Lagos is a city and municipality located at the mouth of the Bensafrim River along the Atlantic Ocean in the Barlavento region of the Algarve, in southern Portugal. According to the March 2021 census, Lagos Municipality had a population of 33,494 across an area of 212.99 square kilometers. The city experiences significant population fluctuations, with visiting tourists and seasonal residents substantially increasing numbers during the summer months.
The local economy is divided by geography and livelihood. The majority of the population resides along the coast and is employed in tourism and services sectors. In contrast, the inland regions are sparsely populated, with residents primarily engaged in agriculture and forestry. This geographic and economic divide reflects the city's dual character as both a coastal tourism destination and an agricultural area.