Lisbon, June 19, 2026 (Lusa) - Portugal is a society that encourages coexistence between different cultures, although, according to a survey, Roma residents, people from South Asia and Muslims are seen as the communities that contribute least to the country’s development.

These communities are also identified as the most discriminated against, according to a survey of 1,200 Portuguese people conducted by the Lisbon Jewish Community (CIL).

The aim of the survey was to assess how the Portuguese perceive the Jewish community and other communities present in Portugal, including Roma, Muslims, Brazilians, Africans, people from South Asia, Chinese, Ukrainian refugees, expatriates and digital nomads.

Almost half of those surveyed consider the contribution of Jews to Portugal’s development to be positive; only 3% say they are familiar with the Jewish community; and almost half of those surveyed admit that events in Israel affect the image of Jews in general.

Although the majority of respondents say they have heard of antisemitism, 19% have never heard of the term, and only 40% identify antisemitism as hostility or prejudice against Jews.

Similarly, regarding the concept of Zionism, 40% of respondents say they are unfamiliar with the term, according to the study.

The responses show that Portugal remains a society that favours coexistence between different cultures and religions, with around 68% of respondents stating that they feel comfortable living alongside people from cultures or religions different from their own, and 92% arguing that cultural and religious diversity should be accepted provided that fundamental values are respected.

Among the respondents who took part in the survey between May and June this year, a neutral perception of “neither safe nor unsafe” predominates regarding these communities; however, there are differences in how some are viewed more positively, such as Ukrainian communities, whilst others are viewed more negatively, such as Roma, Muslims and Africans.

VP/ADB // ADB.

Lusa