorness to the western world. However, you have to consider this in the context of Europe - more specifically, in the European Union - where you can find countries like Sweden, the UK or Germany.

Unemployment rates in a few EU countries

This week, the INE (national statistics institute) has revealed a decrease of 2 percent points in unemployment

Once you put that into perspective, the concept of poorness takes a very different turn. If you compare Portugal to Denmark, it is indeed poor... er. Is it poor, though? Not by a long shot, not for a few decades. Plus, things are getting back to normal and the country is recuperating.
Also, things may be changing in the way we perceive ourselves as well. Recently, a survey made by AirBnB had surprising results:
Porto voted preferred European destination for Americans (in AirBnB)
I think we are shedding that lack of self-confidence and inferiority complex we suffered from for so long and finally learning to appreciate our land a little, see it for the beautiful place that it is, and learning to sell this amazing product we have. Portugal is not poor, it is a privileged, rich country in Europe. It has its problems, many challenges to overcome, that's true. Which country doesn't? But the landscape is gorgeous, the climate temperate, the history old, the culture diverse, the atmosphere dynamic, the gastronomy delicious, the people industrious, creative, inventive and friendly.
There is something for everyone.
Do you want to ride a balloon across the plains of the Alentejo, walk/cycle through 2000 years old Roman bridges, visit the castles, or simply lay on a virgin beach? This is the place for you.

Do you prefer the nightlife, shopping, see modern architecture or just park your boat and have lunch by the river? This is the place for you.

Do you want to move here? Inform yourself properly, learn the language, bring innovative ideas and a will to work hard, like you would anywhere else. This could be an option for you.

Vila Nova de Gaia                                                                           Amadora

Sure, there is still some of this. We're working on it. So is the UK. And even the graffiti is better in Portugal.

Amadora                                                                              Bath, UK

There is nothing poor or derelict about Portugal. It's an European country with lots to offer in every respect. So, don't be fooled by the bards of economic tragedy and strife. They are talking about money, not about real life. Definitely not about the real Portugal.

Mr. Silva (fictitious name) here may not have a million in the bank, or better still, under his mattress. But he's not poor, he's happy and he'll gladly pop open a bottle of wine and share a good chunk of his best smoked ham with you. Having a simple life is one thing; being poor is quite another.