125 Years of the Lisbon Geographic Society

Great sea and land expeditions

The great sea and land expeditions of the 18th and 19th centuries and a growing interest in geography from a strictly scientific point of view led all over to the founding of associations aimed at promoting exploration and research. This was the origin of the geographic societies, beginning with Paris (1825), followed shortly afterwards by Berlin (1827) and London (1830).

By the end of the 19th century, there were more than 100 societies with over 50,000 members and more than 150 publications dedicated exclusively to geography.

Exploration of African lands

It was against this background and more particularly the exploration of African lands in the Portuguese expansion area that the Lisbon Geographic Society was founded on 10 November 1875. It was the result of a project subscribed by its 70 founding members and was legalised on 29 January 1876, when its statutes were approved by the Lisbon Civil Government. Its aims were study, discussion, teaching, research and scientific exploration in the various geographic branches.
The Geographic Society's work was, and still is, remarkable.

Stamps in detail

Date of issue: 10 November 2000.
Values: 85 and 100 esc.
Design: Luiz Duran.
Size: 40 x 30.6 mm.
Print: Offset by INCM.

More information

Stamps of Portugal
Postage Stamps 2000