I went through Porto to Lisbon and then through the coast to Faro. I passed by some shitty parts of the country but also the nice parts (well, I'd like to think so). I saw Cantona playing beach soccer on the coast somewhere. Overall, I don't think it is in such a shitty shape as you say, especially when compared to Brazil, but that's just my visitor's opinion. Maybe you are just feeling the "grass is always greener" effect.

LOL...