Are there «peripheral regions» in Portugal?

Abstract

While recognizing the insufficiencies, even incorrectnesses, connected to the use of the concept of «peripheral regions», the author attempts a different approach methodologically based on the concept of centrality. This concept is built upon two kinds of reference marks for each of the regions, i.e. both the levels of integration and marginality, and the intensity and modes of geoeconomic insertion. This methodology is then submitted to a first exploring test based on statistical data about 20 Portuguese regions, concerning the years of 1960, 1970 and 1981.