The Instituto Camões (IC) is the Portuguese implementing agency for external cultural and educational policy. It operates under the responsibility of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs but has administrative autonomy. Its purpose is to promote Portuguese culture and language abroad.
It dates from 1992, with the present name and statute, but its first predecessor was created in 1928.
Its main areas are: the promotion of Portuguese culture and teaching of Portuguese culture and language at University level and the negotiation of Cultural Agreements with third countries in the areas of education, science, culture, sports youth and mass media, in coordination with the competent Ministries.