In 1140 Portugal became an independent Kingdom under Afonso Henriques. The rise of the Portuguese Empire in the fifteenth century was accompanied by extensive global exploration and colonisation. In 1910 the monarchy was overthrown, King Manuel II being forced into exile; a republic was established. In 1926 the military abolished political parties; in 1928 a dictator, Dr Salazar, became Prime Minister, remaining in power until 1968 when he was succeeded by Dr Caetano. A military coup in 1974 overthrew the government; despite long periods of political unrest and numerous changes in government the situation has steadied. The economy is split between agriculture and industry. The main crops are cork, maize, wheat, rice, olives, and fruit; the chief manufactured products are textiles, shoes, leather, ceramics, fertilisers, chemicals, and machinery. Forestry, shipbuilding, and tourism are also vital sources of revenue. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion and Portuguese is the official language.
