Madeira

Main article: Autonomous Region of Madeira

Overview

Madeira is a special part of Portugal called the Autonomous Region of Madeira. It is in the Atlantic Ocean, about 805 km (500 miles) southwest of mainland Portugal. Together with the Azores, it is one of Portugal's two special areas and is also a special territory of the European Union. It is the southernmost point of Portugal.

Geography

This beautiful archipelago is in the North Atlantic Ocean, near the Canary Islands and Spain. The islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, the Desertas, and the Savage Islands are part of the region. The main city is Funchal, where many people live.

History

Madeira was found by Portuguese sailors in 1419 and settled not long after. This was during an important time called the Age of Discovery.

Climate and Nature

Madeira has a pleasant subtropical climate. The island has unique plants and animals, including a special laurel forest that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is also famous for its Madeira wine.

Tourism

Many visitors come to Madeira each year from Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Germany. They enjoy the island's beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere.

History

Main article: History of Madeira

The history of Madeira starts with old stories and legends. Writers like Plutarch told of sailors who spoke of beautiful islands far in the Atlantic Ocean. Later, explorers and mapmakers wrote about these mysterious lands.

In 1418, two Portuguese explorers, João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, were blown off course by a storm and found an island they called Porto Santo. The next year, they found another island and named it Madeira, meaning "wood" in Portuguese, because of its thick forests.

People from Portugal began to live on Madeira around 1420. They grew wheat, fish, and vegetables for food. Later, they grew sugar, which became very important for the island's economy. Many people from different countries came to trade and work there.

In the 17th century, Madeira became famous for its sweet wines, especially to people in England. Even important leaders in America enjoyed drinking Madeira wine.

During World War I, German submarines attacked ships near Madeira.

In modern times, Madeira became its own autonomous region in 1976, giving it special self-government under Portugal.

Geography

The Madeira archipelago is in the Atlantic Ocean, about 805 km southwest of mainland Portugal. It is part of Portugal and the European Union, and is the southernmost point of Portugal. The islands are near the African coast and have a mild climate because of ocean currents.

Madeira includes several islands and islets. The main island, Madeira, is the largest, with a rugged, mountainous landscape. Other islands include Porto Santo, the Desertas Islands, and the distant Savage Islands. The highest peak is Pico Ruivo, located in the center of Madeira Island. The islands have different climates, from lush, green forests in the north to drier areas in the south. The beautiful landscapes attract many visitors who enjoy hiking and exploring nature.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Madeira

Madeira became an autonomous region of Portugal in 1976. It has its own government and laws, but still follows Portugal’s main rules. People on Madeira vote for their leaders in elections.

Madeira is part of the European Union. This helps support its economy. The national government handles foreign affairs and defense. Madeira is divided into eleven municipalities, each with its own local government.

Demographics

In 2023, Madeira had 256,622 people. Most were born in Portugal. Many Madeirans now live in other countries, such as the United States, Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. Some live in places like New England, Hawaii, and New Bedford, where they still follow their traditions.

Madeira also has people from other countries. In 2023, about 5.5% of the population, or 14,060 people, were born outside of Madeira. The largest groups come from Venezuela, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Germany. The number of foreign residents is growing each year.

Main article: Portuguese diaspora

Economy

The gross domestic product (GDP) of Madeira was nearly 7.5 billion euros in 2024. This is 2.6% of Portugal's economy. People in Madeira earn about 29,012 euros each year, which is 73% of the average for all of Europe.

Madeira is a special place for technology and business. It lets people who invest in Bitcoin avoid some taxes. The government of Madeira plans to create a special area for Bitcoin and new technology ideas. This brings more visitors and businesses to the island.

Madeira International Business Center

The Madeira International Business Center is a special area where businesses get help and benefits. It has three main parts: a place for making things, a system for ships, and services for international work. This center has rules that help businesses grow and create jobs. Many companies choose Madeira because of these benefits, and they help the island's economy.

Regional government

Madeira gets money from the European Union to help its projects. Even with a small population, Madeira works to manage its money better and reduce debts. This has helped the island improve its finances and collect more taxes.

Tourism

Tourism is very important to Madeira, making up 20% of the island's money. Many visitors come from Europe, especially from Portugal, Britain, Germany, and France. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is nice and there are fewer crowds. Summer is busy with beachgoers, and winter is quiet with mild temperatures.

Whale watching

Whale watching is very popular in Madeira. People can see many kinds of dolphins and whales close to the coast, making it a fun activity for visitors.

Sustainable development

Madeira works hard to use clean energy. Most of its electricity comes from fossil fuels, but they also use water, wind, and sun power. Special pipes called levadas bring water from the north to the south, helping make electricity and water for people and farms. Wind power and batteries are also being used to reduce the need for fossil fuels.

Transport

Madeira has two airports: Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport and Porto Santo Airport. From these airports, people can fly to Lisbon and many other places in Europe. There are also planes and ferries to travel between the islands. The islands have good roads and public buses to help people get around easily.

Culture

Music

Main article: Music of Madeira

Folklore music in Madeira is popular and uses local instruments like the machete, rajão, brinquinho, and cavaquinho. These instruments are used in traditional dances.

Emigrants from Madeira helped create the ukulele in the 1880s. Portuguese immigrants brought it to the Hawaiian Islands, where it became popular.

Cuisine

Madeira has lots of fish because it is in the Atlantic Ocean. Popular fish dishes include espada and bacalhau.

Meat dishes like espetada—beef marinated in wine and grilled—are also popular. Madeiran pastries, such as Bolo de Mel (Honey Cake) and malasadas, are enjoyed by many.

Beverages

Main article: Music of Madeira

Madeira wine is a special fortified wine with a unique flavor. The island also makes a local beer called Coral and a soft drink named Laranjada.

Sport

Main article: Sport in Madeira

Football is the most popular sport on Madeira. The island is home to famous player Cristiano Ronaldo. Other sports enjoyed on the island include basketball, handball, golf, surfing, scuba diving, and hiking.

Postage stamps

Main article: Postage stamps and postal history of Madeira

Portugal has issued special postage stamps for Madeira since 1868.